Corgi Toys (Shire Library)

First, if you are only a casual toy collector, probably not the book for you. If you are especially interested in the history of Corgi, you'll find the book interesting. It covers the models in basic sections, but spends quite a bit of time discussing company plans and organization as well as the market forces that impacted the company.

As described. Thank You

Cool book with lots of information.

This is a very small, thin book that easily fits under the crack between the carpet and bottom of a door. It is 21cm high, just under 15cm wide and less than half a centimetre in thickness. This doesn't mean it doesn't provide a comprehensive account of the history of the Corgi Toys line of toys as well as when it was an independent company. Philipp Ullman the guy who invented the toys and was a cofounder of The Mettoy Company (the first of one of the names Corgi traded under)'s history is also gone to in detail. The effects of both wars on Corgi and its competitors manufacture wise including availability of materials is quite interesting. The various competitors who came along over the years including early rival Dinky Toys is outlined, although I must say the writing style of switching back and forth between writing from the viewpoint of Dinky and Corgi including how the opposition reacted which was either Dinky or Corgi becomes a bit confusing at times. The effect of the cheaper non realistic looking but fast wheels with the pin sized axles that Hot Wheels introduced to the market had on Corgi sales and decisions that angered those not buying them for their children's play role is also interesting reading.I liked how David Cooke included a section on the importance of film and television related toys, as lets face it that's what a lot of kids were buying back then and what a lot of adult collectors collect these days. Most other authors of Corgi and the other brands books seem to ignore this popular segment of cars.There is a table ranking the top selling Corgi vehicles of all kinds (Batmobile model number 267 is the top seller with 4.9 million of them produced) as well as a separate one that just has the film and TV vehicles. The second table is not in ranking order nor does it show the amount produced, which is a bit of a shame. Some of the information in the book contradicts the first table as well with the Simon and Snorkel play engine being mentioned as the best selling toy yet the table ranks it 16th at only 1.2 million, 3. 7 million less than the Batmobile.There's also lots of nice photographs of loose cars as well as ones still in their original packaging that will give collectors some idea of what is out there. The book is by no means a comprehensive list of photos or listings of what is out there, even with the film and TV vehicles but is a good introduction to the line of Corgi for those who aren't too familiar with what the company made and is also appealing for those that know the cars but want to know a bit about the company history.

This is an excellent little book which maintains the Shire reputation for quality production on both form and content.Corgi Toys by David Cooke runs to about 65 pages and includes lots of illustrations the majority of which are in colour.. The book is divided into the following chronological sections -- Mettoys 1934-1955- The Ones with Windows 1956-1969- The Final Years of Mass Production - 1970-1985- Film and TV Related Toys 1965-1982- Corgi Classics from 1985- The 21st CenturyThis is a book that will bring the memories flooding back for those in their 40s onwards in particular - remember the James Bond car, Ford Express Service lorry, Holmes Wrecker, A La France Fire Tender or the Saint's Volvo P1800?The book also contains a section on further reading plus a good index. David Cooke and Shire have really done justice to a wonderful marque of models and this book is real treat as well as a bargain. Recommended.

This really is a very good book for the newcomer to collecting. A slim 68 pages, this will give you a potted history of the company, its magnificent rise and sad demise. The volume will leave you yearning to learn more - the most obvious sign of a well-written piece of work. VBW!

I bought this hoping that it would include some info/photos of the 1966 Batmobile...not one photo...? One of their most famous products and it doesn't have any photos...very disappointed....otherwise its grand....

I am happy to have found this book about Dinky Toys, it gave an insight on the story of the products I remember from my childhood. Great read.

a great little 'find' for anyone recalling their childhood pushing toy cars about the floor under mothers feet !! wonderful how just looking through a book like this can stimulate the old brain cells and remember the excitement of getting the latest Corgi. Full of text and photos this small size 64 page book is a gem... and outstanding value for the Amazon price... top marks