The History of Science Fiction and Its Toy Figurines (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword Military
Pages: 528
ISBN: 9781399005548
Published: 24th October 2023
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Science fiction, as the name suggests, is the combination of science and fantasy. In addition to a literary form, it also encompasses film, TV, comics, toys and our beloved toy astronauts, or other figures such as aliens, monsters and other playable genres.
The term science fiction was coined by publisher Hugo Gernsbach around the first decades of the last century to refer to the predominantly 'space' adventures covered in his magazines. Space invaded radio, cinema, TV, and consequently for a long time toy figurines were predominantly space-related, later evolving into other themes.
This lavishly illustrated book covers both the history of literary science fiction, following in the footsteps of contemporary official criticism, and toy figurines inspired by science fiction. You will also find several other themes, such as the link between science fiction figures and cinema, radio, TV, comics, and more.
Luigi Toiati offers to both guide the reader on an often-nostalgic walk through science fiction in all its various forms, and to describe the figurines and brands associated with it.
A fascinating read for anyone who spent a part of their childhood in another world.
Vintage Airfix
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"The History of Science Fiction and its Toy Figurines” can thus be summed up as nothing less than a work of love. Taken as such, all the references, citations, idioms, and obscurities, which at first seem overwhelming to the reader, reflect Toiati’s love of the subject. The book is a good reference for those who don’t care for a complete encyclopedia of Sci-Fi, but who wants an excellent reference and exposé of the subject."
IPMS
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"This eye-opening book deserves a spot on the bookshelves of anyone who not only enjoys collecting, but also has a great interest in all facets of the history of our hobby."
Toy Soldier Collector Magazine
"This lavishly illustrated book covers both the history of literary science fiction, following in the footsteps of contemporary official criticism, and toy figurines inspired by science fiction."
ModelGeek
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“…Toiati does a commendable job at highlighting the important, popular, and sometimes the weird.”
Historical Miniatures Gaming Society
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I recommend this book for avid science fiction toy collectors.
NetGalley, Julie Ditton
Whether you're a collector or, like me, someone who remembers these toys and want to know more about them, and about more of them, this book will be a fun read and perhaps a reference for some. His bibliographies and appendix are very useful if you want to dive deeper into any aspect.
NetGalley, Jack Messer
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer
I enjoyed learning about the history of scifi and action figures. It had everything that I was looking for and worked overall in the history elements. Luigi Toiati does a great job in writing this and left me wanting more from the author.
About Luigi Toiati
Luigi Toiati cannot remember a time before he collected toy soldiers. He has a massive collection but doesn't keep count. He was a professional figure painter for 45 years, starting his career in London, working for his close friend Edward Suren, creator of the famous Willie brand of soldiers. In 1987 he began making his own soldiers, founding Garibaldi & Co. Toy Soldiers. A familiar figure on the toy soldier show circuit, he and his collection have been mentioned in various books on the subject, and he has himself written numerous articles on related matters. He has a degree in Sociology and a deep interest in Semiotics (the study of signs). He now lives in his native Rome with Monica, his wife and co-founder of their marketing research agency, Focus srl www.focusresearch.it).
The History of Toy Soldiers (Hardback)
Humans have made and collected toy soldiers from time immemorial. They amuse and comfort us, awaken our curiosity, turn aggressiveness into creativity. In The History of Toy Soldiers, Luigi Toiati, himself an avid collector and manufacturer of toy soldiers, conveys and shares the pleasure of collecting and playing with them. Far from a dry encyclopaedia, it leads the reader through the fascinating evolution of the toy soldier from ancient times to the early twenty-first century. The author, as a sociologist with an interest in semiotics (the study of signs), offers truly original insights into…
By Luigi Toiati, James OpieClick here to buy both titles for £80.00
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