The Amazing Toys of Marvin Glass

Are you a fan of "coffee table books" or is that not your thing?  In my younger days, I had a few of them, but of course, once children were in the picture, that went away.  I have found a great book that I think would make for a great addition on the coffee table of someone a bit older than me.  Maybe parents or grandparents?  The Amazing Toys of Marvin Glass is the book I am talking about.  

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The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Throwback enthusiasts will enjoy this walk on the colorful side of a 1960s and 1970s childhood. During this period the toy industry exploded with an infusion of bright, zany toys and games for kids, and Marvin Glass’s revolutionary toy designs helped shape a generation, or at least gave them a memorable childhood. The company’s products had a special look and personality: toys that chased you, mechanical toys you could take apart and be trusted to put back together again, a game where you could knock off your opponent’s block, and an exploding bomb you could throw to your playmate. Toys and games such as Mr. Machine, Odd Ogg, Rockem’ Sockem’ Robots, and Mystery Date have achieved iconic status, thanks to their amazing inventor. This book is the first exclusive guide to Marvin Glass toys and games from the late 1950s to 1974 and includes a price guide.

Just to be clear, The Amazing Toys of Marvin Glass book is before my time. It is toys from the 1950's to 1974.  I wasn't even born then, but my mom was a child at that time.. My dad was a child... and yes, I married older, even my HUSBAND was a child then.  I thought this would be a fun book to have and I loved looking at it!  

I don't know why I saw this doll and thought of my mom, but I did.  She said she wasn't familiar with it when I called her about it, but it is just too cute! I did enjoy flipping through and seeing how toys have changed over the years.  (Like the original operation game cover has a doctor smoking in the picture!)
I really enjoyed this and can't wait until I am older and see one made with the toys of the 80's and 90's!  That will be fun to see and share with my children!!!

Chapter One: History of Marvin Glass & Associates and Early Novelty Toys

Chapter Two: 1960's Toys

Chapter Three: 1970's Toys 

Chapter Four: 1960's Games

Chapter Five: 1970's Games

I think it would be neat if they had some toys that had the updater version and then do a side by side photo to show how they changed.  You know, like Rock'em Sock'em Robots (1964) and Lite Brite (1965) I know those are out now, or at least they were not too terribly long ago. I wonder how much they have changed just in the looks / packaging.

I think this would be a great gift idea for a table top book.  Okay, you could even have it as a bathroom read if you need / want to!   Perfect also for waiting rooms as a great book to flip through and not get all caught up in an article and not be able to finish!

What was your favorite toy as a child?