Constructional Toys

Constructional toys are sets of components which can be put together in various ways to make a range of toys and models. They date from the late eighteenth century, since when they have always formed part of the huge variety of educational toys. This book surveys many of the British and foreign outfits from which complex and ingenious architectural and engineering models have been made. Perhaps the best known is Meccano, which led many boys to become engineers. Today Lego offers similar stimulus to the imagination. Sets of nineteenth-century Richter Blocks, Lott's Bricks from the 1920's, eaarly Meccano and Erector sets and their myriad imitations are now widely appreciated. Many can be seen in museums and collectors can still find good examples at toy fairs and in antique shops.Harley, Basil is the author of 'Constructional Toys', published 1997 under ISBN 9780747800811 and ISBN 0747800812.