Broken Toy: A Man's Dream, A Company's Mystery [Paperback]

Craig Andrews (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 8, 2002

Was there a toy mouse before Walt Disney's 'Mickey?' If there was, what happened to it? During the 1920s two men, one from the world of toys and one from the burgeoning world of moving pictures produced very unique toy characters. The history of these two visionaries and how their characters occurred at nearly the same time provides a unique mystery about which speculation lives vibrantly to this day. In tracing the struggle of the toy company's steadfast president, Torrence Dietz, this absorbing book covers the history of the toy company, its wondrous toys, and why people think of Walt Disney when they see the toy company's enigmatic wooden mouse named, 'MICKY.' Since the question of whether these men crossed paths in the marketplace is a key element to the mystery, the author has tried to objectively address the questions of how, when and why an encounter should have ever happened.The development of Torrence's career and the growth the toy company are reconstructed and intertwined with world events. In the quest to explain the toy company mystery the author has brought together documents and history never before assembled in one place. The in-depth documentation of the wooden toys manufactured by the Performo-Toy Company makes this book a valued reference for collectors and, from a historical sense a valued resource. The book presents numerous toy pictures, toys now considered collectibles, as well as patent and trademarks related to cartoon and toy characters of the late 1920s and early 1930s. The reader interested in the history of Walt Disney and in particular, the formative period of 'Mickey Mouse' will find rare background information.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mr. Andrews found inspiration in this topic in 1995 after his wife learned her grandfather, Torrence Dietz, had a toy company which made a wooden toy mouse with a unique name, a topic which had never before been mentioned in family discussions. Sparked by the mystery Mr. Andrews began his five years of research, the daunting task of tracking old records and pulling old memories into the light, the very barriers that had entombed the history from previous scrutiny.A native of northern Ohio, Craig Andrews rediscovered the fun of creative writing after a B. S. and M.S. in physics, a busy family, and many years in the engineering plastics field of the automotive industry. He is the author of physics and automotive engineering papers, as well as fiction manuscripts in the thriller and horror genres.

Product Details

• Paperback: 268 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (July 8, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403303916
• ISBN-13: 978-1403303912
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,643,365 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Makes you wonder., May 8, 2003

By 

Donna V. (Texas) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Broken Toy: A Man's Dream, A Company's Mystery (Paperback)

I enjoyed this book! I found it informative giving a glimpse into life and businesses in the early 1900's. Mr. Andrews does a good job of keeping the reader interested through the whole book. He presents the story factually allowing the reader to form his/her opinions about the origin of today's Mickey Mouse. This is a must read for Disney enthusiasts.