Robots (TASCHEN Icons Series) (Paperback)

by Teruhisa Kitahara (Editor), Yukio Shimizu (Author) "As a child in the mid-1950s and early 1960s, I would make believe I was a robot or an astronaut, in a world of booming,..." (more)
Key Phrases: toy robots, Space Patrol, Space Tank, Bull Mark (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
This ICON title will be of special interest to anyone fascinated by early space travel and technology, those who simply want to wax nostalgic about a bygone era of their youth, and of course to collectors and fans of 50s and 60s tin toys. The roots of today's toys can be seen in these precursors, notably in the early transformer robots. Taken from collector Teruhisa Kitahara's vast collection, which is on display in many museums in Japan, the robots and spaceships featured here are quite rare and give a wonderful overview of this era in the history of toys. A must for any toy lover!

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Taschen; illustrated edition edition (April 15, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3822855669
• ISBN-13: 978-3822855669
• Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #884,760 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This item is part of The Icons Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick nostalgic flash back, May 15, 2001

By	Gary Kaminski (Charlotte, NC USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Teruhisa Kitahara has reprised a beautiful little book that puts together a pictorial history of tin robots and space toys. Hardly an extensive representation, although there are some rare and beautifully photographed images shown. The attempt here is to give a reflective taste of some of the best of what was the golden age of space toys. Between the retro red covers you'll find your 1950s Smoking Robot, Thunder Robot with box, your Mr. Robot, and a couple of "The Gang of Five". The 191 pages, mostly with full single page shots of the toys, is enough to give the uninitiated a real appreciation for the talent that went into their creation.

I doubt that collectors will find the book very resourceful. Again there is not much here, or for that matter described in any detail. For those however seeking a handy little companion to add to their reference library you will find the ... price worth it. And for those who are curious or nostalgic for these wondrous toys, it represents a quick treat for the eyes.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Mostly Robot Collection, June 15, 2006

By	Alicia Randazzo (Ashland, WI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

An interesting little book great for amusement. Large photo format shows nice detail, as most of the pictures fill a page. Organized simply by decade, not much info is given on each toy save title, maker, and size. Very little of the merchandise packaging is shown. Simply a fun book, but not useful for a serious collector.