by:
Craford, Johnathan (Illustrator)
Crawford, Johnathan
Crawford, Johnathan, F.

Publisher:
Cullen and Coolidge Publishing Co.
Published:October 27, 1998
ISBN:0966886305
Format:Paperback
Pages:214

Description: Thomas F. Stark in Plastic Figure and Playset Collector, December 1998
"the World Toy Soldier Directory and Compendium is likely to be an enjoyable reference and worthwhile purchase for you....if you collect or are interested in more than plastic, or don't know that much about some of the other types of toy soldiers and want to find out, the Compendium is a good bet...if you like new production, painted metal figures and want a source book on where to get product from all over the world, it's a sure thing. A good hobby value at the current asking price."

John Giddings, Director, Toy Soldier Collectors of America , TSCAA Communiqu, December 1998
"I highly recommend this book, period."

Book Description
The World Toy Soldier Directory and Compendium is the new international "where to find it" source book for toy soldier collectors. Everything imaginable about toy soldier collecting is now all in one place.

This 200+ page soft-bound book is comprised of two sections, the COMPENDIUM, which features 12 lengthy articles of interest to collectors, and the DIRECTORY , which contains over 300 listings of toy soldier dealers, shops, makers, suppliers, auction houses and more in 17 different countries around the globe. Listings for the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Mexico, New Zealand, Portugal, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Turkey and Uruguay are included.

The entire book is packed from cover to cover with black and white photos of figures and accessories as well as informative ads from world-wide suppliers to the hobby.

Compendium Highlights An extensive look at the future of Britains under new owners Ertl. In depth interviews with the management disclose their plans for this legendary range of figures as well as uncover some of the more recent activities leading to their purchase by Ertl. Composition Figures: Renown collector Jack Matthews (author of Toys Go To War) provides a historical overview of pre-war and post war composition figures including many figure photos from his personal collection (known to be one of the three most extensive in the world) "The History of Plastic Figures in the UK"- Paul Morehead, editor of the UK's Plastic Warrior Magazine traces the development of plastic figures in England from the very early years up till today. "Collecting Strategies"- K. Warren Mitchell lays out a solid strategy for collecting figures and shows plenty of examples with photos of figures "Six Great Ideas for Better Modeling, Casting and Painting"- editor Johnathan Crawford unveils tips from the pros on how to create better toy soldiers at home. "Thoughts on Collecting"- Dealer Jim Hillestad has assembled some of the best advice on collecting figures available anywhere. "Toy Soldiers on the Internet"- editor Crawford details buying and selling "cyber soldiers" on the Internet "Legends of the French Foreign Legion"- Douglas Porch, one of the world's leading authorities on the French Foreign Legion, uncovers the myths as well as the truths behind the Legion. American Made Plastic Figures- Joseph F. Saine has penned a brief history of plastic figures in post War America.

Also included are several other articles on Toy Soldier Band formations, How to Get Started in the Hobby, a short history of German-made Hyde figures, a profile of toy soldier maker Garibaldi plus book reviews, periodicals, and more. A special section called "The Photo Picture Pages" is a collection of photos of dealers, makers, and suppliers from around the world.

Directory Highlights Printed on yellow paper- just like the yellow pages. 17 countries, 300+ listings Pertinent information including address, phone, proprietor, catalog availability, credit cards accepted, hours of operation, as well as what products or services are sold Locator maps for toy soldier shops in the US and London