Reviews Deal of the Day on January 10, 2012 for Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them
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Product Description
Everyone has heard of Hasbro's games and toys--G.I. Joe, Monopoly, and "Star Wars" figures--but few know of the intrigue and strategy that brought the company to stardom. This reveals the inside story behind this successful company.
Amazon.com Review
Although it may seem to outsiders like a playful pursuit, manufacturing and marketing toys is not all fun and games. Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them, by journalist and novelist G. Wayne Miller, reveals the realities of the business and the people behind it. By focusing on Fortune 500 toymaker Hasbro and the Hassenfeld family, which has guided the company since its founding some nine decades ago, Miller offers a rare insider look at this unique industry.
Deal of the Day on January 10, 2012 for Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them Reviews
Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them Reviews on January 10, 2012
| 5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:  Toy Industry is changing, By Sheila Wegenka (springfield, Mo) - See all my reviews This review is from: Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them (Paperback) Unbelievable how a group of businessmen have changed the way kids pretend play. The process of decision making in this industry is so elementary but yet so critical in shaping our childrens memories, desires, passions, and shaping their past time. This book brought me into a world that I no longer think is just fun and games. I like that Miller gives a broad insight to the industry. At first I felt the personalities of the key players wre being told in too much detail. Now I see that it is these personalities that rule and are changing play time forever. A great book for parents and educators. I do not feel there are many business lessons to learn here as I have seen in other profiles. I completed the book with a true feel for this important industry and that was my goal. Mostly Miller writes a story about Hasbro, family and product ups and downs. 4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:  An interesting birds-eye view of a dynamic compnay, Hasbro., By davidschwartz@funrise.com (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews This review is from: Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies that Make Them (Hardcover) Miller was granted clear access to the inner sanctum of Hasbro. His description of the personalities that control the world's leading toy company are insightful and often amusing.The downside to this book is two-fold; It appears that in return for the access Miller was afforded, he has a tough time writing a bad word about Hasbro, or providing a more balanced portrayal of this corporate behomoth. The fact the Miller was a reporter for the Providence Journal, and that Hasbro is among Rhode Island's largest employers, could be responsible. The second problem is Miller's lack of insight into Mattel. The book is billed as an "epic struggle" between Hasbro and Mattel, yet Miller clearly had trouble accessing the inner workings of Mattel (a fact he sights in the book). It's possible that Miller's Rhode Island affiliation deterred Mattel from responding to his inquiries or granting him access. Perhaps a co-authorship with an L.A.-based writer, where Mattel i! s... Read more 3 of 3 people found the following review helpful: Toy Story, By Anuradha (Hialeah, Florida United States) - See all my reviews This review is from: Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies that Make Them (Hardcover) A well written book that makes for very interesting reading. It is the story of Hasbro and the events that unfold around it. Since the author had a good access to the Hasbro team, he has been able to write up about Hasbro executives in great detail. Competitiors, esp. Mattel get seen through Hasbro eye's and hence maybe make for a one sided perspective.The book talks well about how toy brands have evolved from simple objects to complex products involving Hollywood, comics, cereals, mega blitz promotions and the like. It offers a good understanding of how the toy business is not a childs play any longer. |
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