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Britannica In Toyland!
For the Holidays, EB Online Takes a Multimedia Look at the History and Technology of Classic Toys
CHICAGO, December 02, 1998 -- As parents scramble to surround the holiday tree with this year's hottest toys, they can take solace in the knowledge that their ordeal is nothing new. According to Toys Through Time, a new multimedia Web site from Encyclopædia Britannica Online, the toy industry and our romance with its handiwork go back centuries.
Located at http://toys.eb.com, the site uses video, animation, photos, and illustrations to take an engaging look at the hit toys of the past 500 years, from the miniature soldiers of the late 16th century to the electronic games of today.
The site includes action animations of such popular toys as the Lionel electric train, the Baby First-Step doll, the Daisy Air Rifle, and the Clockwork Elephant of the 19th century. It also has drawings that show the inner workings of these toys.
More broadly, though, Toys Through Time is a rich source of information about toy history, covering topics such as the role of LEGOS in the Cold War and the perennial controversy over Barbie. It also shows the evolution of the toy market, covering:
- trends that have sparked consumer hysteria, such as the hula hoop craze of the late 1950s
- the progression from craftsmanship to technology, as exemplified in the development of dolls and military toys
- the staying power of certain toys, such as the teddy bear
- the continuing development of the video game, as shown in a side-by-side comparison of Pong, introduced in 1974, and the Nintendo 64 of today
"The history of toys is a fascinating one in which fantasy, industry, and technology meet," said Paul Hoffman, publisher of Encyclopædia Britannica. "Toys Through Time explores this history in a lighthearted, enjoyable way that lets visitors retrace their own childhoods while gaining insight into the toys of other generations."
Interactive Time Line
Toys Through Time features an interactive time line with 28 toys that have shaped the course of toy history and inspired children worldwide. The time line's collection of essays and images chronicle the invention and history of each blockbuster-from the earliest toy soldiers to the G.I. Joes of the 1960s. The site also examines the toys of today and provides a glimpse of the highly competitive marketplace. For instance, a detailed account of the currently popular Bass Fishin' electronic fishing game outlines critical steps in its ascent to toy stardom, providing evidence of the industry's complexities and maturation.
TOYS, eBLAST, and Encyclopædia Britannica Online
The site includes an extensive list of links to the Web's best toy-related sites, courtesy of eBLAST, Britannica's Web navigation service, as well as links to Encyclopædia Britannica Online. It also includes a list of recommended readings with links to Amazon.com's on-line bookstore.
Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. publishes the most authoritative and comprehensive encyclopedia in the English language in three forms: Britannica CD™(on CD-ROM); Britannica Online®(on the Internet); and the famous 32-volume Encyclopædia Britannica®; and the 12-volume Ready Reference. The company also offers eBLAST, a free Web navigation service featuring sites selected and described by Britannica editors. To purchase or get information about Britannica products, customers may call 1-800-747-8503.
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