Toy Wars: The Epic Struggle Between G.I. Joe, Barbie, and the Companies That Make Them

by G. Wayne Miller

Book Overview

This is the real toy story, an unprecedented behind-the-scenes journey through a world of influence, fantasy, and multimillion-dollar Hollywood deals, a world where the whims of children make... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812929845
• ISBN13: 9780812929843
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: Crown Business
• Length: 348 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

Great Story

The toy wars were one of the most interesting conflicts in Business history. How Mattel and Hasbro divided up the toy industry is a fascinating story and one that anyone interested in business should read. This book is very well written and Miller had access to all of the relevant material for weaving an excellent story together. The downfall of GI Joe and the everlasting presence of Barbie are two very interesting ideas that I won't spoil here. I will just say this is a must read for those studying business and want to learn about cutthroat competition.

Timely and fascinating

Now that hasbro and mattel are in the news again, Toy Wars is especially timely. Going behind the scenes, Miller explains the background leading up to today's problems in the toy industry. But the book reads like a true adventure story, with people as interestign as the toys! Highly recommended for anyone with an interest in business -- or toys.

Job Well Done!!!

When I first picked up this book, I thought it would be another boring business book with hard to understand wording. But as I read the first page, I realized how wrong I was! This is a captivating, behind-the-scenes look into the world of toys that reads like a novel. It is definitely a must read for anyone!

An amazing story!

It's unusual to read a book with such interesting characters -- and in a Fortune 500 company, no less. It reads like a novel, and I read it almost non-stop. Miller got very unusual access behind the scenes of a big company, and it paid off in a compelling account. I recommend this book highly.

fascinating insight into the toy industry

having worked at toys r us for many years and living near the hasbro company- i felt that the subject would be of interest to me only - but in trying to get the book at my local bookstore i found that it was difficult to obtain. When i bought the book and read it i was pleased to find that the book was easy reading. The book is fast paced and takes you through the high stakes world of the toy industry dealing with two giants - mattel and hasbro- it was fun reading how favorite toys got started and even more fun to learn about toys that you knew were doomed to failure i went to high school with one of the people that is acknowleged as helping the author and can't wait to talk to him about his contribution.