The History of Science Fiction and Its Toy Figurines
By Luigi Toiati
Science fiction, as the name suggests, is the combination of science and fantasy. In addition to a literary form, it also encompasses film, TV, comics, toys and our beloved toy astronauts, or other figures such as aliens, monsters and other playable genres.
The term science fiction was coined by publisher Hugo Gernsbach around the first decades of the last century to refer to the predominantly ‘space’ adventures covered in his magazines. Space invaded radio, cinema, TV, and consequently for a long time toy figurines were predominantly space-related, later evolving into other themes.
This lavishly illustrated book covers both the history of literary science fiction, following in the footsteps of contemporary official criticism, and toy figurines inspired by science fiction. You will also find several other themes, such as the link between science fiction figures and cinema, radio, TV, comics, and more.
Luigi Toiati offers to both guide the reader on an often-nostalgic walk through science fiction in all its various forms, and to describe the figurines and brands associated with it.
Vintage Airfix Review:
In the 1970s, Sci-Fi figurines and comics were a large part of my existence and that of many of my friends, whether at home or on the playground.
This book contains a number of figurines I have never seen before and wish I had. Having read Luigi Toiati’s previous book, The History of Toy Soldiers, I found this one to be just as valuable. In every chapter, Luigi’s knowledge shines through, making this a must-have reference for any collector and a fascinating read for anyone who spent a part of their childhood in another world.
