Product Description

Discover more about the LEGO universe and their cult mini-figures with this unique slipcased set Explore and celebrate the fascinating story of LEGO and its much-loved toys and games and find out all about their cult mini-figures with this fantastic slipcase containing two extraordinary books. From manufacturing wooden toys to blockbuster video games, go behind the scenes and discover fascinating facts and trivia about LEGO, one of the nationÂ’s best-loved companies. A fascinating timeline highlights key moments in LEGO history and special features spotlight groundbreaking achievements. Plus, celebrate each of LEGOÂ’s mini-figures with Standing Small, a unique look at these cult LEGO pieces. A treasure trove for LEGO fans of all ages.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6000 in Books
• Published on: 2009-10-01
• Binding: Hardcover
• 296 pages

Customer Reviews

Officially fun for all ages!
I've grown to believe I was loner when it came to the fascination with Lego, yet many individuals I've met over the years gradually begin to admit it. What was always missing though was a comprehensive guide, or indeed detailed catalogue of all the Themes that have existed, and the sets within them. Even as I was building my sets in the early 90's as a child, I knew their was a wealth of history before all the sets I owned.

So once again, Waterstones came to rescue as I saw this book on one of my time-killing visits, taking me completely by surprise. Just as an early eye-opener, it appears this book is available both on its own (as it appears on this Amazon product page) and as part of a set with another book called 'Standing Small', a catalogue of all the mini-figures in Legos history. I was fortunate enough to lay my hands on this box-set, and so while I talk 'The Lego Book' first, bare in mind 'Standing Small' is not part of this product page.

As you flick through this book, you'll end up talking to yourself, saying "Oh.. I always wanted that one!" and most of the other comments you'd make in a toy shop. This is the great thing about the book - it's not a progressive narrative, as although theirs an introduction by the author, aside the from the small pieces of text explaining particular themes, this should be treated as a graphical book and not a textual analysis. So, if you like big colourful pictures like me, you're bound to be entertained!

What becomes apparent when viewing the transitions of bricks and themes is that the 1990's was surely a peak for companies imagination and creativity. 'Specialised bricks' (parts that have limited function or use) seem to have taken over the assembly and picturesque beauty of what you knew what was a model made purely out of similar bricks. This has begun to become lost, as more modern themes rely on special bricks to make sets easier to build, less pieces used, and to make them look more 'modern'. The problem with this is that modernism ages quickly. As we have already seen, plain bricks don't.

At the end of each Chapter (which is basically highlighted by the Theme in question), their are pages dedicated for "Sets To Remember" - basically, what are considered to be the best sets. Many buffs will undoubtedly argue at some of the choices, but its always lovely to see new sets you've never seen, and the ones you just wished you had. If anything, the book has brought back for my love for the brand and the urge to track down a classic Pirate Ship!

The product itself is of excellent quality and very well constructed - a nice hard cover and very detailed pictures and diagrams inside. As I said, while this isn't a text-based analysis of their brands history, it provides more answers through diagrams and smaller text boxes which is far easier to take in. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend it for referencing (studies), but as a complete and in-depth insight into the world of Lego, this has been a brick-tacular purchase!

Detailed History of Lego Sets
I enjoyed reading this, especially the parts dealing with the early history of Lego and the sets from my era growing up.

The mini-figure book that comes with this was interesting to flick through but just as an interesting aside.

While most themes get 4 or so pages of information and a quick look at some of the associated sets, I was very disappointed with the very short section on Lego trains (only 2 pages) and no round-up of specific sets. Considering Lego trains were a major part of Lego (to me and AFOL anyway) it seems a little strange that more space wasn't devoted to it.

Imprescindible para fans de Lego - The Lego fan must have
O la Biblia de Lego, que es como se debería llamar. Si eres fan de Lego, este libro debería estar en tu estantería. Si no lo eres, es un libro imprescindible para conocer una parte muy importante de la historia de un juguete universal.

Or de Lego Bible, as it should be known. If you are a Lego Fan, this book must be in your library. If not, it's an essential book to know more about the history of an universal toy.