"radiguet Et Fils, Scientific Toys - Scientific Toys" By Frederic Marchand

Who were the Radiguets?
Frédéric Marchand, an expert on antique toys and author of several books on the history of toys (Motos-Jouets, L'histoire des Jouets Martin ou Avions-Jouets des origines à 1945 et Avions-Jouets 1945 à 1970) will try to answer that question by recounting the history of this family who invented the concept of educational toys that played a part in the development of 19th century enlightenment and modernity.
The Radiguets marketed their new type of "scientific" toys such as live steam engines, boats, locomotives, but also boxes of electrical ex­periments based on the latest scientific discoveries, in a mail-order catalogue which was the first of its kind.
This book results from the meticulous study of a large collection of original documents which so far are mostly unpublished. It will en­able collectors, enthusiasts, live steam specialists and institutional organizations to identify these exceptional toys which are 150 years old. It is also a tribute to this very discreet family and to all the small industrial owners of the time who went through thick and thin to make a living. Format: 25 x 28 cm - Hardback edition of 188 pages richly illustrated with about 500 color documents, in two languages: French/English - Price: 100 Euros