With this large book, the Great Lego Sets by DK, you receive a exclusive micro-scale space cruiser. This small spaceship is inspired by the 1979 LEGOLAND Space Cruiser and Moonbase set, #928. Which you can find documented within, and displayed on the cover the book.
Like most of the Lego history books by DK, they take you through year by year. Far as I know this book doesn't look at all of the Lego sets which have been produced but a selection of over 300 of the best sets. For each set you get a detailed 'Guided Tour' which takes you through the sets and the 'Brick By Brick' that takes a look in more detail on the elements which are used in the sets.
Exclusive Micro-Scale Space Cruiser
However, what makes this book so different from the Lego books produced in the past is you learn about some of the designers themselves. These small profiles on the designers are only depicted with ground breaking sets, such as one of the largest Lego set, the Taj Mahal #10189, 2008.
With this very large book, official Lego book by DK, you receive three exclusive minifigures, a plain Townsperson, Stormtrooper and a Robber. The minifigures aren't really that special, I wouldn't advice anyone getting the book just for the minifigures alone. They wouldn't be worth it. Although the book is, as long as you have a huge interest in Lego minifigure.
You can learn the history of the Lego minifig, how they are made and how they have evolved to the little yellow figures we know and love today. As it shows in the name of the book it goes through each minifigure year by year. Telling you different information about each one. It even touches on the elements that makes up each minifig, such as, the different hats and hairpieces they may use.
Now if you aren't a huge Lego fan then I wouldn't suggest reading this, as this book is more for a Lego enthusiast and collector as it isn't a book for a light read. This book would be extremely useful for anyone who collects minifigs and wants to know information about their collection or to see which ones they might not have.
The long story of one of the biggest toy companies started in 1916 when Ole Kirk Christiansen begun a woodworking business in Billund, Denmark. He made wooden toys at first, and in the 1930s he named it "LEGO" which derived from two Danish words "leg godt", meaning "play well". In 1947 the company moved into the plastics, as that it was cheaper and quicker to make. Creating over 200 different plastic and wooden toys. In 1949, these included plastic interlocking bricks were introduced as "Automatic Binding Bricks". Later became known as the "LEGO Bricks" in 1953.
These bricks are far from the bricks we know and love today, but in 1954, Ole Kirk's son, Godtfred, had an addition of doors and windows, LEGO Bricks almost became limitless in creative building possibilities.
In 1958, the LEGO Bricks took a design change to include a stud-and-tube interlocking system. This new system was the most important discovery as they lock into place and remain there. These bricks are in-fact almost recognizable to the one LEGO sells today. In this same year Ole Kirk died, so the business was passed to Godtfred.
In 1960, Godtfred decided to stop the wooden toy production after a fire in a warehouse, which destroyed much of the remaining stock. Now mainly looking at the plastic brick and the huge potential they had in future years. Now the company had comprised over than 400 employees and poised to enter the US, Canada and Italy.
Within a few years, it spread to other countries. By 1966, the toys were in 42 countries. Within this year the first LEGO electric train was introduced, running on a motor with four and half volts.
In 1968, LEGOLAND Park was opened, in Billund, Denmark. Within the first day to the public it received 3,000 visitors and continuing to for the rest of the year, reviving about 625,000 visitors. By the 70s LEGO produced many different themed sets, from spaceships to Castles, many of them had been incorporated with motors, magnet and sensors. In 1977, LEGO DUPLO - larger bricks for younger children, which was followed by miniature figurines (Minifigs) the next year. These are very recognizable from the minifigs that we see today in sets and in the LEGO landscapes.
LEGO 6703 Space Minifigures
from the 1988.
In 1995, Godtfred Kirk Christiansen passed away. Now owned by his son Kjeld Kirk Christiansen. As technology is always changing so does LEGO. In 1996, www.lego.com was launched. Once the CD-ROM came into use children could play computer games, such as LEGO chess that came out in 1998. As the mind set for children moved to more robotics, LEGO produced, LEGO MINDSTORM and LEGO TECHNIC that same year. Over years to come many new LEGOLAND Parks put up around the globe and the ideas for LEGO set and models still keep coming. The LEGO flames has not died down, even today they have a huge fan base and still growing. Using new ideas to keep everyone of every gender and age enjoying the LEGO spirit.
