This is the story of a 2.9 inch tall little man who conquered the world from the small Franconian town of Zirndorf. Within just three decades along with his 1.7 billion sisters and brothers he has populated his very own continent, known as PLAYMOBIL Land. Yet Hans Beck's ingenious invention very nearly made only one public appearance. In 1974, Horst Brandstätter attempted to rescue his company, geobra Brandstätter GmbH oCo. KG, from looming bankruptcy by introducing a new play system onto the market. Unknowing toy buyers initially greeted the idea with a lack of comprehension. But the children understood it right away. This anniversary book chronicles difficult beginnings, entrepreneurial courage and the incomparable success story of the little toy man. Learn more about the genesis of PLAYMOBIL and its inventor, Hans Beck, and take a peek behind the otherwise closed doors of the development and production departments. colour throughout
