This is the first book to deal with the evolution of mechanical toys following on the history of automata from very early times. It covers the entire story, worldwide, introducing famous makers and historical characters as well as their inventions. The special emphasis is from the eighteenth century onwards, when the awakening of technological interest produced both frivolous and luxury toys to amuse people and the ingenious robot machines that eventually were to transform industry. For the interest of modern collectors who assemble private or museum displays the later chapters have facts on patents, factories, and types of output by which antique toys and automata may be identified.