The book recounts the history of Triang, whose most famous products included model railways, Spot-on and Minic cars, Pedigree prams, dolls’ houses, Scalextric and Sindy.

Publishers Pen & Sword Books Ltd say this is the definitive history of the largest and most dominant firm in Britain’s toy-making industry in the 20th century. It is a company history focused on the Lines family and reflecting factions and tensions in company growth and decline, and the firm’s position in national and global toy markets.

Author Professor Kenneth D Brown is emeritus professor of History at Queen’s University Belfast and a specialist in modern British political, economic and social history, in the 19th and 20th centuries. He is a leading expert in the history of the toy industry, with publications which include The British Toy Business: A History since 1700 (1996); Factory of Dreams: A History of Meccano Ltd, 1901-1979 (2007) and The British Toy Industry (2011).

Speaking of the book, Professor David J Jeremy, emeritus professor of Business History, Manchester Metropolitan University, said: “This is a rigorously researched and well-written history from an excellent scholar whose publications have been major successes. The references indicate the deep research, while the narrative flows effectively, building a very strong picture of an iconic British business.”

Professor John Wilson, pro vice-chancellor (Business and Law), Northumbria University, Newcastle, added: “This is a serious economic, business and industrial history, touching on important themes such as the interplay between government and business, the nature of entrepreneurship, the significance of company culture and organisation, and the changing nature of childhood. Above all, it is a story of strong personalities, familial tensions, and an underlying determination to bring delight to children.”

The book is published this month. For more information, contact Pen & Sword Books Ltd.