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Okay, vintage toy collecting is a deep rabbit hole, and good resources are key. I've seen so many "Top 10 Books" lists floating around that are really just thinly veiled affiliate link schemes, or mostly focus on price guides that are outdated the second they're printed. It makes me wonder, what actual books do seasoned collectors find indispensable?
are we talking in-depth manufacturer histories? Like a definitive guide to Marx playsets or a well-researched look at ideal Toy Company's design process? Or perhaps books that focus on specific lines, like die-cast cars or early Star Wars figures, that cover variations and production errors? I'm always on the lookout for resources that go beyond just listing values and rather give historical context and manufacturing details. Ideally, the books on a "top 10" would cover a diverse range of toy types and eras. What books have really informed your collecting journey and helped you avoid costly mistakes or uncover hidden gems?