This is therealtoy story, an unprecedented behind-the-scenes journey through a world of influence, fantasy, and multimillion-dollar Hollywood deals, a world where the whims of children make millionaires and topple titans. This is also the story of an unusual man.  Alan Hassenfeld, the chief executive officer of Hasbro, never intended to run a Fortune 500 company.  A free spirit who dreamed of being a writer and exploring Asia, he was content to remain in the shadow of his older brother Stephen, a marketing genius who transformed a family firm established by immigrant Jews into powerhouse and Wall Street darling. Then tragedy struck.  Stephen, and intensely private man, died of AIDS, a disease he had not acknowledged he had, even to his family.  Alan Hassenfeld was named CEO, just as Hasbro was facing a daunting onslaught of challenges.  Toy Warsis about Alan's struggle to balance the demands of the bottom line with his ideals about the kind of toys children deserve, as well as the ethical obligations of management. Wayne Miller, an award-winning journalist and novelist, was granted unprecedented access to Hasbro, the maker of G.I. Joe, Star Wars toys, Mr. Potato Head, Batman, Monopoly, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, and countless other favorites.  For five years, he sat in on design sessions, marketing meetings, and focus groups, and interviewed employees in every part of the company.  He witnessed a major corporate restructuring; crucial deal with Dreamworks SKG; a hostile takeover bid by archrival Mattel; the collapse of a $45 million virtual reality game; and the company makeover of G.I. Joe, Hasbro's flagship product and one of the most popular toys of all time. Toy Warsis filled with many colorful characters, including: Hollywood moguls Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, whose kid-friendly movies can translate into licensing gold for toymakers Mighty Morphin Power Rangers creator Haim Saban, who tapped into a popular Japanese TV series and made it a worldwide television and merchandising phenomenon Mattel CEO Jill Barad, the second-highest-paid woman in corporate America, who promotes and defends Barbie with the zeal of a religious crusader Hasbro executive Al Verrecchia, the loyal second in command who did not let friendship or tradition stand in the way of a dramatic restructuring Larry Bernstein, arguably the best toy salesman ever, a riotous raconteur whose divisional presidency crumbled when he was unable to meet Hasbro's profit goals Rich in family drama and written with sly wit,Toy Warsis a deeply compelling business story, a fascinating tour through a billion-dollar industry that exerts tremendous influence on the lives of children everywhere. Distributed by Syndetic Solutions, Inc.

Miller (Coming of Age, Random, 1995), a writer for the Providence Journal-Bulletin, is given a similar opportunity to that of Mary Walton, who spent several years with Ford obtaining the information for Car (LJ 6/15/97). Miller spent five years behind the scenes at the Hasbro Toy Corporation in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, and, like Walton, provides a detailed view of the industry. He describes how movies, television, and comic books influence the development of new toys such as Star Wars Action Figures and the ever popular G.I. Joe. Mergers with Milton Bradley and Kenner Toys as well as an unfriendly takeover bid from Mattel are detailed, and biographies of key individuals provide insight into the creativity and drive needed to be successful in this business. A fast-paced, well-developed, suspenseful narrative that will appeal to marketing enthusiasts, business students, and general readers nostalgic for their old toys.‘Steven J. Mayover, Free Lib. of Philadelphia From: Reed Elsevier Inc. Copyright Reed Business Information