Toy Monster

The Big, Bad World of Mattel

By: Jerry Oppenheimer

Narrated by: Dina Pearlman

An eye-popping, unauthorized exposé of the House of Barbie

From Boise to Beijing, Mattel's toys dominate the universe. Its no-fun-and-games marketing muscle reaches some 140 countries, and its iconic products have been a part of our culture for generations. Now, in this intriguing and entertaining exposé, New York Times best-selling author Jerry Oppenheimer places the world's largest toy company under a journalistic microscope, uncovering the dark side of toy land, and exploring Mattel's oddball corporate culture and eccentric, often bizarre, cast of characters.

Based on exclusive interviews and an exhaustive review of public and private records, Toy Monster exposes Mattel's take-no-prisoners, shark-infested corporate style. Throughout this scrupulously reported, unauthorized portrait, you'll discover how dangerous toys are actually nothing new to Mattel, and why its fearsomely litigious approach within the brutal toy business has helped their products dominate potential rivals such as Bratz.

• Introduces you to the larger-than-life personalities that have shaped Mattel's eccentric world
• Offers an inside look - from an experienced author - at the scandals that have been a part of this iconic company
• Jerry Oppenheimer is also the author of Madoff with the Money, an in-depth look at Bernie Madoff the man and his billion dollar scam

Engaging and accessible, Toy Monster shows you why today's toy business isn't always fun and games.

©2009 Jerry Oppenheimer (P)2009 Tantor Audio

Great behind the scenes look at a Toy Giant

Great look at the genesis, growth and trials of one of the great American household product names. Enlightening and frightening.

DNF

Not so much about Barbie but what seems to be a vindication of a guy who supposedly created her (not Ruth Handler like we’ve been told). I listened for a bit but I’m just not interested.