Paul and Rosemary Volpp started their bear collection with Amelia Bearhart in the early 1980"s. Since that time they have become avid collectors of about 5,000 bears from around the world. The Volpps with Teddy-bear historian Pauline Cockrill have written about and photographed many of the world"s most famous, popular or rare bears. The book is loaded with historical information, bear making, car and repair of bears, and of the major bear making companies. Some of the bear companies with important examples of their bears included are: Steiff, Ideal, Gebruder Bing, J K Farnell, Joy-Toys, Knickerbocker, Gund, Pedigree, Hermann & Co, and the North American Bear Company. Arranged chronologically beginning with the first Steiff bears in 1902. Beautifully photograph and thoughtfully written, THE TEDDY BEAR ENCYCLOPEDIA is a delight for past, present and future all teddy bear lovers!