From its conception over a century ago right up until today, the teddy bear has always been universally acknowledged as the toy that symbolizes childhood. Christie"s Century of Teddy Bears is the fascinating story of this faithful companion who has played such an intimate role in people"s lives: accompanying families fleeing their homes during both World Wars; sustaining the infantry in the trenches; and escaping with the evacuees in the Blitz. From the initial inspiration made by Steiff in Geingen, Germany, to bears created today, this guide describes the teddy"s fascinating history and explores why it"s still the most endearing and collectable of all toys. Featuring scores of spectacular, full-color reproductions from such great manufacturers as Steiff, Chad Valley, Bing, Bruin, and many others, Christie"s Century of Teddy Bears charts the captivating rise of the teddy bear during the past 100 years. This unique book also tells the stories of individual bears, like the Teddy Girl--whose engaging looks and remarkable experiences during both World Wars commanded the highest preice ever for a teddy bear in a Christie"s auction. Superbly illustrated with images from the Christie"s archives and private collections, this book is an essential gift for history lovers, nostalgia fans, and anyone who has ever loved a teddy bear.