It's Slinky: the Fun and Wonderful Toy by Lou Harry, Running Press Books, Philadelphia, PA, 2000.
This books allows a lighter view of history. the Slinky, developed shortly after WWII is a toy that has stood the test of time. It has many off shoot toys and the company that makes Slinky has expanded. However the original toy (in silver instead of black steal now) has withstood the test of time. The most famous Slinky toy is Slinky the Dog. He made it big time in Toy Story, and even sacrificed himself in the first Toy Story to save the day.
The Slinky was developed by a husband and wife team Richard and Betty James. They did not expect the remarkable response they received. It was Betty James who became the pioneer, as Richard left her on a religious crusade. He later died in South America.
Slinks has not been without competition. They had to win a law suit against the company Quirly for copyright infringement. They were the company contracted to make the Slinky.
Slinky lead to other pull toys besides the dog. There is a seal, a train and many others. There are also Slinky Sillies--characters with Slinky arms and legs. And Slinky eyes are just crazy.
I must admit, I have never gotten the skill to really enjoy a Slinky. I can make it go back and forth however. It is pretty cool the way it works, and the book tells it demonstrates many scientific principles. You know you have arrived when you are on a stamp, and Slinky was featured in the decade of the 40s stamp set.
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