Has anybody had a chance to look at "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World," by Woodrow Phoenix?

Here are the "editorial" reviews from Amazon, for what they are worth:

Editorial Reviews
Book Description
Plastic Culture explores the world of toys: why we love them, what they represent, and why there is a growing market for "designer" and "art" toys aimed at adults. In this book, British author Woodrow Phoenix takes a look at our relationship to toys in the twenty-first century, with particular reference to Japan--an exporter of both merchandise and ideas. Plastic toys based on Japanese comics, movies, and TV shows, from Astro Boy, Godzilla, and Gatchaman, to Power Rangers, Sailor Moon, and Pokémon have had a powerful effect on the imaginations and markets of the West, and have kick-started trends in design and pop culture that have crossed from Japan to the West and back East again. Brimming with lavish, full-color illustrations of cult and limited-edition toys, and with an in-depth look at the work of Japanese artists Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara, Hong Kong trendsetters Eric So and Michael Lau, and many other leading players in the world of designer toys, this is a book that will appeal to a wide range of readers: from those interested in the latest trends in contemporary art, to toy collectors, and to anyone with an interest in Japan's influence on contemporary pop culture.

From the Publisher
Welcome to the world of plastic culture. A world where toys have been freed from the playroom to run rampant across desktops and living spaces, galleries and fashion houses, design showrooms and furniture outlets. How did toys infiltrate the mainstream? Why has Japan had such a powerful effect on the imaginations and the markets of the West?

Sounds worth checking out, but I'd especially be interested if anyone here has any comments.

Thanks Geo for that info.

I would love to read more on the vintage vinyl part more the recent HK or USA stuff. I have those great Manga and Anime bibles, and they are a fun read. I never seem to get good hardcore English reference on Jp vintage toys. Always the ones in Japanese seem to be better because of the sexy pictures.

Woodrow Phoenix?

it is a okay book..they have all these books at S7

i was flipping through this book at the MOMA bookstore and the pics were interesting. The Blythe eyes on the cover caught my attention. Didn't really have a chance to read it though.