The Playmakers Book Goes Into Its Second Printing

*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*
Contact: Keys Publishing
PMB 180 5342 Clark Road
Sarasota, FL 34233-3227
(941) 926-8004
www.theplaymakers.com

Sarasota, Florida (October 22, 2004) – Keys Publishing announced today that its book, The Playmakers: Amazing Origins of Timeless Toys has sold out of its first printing. “We couldn’t be more elated at the early sales of this book,” said author/publisher Tim Walsh. “To sell 3,000 copies of a $50 gift book before the holiday season is remarkable.” The Playmakers was released in February of this year.

The Playmakers is a celebration of classic toys and a tribute to the people who brought them to life. “In our country, if you create music which sells a million copies, you’re on the cover of Rolling Stone. If you write a book that sells that amount and you’re on the New York Times best-seller list,” says Walsh. “But if you create a game or toy that sells over 100 times that amount, you’re… “Who?” William Gruber, Merle Robbins, Eleanor Abbott – these people have touched countless lives through their creations (View-Master, Uno, and Candy Land respectively), yet very few know who they are. I hope The Playmakers helps to change that.”

Keys Publishing has gone back to print for 6,000 more copies of the book featuring blurbs and endorsements from some well-known people who know a thing or two about play. Some noteworthy comments include:

“The Playmakers is a walk through the enchanted land of toys. For those of us who live in this fantasy land, it is a wonderful story of our best and brightest.” — Alan Hassenfeld, Chairman, Hasbro Inc.

“The Playmakers is as close to time travel as I’ll ever come. What a cool, beautiful book – full of all the toys I had, coveted or never knew existed.” — Steve Rushin, Sports Illustrated columnist

“A fun book that all can enjoy – It’s awesome baby!” — Dick Vitale, ESPN sportscaster

“The Playmakers is personal, detailed, lavishly illustrated…and well-organized into witty, bite-sized essays…. a pleasure to read.” —Scott G. Eberle, Vice President for Interpretation and Director of Play Studies, National Toy Hall of Fame and Strong Museum

“If you want to see joy and wonder fill a person’s face, watch someone open The Playmakers …the most interesting history of our favorite toys and games ever told.” — Reyn Guyer, developer of Twister and Nerf

Tim Walsh brought 15 years of experience to the project. In 1990 he co-invented TriBond, a board game that has sold over 3 million copies in thirteen countries. In 1994, he invented the board game Blurt!, which has sold over 1 million copies. Both games are sold by Mattel. The Playmakers is his first book.