Ray Gun

The 1930s through the 1950s was the "classic age" of the American toy ray gun. Countless manufacturers produce toy ray guns as successful merchandising for popular radio space programs Buck Rodgers and Flash Gordon in the 30s, to television sensations Captain Video and Commando Cody, Sky Marshall of the Universe in the 50s. However, ray guns were so much move than mere merchandising. The ray gun was one of the defining toys to define space-age escapism, and explore American's privileged youth culture and our subsequent fear of the unknown. Eugene Metcalf and Frank Maresca's new book Ray Gun documents the history of the pop culture artifact, exploring everything from their camping tin awesomeness to the significant cultural events during the space race that effected their widespread popularity.

Filled with gorgeous images of hundreds of toy ray guns, their art deco packages and movie poster promoting many of America's earliest sci-fi stars, Ray Gun burst with everything one could want to know a la ray gun. Plus, if ever faced with the treat of those intergalactic little green men, Ray Gun will have you well prepared. As a Ray Gun enthusiast I heartily endorse this book for all you space cadets of the future.

-Jon