The teddy bear has become a worldwide symbol of childhood, security and innocence. Germany and the United States both claim to have invented this cuddly stuffed toy at the beginning of this century, but the truth seems to be that it evolved almost simultaneously on both sides of the Atlantic. There is no doubt, however, that the teddy took his name from the 26th President of the United States, Theodore Teddy Roosevelt who refused to kill a real bear on a hunting expedition, with the result that a political cartoon was published of the President and a cuddly bear cub - entitled Teddy's bear. Many of the most sought-after bears are pictured in this book; early Steiff designs and British Merrythought bears, as well as some more unusual novelty designs such as clockwork bears playing musical instruments and even celebrity bears, such as those owned by Shirley Temple and the Queen Mother. The teddy has now become a valuable collector's item, as well as remaining a favourite children's toy, and in a section at the back of the book the author gives details of international fairs and auctions.