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The Secret Life of LEGO® Bricks
This book is the one fans have always wanted: a behind the scenes look into the story of the beloved LEGO brick and the company which makes it, and it will include a wealth of new visual material from the LEGO Archive in Billund. It truly is a book for AFOLs, by AFOLs – made with the full support and involvement of the LEGO Group.
Developed from first inception by an AFOL book group – and voted for by a public competition on LEGO Ideas – this unique book sets out to explore this rich history in unparalleled detail. It is a LEGO history like no other, thanks to the LEGO Group granting unprecedented access. Author Daniel Konstanski will establish the entire path of how and why new LEGO bricks are made. Because this book is officially sanctioned by the company, he has been permitted to speak to all the relevant people involved at each step: from the so-called “rock stars” – the set designers – through the element designers, design masters, graphic designers, to elements testers and approvers, plastics technicians, and many more.
Developed from first inception by an AFOL book group – and voted for by a public competition on LEGO Ideas – this unique book sets out to explore this rich history in unparalleled detail. It is a LEGO history like no other, thanks to the LEGO Group granting unprecedented access. Author Daniel Konstanski will establish the entire path of how and why new LEGO bricks are made. Because this book is officially sanctioned by the company, he has been permitted to speak to all the relevant people involved at each step: from the so-called “rock stars” – the set designers – through the element designers, design masters, graphic designers, to elements testers and approvers, plastics technicians, and many more.
342 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 2022
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
November 5, 2023
This book turned out to be an excellent source of information on the history of Lego, which surprised me, as I thought I knew quite a bit. I found it fascinating and well written, and it excited me for the future of the company and where they'll go from here. Considering how small the text size was and how much white space was left over, I do feel the author could have showcased a significant number of other sets in the margins. There were many sets and themes mentioned that did not get depicted, and there were definitely areas where they could have been placed.
I've been building with Lego since the early '80s, and took part in almost every theme mentioned, yet this book somehow managed to showcase almost none of the sets I've built, and only the ones that I wished I would have received, which made me feel like I was a kid flipping through the Lego magazine, choosing what I wanted for Christmas, but would never get. Haha
I've been building with Lego since the early '80s, and took part in almost every theme mentioned, yet this book somehow managed to showcase almost none of the sets I've built, and only the ones that I wished I would have received, which made me feel like I was a kid flipping through the Lego magazine, choosing what I wanted for Christmas, but would never get. Haha
May 28, 2023
I had supported this book on Unbound (Check the site out) and am happy to have my name in the supporters section. As you can see, I gave this book a five star rating as I received excellent value for my money after watching my expectations rise while waiting for Daniel Konstanski to complete the process of writing this marvelous book.
Like so many, I played with Lego as a child, moved onto other hobbies as I grew older, then rediscovered the pleasures of this simple brick as an adult and have not looked back. While there are internet sites, and even some rather good podcasts, that pontificate about the marvels of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, the durable material Lego is made out of, it had been difficult for me to see behind the scenes until the author pitched the idea for this book. He was then granted unprecedented behind the scenes access, which enabled him to provide a thorough look into the history and development of the company and its product.
One of the many areas this book focuses on is the physics behind the brick. How do you come up with a plastic block that will combine with the bricks in any other set sold since day one? How do you best develop an interlocking system that provides enough grip strength to hold a build together, but that can still be taken apart, again and again and again? The answer, simple when you know it, illustrates the incredible developmental processes that went into and go on to ensure an incredibly high level of care that Lego takes to deliver to a devoted fan base.
Moving from generic building sets to actual models is another fascinating process. What makes the cut and what does not? What licenses does Lego pursue and why? How did they expand focus from children only to adults? How did they get into television then into movies? And just what is this thing with minifigures anyway? All this and more is tucked into a book which emulates a Lego brick and had me captivated from page one. This is the book that every Lego fan has been waiting for and one which delivers on all fronts. (And don't get me started on the wonderful illustrations and pictures. I envy Mr. Konstanski's access to see the Lego archives!)
Easy to read, informative and clearly a labor of love from a true fan this is a book any Lego fan would be happy to read and proud to own.
Like so many, I played with Lego as a child, moved onto other hobbies as I grew older, then rediscovered the pleasures of this simple brick as an adult and have not looked back. While there are internet sites, and even some rather good podcasts, that pontificate about the marvels of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene or ABS, the durable material Lego is made out of, it had been difficult for me to see behind the scenes until the author pitched the idea for this book. He was then granted unprecedented behind the scenes access, which enabled him to provide a thorough look into the history and development of the company and its product.
One of the many areas this book focuses on is the physics behind the brick. How do you come up with a plastic block that will combine with the bricks in any other set sold since day one? How do you best develop an interlocking system that provides enough grip strength to hold a build together, but that can still be taken apart, again and again and again? The answer, simple when you know it, illustrates the incredible developmental processes that went into and go on to ensure an incredibly high level of care that Lego takes to deliver to a devoted fan base.
Moving from generic building sets to actual models is another fascinating process. What makes the cut and what does not? What licenses does Lego pursue and why? How did they expand focus from children only to adults? How did they get into television then into movies? And just what is this thing with minifigures anyway? All this and more is tucked into a book which emulates a Lego brick and had me captivated from page one. This is the book that every Lego fan has been waiting for and one which delivers on all fronts. (And don't get me started on the wonderful illustrations and pictures. I envy Mr. Konstanski's access to see the Lego archives!)
Easy to read, informative and clearly a labor of love from a true fan this is a book any Lego fan would be happy to read and proud to own.
June 23, 2024
3.5-4 stars
Thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The appeal for Lego never seems to wane. We loved it as kids, and we love it as adults. My nephew plays with the Lego my brother and I played with 30 years ago. It's fantastic. And now with the slightly more fancy Lego packs - the Star Wars one and whatnot - it's clear Lego is not just for a kids anymore. I am desperate for the Lord of the Rings Rivendell kit, but at £430 it's a wee out of my price range, so I'm living vicariously through this book instead.
Who knew a book about a toy would be so interesting, or even warrant a 400 page book. It's fascinating.
I know Lego is predominately a children's play thing, but I wouldn't say this is a children's book. Sure, some older children might enjoy it, but I think it's more technical and more involved, in a way that would only really appeal to adults as it's very text heavy and very detailed.
It's interesting to read that the plastic blocks were not the main part of the business. Wooden toys were where it was at, the plastic toys were just seen as more of an afterthought or a side thing. So I was really interested to read just how close it came to being lost to history.
It's full of photos of original pieces, modern pieces, drawings, people, ideas. And I get the idea that this may be the first time some of these images are seen by the public. Original sketches, patent papers and whatnot, which was a good historical aspect.
It is a bit dry. It's very informative, interesting, educational. But for me, I wouldn't say it's exciting, or relaxing to read, at least for me. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about Lego and about business etc. but it's not one I'd recommend for curling up of an evening with to lose yourself in.
It might seem obvious to say but, if you're not a Lego fan, don't read this. It doesn't really offer anything else other than the history and making Lego, which is precisely what it says it does. But I think you need to be a hardcore Lego fan to get the most out of this.
Thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.
The appeal for Lego never seems to wane. We loved it as kids, and we love it as adults. My nephew plays with the Lego my brother and I played with 30 years ago. It's fantastic. And now with the slightly more fancy Lego packs - the Star Wars one and whatnot - it's clear Lego is not just for a kids anymore. I am desperate for the Lord of the Rings Rivendell kit, but at £430 it's a wee out of my price range, so I'm living vicariously through this book instead.
Who knew a book about a toy would be so interesting, or even warrant a 400 page book. It's fascinating.
I know Lego is predominately a children's play thing, but I wouldn't say this is a children's book. Sure, some older children might enjoy it, but I think it's more technical and more involved, in a way that would only really appeal to adults as it's very text heavy and very detailed.
It's interesting to read that the plastic blocks were not the main part of the business. Wooden toys were where it was at, the plastic toys were just seen as more of an afterthought or a side thing. So I was really interested to read just how close it came to being lost to history.
It's full of photos of original pieces, modern pieces, drawings, people, ideas. And I get the idea that this may be the first time some of these images are seen by the public. Original sketches, patent papers and whatnot, which was a good historical aspect.
It is a bit dry. It's very informative, interesting, educational. But for me, I wouldn't say it's exciting, or relaxing to read, at least for me. I enjoyed it and learned a lot about Lego and about business etc. but it's not one I'd recommend for curling up of an evening with to lose yourself in.
It might seem obvious to say but, if you're not a Lego fan, don't read this. It doesn't really offer anything else other than the history and making Lego, which is precisely what it says it does. But I think you need to be a hardcore Lego fan to get the most out of this.
September 20, 2024
What can you give a Lego fan they don't already have? Possibly the story and history behind the brand would work. I'm not a Lego fan but I do find it an interesting interest, and I do have at least one of them in my family. I've already heard from close Lego fans about some of the history but in this book, we find a pretty comprehensive story, giving details on such minutiae as how the final design of the bricks came to be realized. It's all a fascinating story, probably much more so for those who are more interest than me. Included are plenty of photographs and drawings to provide even more detail.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I rate it four stars. Thank you to Unbound and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of the book. I have provided my feedback voluntarily.
This was a thoroughly enjoyable book, and I rate it four stars. Thank you to Unbound and Netgalley for giving me a free copy of the book. I have provided my feedback voluntarily.
August 11, 2024
"The Secret Life of LEGO® Bricks" is a great dive into the world of LEGO that every fan needs on their shelf. This book takes you from the humble beginnings of the hollow brick to the incredible designs we see today, revealing all the magic behind the scenes.
Daniel Konstantski gets access to LEGO's inner sanctum, chatting with design wizards and element testers, and the result is a book packed with fun facts, cool visuals, and pure LEGO love. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who’s ever clicked two bricks together and felt the joy of creation.
An awesome read that’ll make you want to dump out a box of bricks and start building immediately. Highly recommended!
Thank you NetGalley and Unbound for a Review Copy
Daniel Konstantski gets access to LEGO's inner sanctum, chatting with design wizards and element testers, and the result is a book packed with fun facts, cool visuals, and pure LEGO love. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who’s ever clicked two bricks together and felt the joy of creation.
An awesome read that’ll make you want to dump out a box of bricks and start building immediately. Highly recommended!
Thank you NetGalley and Unbound for a Review Copy
May 12, 2024
A wonderful exploration of lego and the LEGO Group Company. Full of fascinating details from history to brick mechanics to LEGO Group’s design processes. I learnt a lot and came away with even more love for the toys and the remarkable people behind them.
September 30, 2025
Amazing backstory and history to so many bricks and sets. I enjoyed it a lot. So many memories of building as a kid surfaced and inspiration to keep on building.
October 1, 2023
There's some really great information here about how LEGO picks their themes and how specific bricks were designed and chosen for inclusion in sets, and the pictures and layout are beautiful, but I wish it had gone a bit deeper in some places.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews