The Secret Life of LEGO® Bricks: The Story of a Design Icon

by Daniel Konstanski

Genres: Nonfiction, History

336 pages, Hardcover

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Josephine Jarman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating insight into the history of this traditional favourite lego. I love the history and quotes from marketing etc. It got a bit too technical for me in places and could have benefited from more colour pictures.. it was nice to read but would appeal more to hard-core lego fans who would appreciate the technical side more. A different version with pictures might appeal more to tgd masses. A pleasure tovread. Thanks to netgallery pub and author

[meggy (readsinbloom)]

Ask yourself a couple questions: how much do I love legos? Am I interested in why legos are the height that they are? Am I interested in the origin of the minifigure? If you are not that interested in legos, this book may not be the one for you. If you are enthusiastic about all things lego this is 100% the book for you!

The author, Daniel Konstanski, put a visible amount of hard work and effort into this book. It goes into incredible detail regarding legos, and even has captivating images that I don’t believe you can find anywhere else. This book is a must have for any lego fan.

[Lindsey (endless_tbr_list) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been a fan of LEGO ever since I was young, and this book was like stepping back in time. I recognized so many sets from my childhood and loved hearing about their conception as well as the reasoning behind their eventual retirement or evolution. It was a wonderfully entertaining and educational experience!

With chapters on everything from signature colors, to LEGO Technic's innovative design, to Hollywood partnerships, it was so interesting seeing how sets come to life from little more than ideas and possibly some long forgotten molds. Additionally, as someone who is now very much an adult LEGO enthusiast, I loved seeing how design has grown to not only include sets that are targeted at younger builders, but older ones as well. Through interviews with dozens of past and present LEGO employees, Konstanski strove to uncover not only how these little bricks work, but also how they came to be, and I do believe he succeeded. The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks is truly a deep dive into the engineering of one of the world's most famous toys.

Thank you to Unbound and NetGalley for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[LG (A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions) · Rating 4 out of 5]

After finishing Brian Barrett's LEGO: The Art of the Minifigure, I came across this book and thought it would be a nice way to expand upon what I learned. However, I hesitated on Konstanski's book for a long while, primarily due to reviews that indicated that font size was too small.

Unfortunately, I agree with those reviewers. It's the worst thing about this book. For the most part, I could still manage to read the text, but there were a few captions that I had to just accept I wasn't going to be able to read, even with my glasses properly on my face.

Despite my issues with the font size, overall I thought this was a worthwhile read. When I was a kid, my family could only afford a basic LEGO brick set, and even as an adult I've only bought a few small, cheap sets. For some reason, however, I seem to really enjoy learning about the LEGO design process and how and why different sets were developed.

You get that in spades here. The first chapter looks at the design of the classic 2x4 brick. Chapter 2 gets into the creation of the LEGO wheel and LEGO trains. Chapter 3 is focused on brick-built LEGO people, minifigures, and the mini dolls for LEGO Friends. Chapter 4 looks at the decision to focus on three distinct time-period settings (past, present, and future) and looks at sets developed for the "past" part of the time-period themes. Chapter 5 looks at LEGO monorails and rollercoasters. Chapter 6 looks at LEGO Town and LEGO City. Chapter 7 gets into more advanced and detailed LEGO building, with the creation of LEGO Technic. Chapters 8, 9, and 10 deal with licensed worlds like Star Wars and Hogwarts, as well as experiments with creating LEGO-born worlds and IP, like Bionicle, Ninjago, and Legends of Chima. The last chapter looks at experiments with larger (and therefore more expensive) sets and LEGO Creator 3-in-1.

Everything was accompanied by gorgeous full-color (when possible) photos. It's unlikely that I'll ever see most of these sets in person, but it was still enjoyable reading about them and the work and planning that went into them as designers tried to extend the boundaries of what was possible. There were (and are) restrictions on how many new and/or unique elements could be present in sets, and it was fascinating reading about how designers tried to solve various problems resulting from these and other limitations.

I have to admit that I was much less interested in Chapters 8 through 10, except when they discussed creative efforts to repurpose elements from past sets. Also, if you're looking for information about disagreements within the company about various decisions that were made and directions taken, you won't find much here. I think Brian Barrett's minifigure book hinted at more disagreements than this book. Not surprising, really, considering how closely Konstantski worked with LEGO Group and how much input it sounded like the company had on the final product. No one wants their company to look anything other than perfect.

All in all, this was interesting reading, and I got through it much more quickly than I expected.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! And yet, while reading, I had strong urges to put the book down and find some LEGOs to build with!

The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks is a comprehensive history of the company behind the iconic blocks and the evolution of LEGO over time. It was fascinating. The book never got bogged down. Every detail was salient and interesting. And every single page had full color photos of bricks and models.

The author, Daniel Konstanski, did a lot of research and interviewing. The book is chock full of information that feels like "insider info." The book flows smoothly from one time period and/or topic to another. Every part relates to the others naturally and feels relevant.

This book is for anyone who has ever picked up a LEGO. It will lead to an even deeper appreciation of the building tools that have been created, and will build an even greater anticipation for bricks to come. I can't recommend highly enough.

[Whitney]

Did I actually *read* all of the words in this book? No. But I did look through all of the pictures so I’m counting it anyway

[Ron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Have you ever played with LEGO bricks? Watched The LEGO Movie? Bought a set just for yourself, not for some child in your life? Then you are likely a LEGO fan and can appreciate the work Daniel Konstanski put into The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks!

In eleven chapters and 300+ pages, Konstanski takes the reader through the history of the LEGO company from its beginning as a wooden toy company to the concept of building with plastic bricks to the powerhouse company it is today. Along the way the reader gets to see part of the patent for that first plastic brick, then follow the process on how sets are designed, storyboarded, prototyped, and manufactured. The reader follows the evolution of the LEGO brand from sets being designed for kids to free build their imagination to sets to create familiar setting such as homes, fire stations, police stations to more exotic setting such as castles, pirates, and space travel. Then along came Technic and Bionicle along with licensed sets such as Star Wars, Harry Potter, Avengers, and the like aimed for adults as well as children. Along side that LEGO developed its own intellectual properties with Ninjago and its related TV series and stuffed toys which led to The LEGO Movie and its spin-offs.

So if you are interested from hearing from the people behind the LEGO products you love, read The Secret Life of Lego Bricks! You will not regret it!

Thanks Netgalley for a chance to read this title!

[Jennyfer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks is a fascinating tale of the humble plastic brick that is known and beloved by the world. Detailing the history of the bricks from their inception, and pulling in marketing images, patent designs and quotes from the Lego team, this book is a comprehensive guide to the little plastic bricks and the designers behind them.

There are sections on patents and specific elements like animals, trains, tracks, cities, etc, explaining how and why sets and pieces were designed they way they were, and the design processes behind specific brick shapes like the "Earling brick" (headlight bricks with studs on the sides) or brick panels

A common theme throughout was "trust the children" - let the kids' imaginations run rampant. Another recurrent theme is the avoidance of combat. While factions were set up in sets such as Pirate or Castle sets, there are no "good guys" and "bad guys"..

The photos of retro sets brings back a huge wave of nostalgia for the old-school sets we had growing up, and it's wonderful to see the evolution of themes/designs over time and the development of Technic, powered, programmable sets, and of course the licensed sets we know today.

A fascinating, in-depth guide to the humble Lego brick, this is a must read for any AFOL.

~ Many thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ~

[Val Robson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a little disappointing for me as I was expecting more about the history of the company and anecdotes of business transactions, especially when liaising with famous film studios to negotiate use of their original designs in Lego.

It felt more like a cross between a marketing manual for Lego's branding and an engineering manual with minute details of bricks and kits over the years. I was more interested in the 1960s era of Lego which was the time I was most into it. This would be a great book if you have stuck with Lego over the years and enjoyed all of their evolving technology and kits. I guess I was more interesting in the basic original bricks which was a tiny fraction of the book's contents.

I had to read this on my laptop as there wasn't a Kindle version available. I don't think it would ever work on a Kindle due to the many images. However, even on my laptop it was challenging to see as many of the images were over two screens and I couldn't see the full image often.

With thanks to NetGalley and Unbound for a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Sharondblk · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not sure why I requested this book - but I thank NetGalley and the publishers for an e-arc in exchange for this review. I played with Lego as a child, but it's not something I continued. I remember having a box of Lego pieces at my grandparents. My brother and I stayed there every second Friday night, and it lived in the cupboard of the bedroom we shared. Having now read this book, I don't think I'm the target audience. It's a fascinating, but very deep dive into Lego for adult fans. This book is beautifully put together, with illustrative photos It's quite technical, while still being interesting. The author is clearly (and transparently) a fan of the product. One interesting thing is this book is completely non-political. While there is some discussion on ethical supply chains, there is no interrogation of (for example) the gendered expectations of play, or the move from wooden crafted toys to plastic injected ones. that's not the purpose of this book. The point of this book is to examine, in great detail, the development and success of Lego including individual pieces and styles, from a technical point of view. If that sounds like your sort of thing, this book is for you.

[Book Club of One · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Konstanski's The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks, is overall, a delight any fan of LEGO will be happy to explore. It tells the story of LEGO's history as a toy company from their first designs through to the near present.

The narrative moves chronologically, with copious images used for marketing, internal drafting or other purposes. The text also features many pulled quotes from different interviews matching the chapter subject. There are lots of little details, but overall it shows how the company has always been focused on appealing to its audience and being adaptive to their desires. LEGO always has several themes at different stages of development and learns from past success and failures.

Recurrent themes are on encouraging imaginative play, being challenging without being difficult and avoiding clear depictions of combat. The latter was shown in having multiple teams or groups competing, but avoiding guns for many years. (For example police capture criminals, but then the criminals escape).

LEGO fans will enjoy the behind the scenes development processes and all the discussions of the LEGO themes that weren't for various reasons. One of these great lost themes was LEGO Rome.

Recommend to readers of business and marketing or LEGO fans.

I received a free digital version of this book via NetGalley thanks to the publisher.

[Laura Hannaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wasn’t entirely sure what I was signing up for with this book: was it going to be a business biography; a popular science textbook; or have lots of pretty pictures of Lego builds through the decades? Enjoyably for me it turned out to be a mix of all three.

It looks at the formation of the company in 1930s Denmark, the values the provided the company framework and how it has changed and evolved in the present. It also looks at the detail of how and why Lego works the way that it does. Why it’s made from particular materials, why the bricks are the size they are and how new bricks are commissioned.

It’s written by someone with obvious passion for his subject who conveys his fascination to the reader with great skill. It isn’t a warts and all look at a corporation it’s an appreciation of ingenuity and passion.

I’d highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the hows and whys of the Lego brick system.

*** My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher ***

[Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this an interesting read that I could dip in and out of. I particularly enjoyed the illustrations and photographs included of old Lego sets, prototypes, and popular sets. Konstanski is a self-confessed Lego fan, and this is apparent throughout. This is the perfect read for real Lego fans that would enjoy the details about the moulds used to reproduce Lego elements, the idea process, and the ethos of the company. I would recommend this for adults rather than young Lego fans as sections could be quite dry and mathematical in places. I was really amazed at how collaborative the Lego company is and the thought and time that goes into the final lego product on the shelves.
An enjoyable read and the perfect gift for Lego nerds.
Thank you to Netalley for an advamced read in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge LEGO fan, this book was right up my street. I grew up with two older brothers and remember weeks when our dining room table would be completely taken over by sprawling LEGO cities. My mum would despair at the chaos but for us, it was pure magic. So, when I saw The Secret Life of LEGO by Daniel Konstanski, I jumped at the chance to read it.

This book is packed with detail and clearly the product of extensive research and genuine passion. It delves into how LEGO went from a humble toy to a global cultural phenomenon, and Konstanski doesn’t shy away from exploring the highs and lows of the brand’s journey.

While it occasionally gets a little dense, the writing remains accessible and engaging, even for more casual fans. It’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever lost themselves in the world of bricks.

[Vicuña · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely packed with detail, all presented in a totally engaging way. I was given a Lego pack in 1960. It was very simple; just a base and a few bricks and even with imagination, it was difficult to build anything too exciting. But over the years, other packs were added and eventually there was a huge tin of Lego. This was passed down over three generations and current family youngsters still play with some of the original pieces. I’m amazed when I see kits now; so many characters, choice of colours, and clearly affiliation with different franchises.

This book is a truly fascinating slice of social history. Lego is an institution, recognisable world wide and the story behind the brand and the idea is remarkable. Loved this book.

[Destiny Cejka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Net Galley and publishers for letting me read an arc of this book in return for an honest review.

Do you love Lego? Like do you really love Lego? Then this book is for you. It's a super detailed book about the history of the Lego brick. If you want to know the specific dimensions of the Lego brick and how the minifigure came to be then look no further! This is a great coffee table book for Lego lovers. I learned how many teams of people are needed for a single theme, and what the original patents look like. I loved all the pictures throughout the book to see how the first Legos looked like.

[Leona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fascinating peek behind the doors of the Lego company, showing such an in-depth perusal through their archives with the various themes and collections over the years. Like many, I was brought up on those awesome bricks and loved letting my imagination run riot when I was a child with tub after tub of Lego. Konstanski helped educate me on so many sets that I wasn’t familiar with and the way in which the company workshop not only the ideas but the actual pieces in their catalogue.

You never lose your love of Lego, and this tremendous trove of delights will make you giddy with nostalgia and envious for the sets you never had!

I received an early copy from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for a review.

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a fascinating and in-depth exploration of Lego, specifically tailored for adult enthusiasts.
The book is beautifully crafted, featuring illustrative photos that enhance its appeal. While it delves into technical aspects, it remains engaging throughout. The author’s passion for Lego is evident and transparently conveyed.
The primary focus of this book is to meticulously examine the development and success of Lego, including individual pieces and styles, from a technical perspective. If this sounds like your kind of read, then this book is definitely for you.

Thank you to NetGalley and Unbound

[Emma F · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starting with how the Lego system in play came into being this book is a treasure trove of information. It’s a fascinating behind the scenes look at the plastic brick toy, and how they moved into creating sets for adult fans, the history of the minifig, the development of different themes, and Lego Technic, to name a few. The author has interviewed many Lego employees, who share their memories and experiences. It includes images of the patent drawings, behind the scenes and lots and lots of Lego sets. It contains the answers to questions about Lego you never knew you had!

[Cass · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of LEGOs since I was a child, I was excited to receive on ARC of The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks. I felt like I learned so much about the history of LEGOs from this book. Starting from how the LEGO brick and system was created, and then expanding into different pieces and themed sets was a good way to share this information with the reader. I also enjoyed the sections the book was broken up into. The writing was engaging to read, so it kep me reading!
I can't wait to encourage my friends who are also LEGO fans to read this book!

[Carla Tromo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calling all LEGO fans! This book provides such an extraordinary insight into the history of LEGO. I’ve always been a fan but had never considered the science behind the development of the LEGO brick system and the detail it goes in to throughout this book is mind blowing!
The book contains lots of images including original design ideas and sets from the past. I absolutely loved the nostalgia and have next level appreciation for all things LEGO!
Thank you Netgalley and Unbound for this ARC to review.

[David Wong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the history of LEGO as a company, how certain sets and pieces came about as well as the internal process. If you are wondering why some minifigs and prints dont make the cut or any other curiosities, this book likely answers those questions with over 60 interviews with current and past employees. Lots of photographs from the archives. If you are a LEGO fan or just curious about LEGO, a worthy book. The only downside of this book is the font size. It is a little small and a tad hard to read.

[Ande Davidson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret Life of LEGO Bricks is an IN-DEPTH history of lego and how it became the brick empire that it is today. I was fascinated by this book. It was really detailed & included so much history about lego! This is definitely geared towards adults with a strong interest in lego, and less for the casual reader, but it was really well done!

Thanks to NetGalley, Daniel Konstanski, and Unbound for the chance to read and review. My opinions are my own.

[Emma Showler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for this ARC. An interesting read, not available on the Kindle so read as a download for the laptop and Netgalley shelf. A good book for Lego fans which has clearly been well researched and the images are a nice addition. Not quite what I expected or covering as much History as I was hoping for but nonetheless I can see Lego fans will adore this very well researched book.

[Tracy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge fan of Lego both as a child and an adult this book was an excellent read. I loved how it took you through from how the Lego brick came about and then the various developments through the years to get the sets that I loved as a child (even yes, the policeman didn’t fit into the car) to the ones that we now have today where the policeman does fit inside! Definitely a book for Lego fans!

[David Jonescu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who doesn’t love lego? This book is a must have for anyone who calls themself a lego lover. Has all the important history points and how Lego came together. Plus getting to look at all the old classic Lego sets is always fun!

I received a free advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC! I love Legos and thought this would be an interesting read and it is but there are a lot more technical facts than what I am interested in reading about. I think this book would be better suited for someone with an engineering type brain. I did still enjoy the book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys this type of detail.

[Zoe Forever Reading 16 · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love Lego this book is for you. It provides lots of history on Lego and includes lots of illustrations, sketches and photos. There is so much more to Lego than just the brick and it’s an interesting book for Lego fans. My family and I have always loved Lego so when I was given the opportunity to read this book I couldn’t say no.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My house on currently a Lego construction zone. We have a quarter of a Eiffel Tower in the living room and a map for my office. My office has a lego town. This book is a behind the scene and a history of my favorite little bricks. There are great images and techinical drawings.

Thank you NetGalley and Unbound for an advanced copy! I need to go work on the map! #Lego #Legos #NetGalley

[Derek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hadn’t realised how much of my life had overlapped with LEGO until I read this. An historical insight, a nostalgic journey back to my youth (including a Proustian Madeleine moment with the photo of a ‘nylon hinge coupling’) and an education into themes I had missed before I returned to building in later years, this captivated me from start to finish.