Book Review by Steve Pugh: ‘Swivel and Swop’ By Ed Poole – In 2022 Ed Poole produced what was probably the most beautifully illustrated and most definitive guide to a series of toy soldiers to date with his book ‘Swords and Roses’ covering Britains, Wars of the Roses, Swoppet Knights. Clearly enthused by his task and not wishing to rest on his laurels Ed has now taken the next step and created a second book that covers the whole of the rest of the Herald / Britains Swoppet range and in fact draws in other series that have influenced the range to create what he has termed the Swoppet Family. So, we have reference to Eyes Right and Herald solid figures, plus a host of accessories that were designed by Britains to interact with their Swoppet figures – Ed has titled his new book a ‘Collecting Guide for Britains Swoppet Figures’ and indeed there is an extraordinary amount of detail that will provide you with information on colours and types of plastic used, paint colours and variations, component parts, rarities – and the list goes on – This book however is not just a Collecting Guide but is also a story familiar to all collectors that enthuses passion and joy for the subject. The extraordinary amount of detail about the figures is interspersed with a humorous often self-deprecating commentary that make the mountain of factual information easy to climb – This book also includes a touch of magic as each chapter includes a section called ‘Swoppet Mystery’ where the author tries to help unravel some of the stranger aspects of each series, leaving plenty of scope for speculation and debate – The author makes it clear that his book is standing on the shoulder of giants in terms of generous praise for the Herald / Britains design team and specifically the teams leader Roy Selwyn-Smith. Also, throughout the book there is reference to the ‘Body of Work’ that preceded it and on which the book builds, including the five PW checklists of Britains Swoppet figures and Peter Coles various contributions especially his book Suspended Animation. As well as many more acknowledgements. It is therefore very fitting that Peter has written the foreword to the book – I could not finish this review without mentioning the superb quality and quantity of the colour photography. Those lucky enough to have seen Ed’s first book will have an idea of what to expect but this book takes it to another level – This book may be a story about some of the most loved toy figures ever produced in the golden age of toy soldier manufacture, but it is not the end of the story. This book includes (Chapter 9) a supplement on his previous book Swords and Roses, so the author clearly demonstrates that there are still things to discover about this fascinating hobby – Swivel and Swop – can be purchased in Hard or Soft back versions and will be sold in the UK through Barney Brown’s website – www.heraldtoysandmodels.co.uk and from the US online at www.SwivelAndSwop.com – Planned sales price: US: Soft Cover $59, Hard Cover $77 – UK: Soft Cover £55 (All postage to be confirmed).
