If you go down to the woods today...On 14 November 1902, the 52nd President of the USA Teddy Roosevelt refused to shoot a captive bear on a hunting trip. Newspaper reports inspired Russian immigrant Rose Michtom to make a toy bear, and 'Teddy's Bear' was sold from her shop in Brooklyn. Around the same time, the first Steiff German bears were produced. Within five years millions of bears were being made around the world. This entertaining illustrated book, published to coincide with the centenary of the Teddy Bear, relates the history behind the phenomenal success of everyone's much loved childhood companion and now collectors item. From earliest times, the bear has demanded respect. In Siberia, bears were said to be messengers from the spirit world, and the Romans gave their name to the stars. The Three Bears was penned by Robert Southey in 1837, and later heroes appeared in literature like Winnie-the-Pooh and Rupert Bear in the 1920s, followed by Paddington. Today, teddy bears are adored by millions worldwide, with conventions, rallies and websites bringing fanatics together. Special edition bears are even produced to commemorate important events. Packed with entertaining stories and information, The Little History of the Teddy Bear will be enjoyed by those who love bears, and also by everyone with fond memories of their childhood friend.