Full Description
Invented in Sweden in 1844, the safety match illuminated the lives of people around the world. The labels adorning these matchboxes were equally illuminating. There was a time when matchboxes were ubiquitous, carried in the pockets of people around the world. For this reason, the humble matchbox was embraced as a vehicle for influence. As the home of the safety match, Swedish matchbox labels became a valuable commodity in and of themselves. Swedish match factories were not just selling safety matches. They were selling a message to the people of Sweden and around the world. Strike! brings this forgotten world to life, showcasing hundreds of full colour Swedish matchbox labels. It also serves as a reminder of intellectual property law's pervasive historical influence, deeply interwoven into all facets of our lives.
Contents
Introduction; 1. Swedish Match; 2. A History of Match Making; 3. The Matchbox Label; 4. The Golden Age; 5. The Icons; 6. Royalty; 7. Exporting Sweden to the World; 8. Politics and Propaganda; 9. Matchbox Merchandising; 10. Swedish Match Today; Conclusion.
