best books about lego

The Best Books about LEGO

In this list

14 books

  1. LEGO Minifigure: A Visual History · Gregory Farshtey, Daniel Lipkowitz and Simon Hugo
  2. The LEGO Ideas Book: You Can Build Anything by Simon Hugo, Tori Kosara, Julia March and Catherine Saunders
  3. LEGO In Focus: Explore the Miniature World of LEGO Photography · LEGO
  4. The LEGO Story · Jens Andersen
  5. The LEGO Engineer · Jeff Friesen
  6. The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations · Sarah Dees
  7. LEGO: The Art of the Minifigure · Brian Barrett
  8. 365 Things to Do With LEGO Bricks · Simon Hugo and Alice Finch
  9. The Secrets of LEGO House · Jesus Diaz
  10. The LEGO Architecture Idea Book · Alice Finch
  11. The LEGO Book · Daniel Lipkowitz
  12. Brick by Brick · David Robertson and Bill Breen
  13. The Cult of LEGO · John Baichtal and Joe Meno
  14. A Million Little Bricks: The Unofficial Illustrated History of the LEGO Phenomenon · Sarah Herman

I am a HUGE fan of LEGO. I was a little excited to put this reading list of the best books about LEGO together, I’ll admit. So, why would anyone want to read books about LEGO? There are many reasons why someone might want to read books about LEGO. It may be because they are interested in LEGO building and design: Some books about LEGO are focused on the art of building and designing with the bricks. These books can teach you new building techniques and provide inspiration for your own LEGO creations.

Many people are fascinated with LEGO history and culture. Some books about LEGO delve into the history of the company and the cultural impact of LEGO bricks. These books can be interesting for those who are fans of LEGO and want to learn more about the brand. LEGO can also be a great learning tool, with the famous bricks being able to be used as a tool for learning and education. Books that explore this aspect of LEGO can help educators and parents find new ways to use LEGO bricks to teach and engage children.

Finally, there is LEGO fan culture. There is a large and passionate community of LEGO fans around the world. Books about LEGO can provide insight into this community and the various events and activities that LEGO fans enjoy. Overall, reading books about LEGO can be a fun and educational way to learn more about the bricks and the culture surrounding them.

So here are the best books about LEGO…


1.

LEGO Minifigure: A Visual History

“LEGO Minifigure: A Visual History” is a book that celebrates the history of the LEGO minifigure. This fully updated edition features more than 2,000 of the most popular and rarest minifigures from various LEGO themes, including NINJAGO, THE LEGO MOVIE, Star Wars, City, Harry Potter, and many others. The book covers the entire history of the minifigure, which was first created in 1978. Today, the entire minifigure population could circle the globe more than five times.

This book is a must-have for any LEGO fan, with minifigures ranging from astronauts and vampires to Super Heroes and movie characters. As a special bonus, the book also includes an exclusive orange spaceman minifigure.

2.

The LEGO Ideas Book: You Can Build Anything

“The LEGO Ideas Book” is a comprehensive guide to building with LEGO bricks. This new edition features hundreds of all-new models and building ideas, created by LEGO fan builders and professional designers. With tips and tricks for becoming a better builder, this book is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts of all ages. It includes ideas for building a variety of models, including dream homes, alien sports centers, time machines, and more.

There is no limit to what you can build with LEGO bricks, and this book is sure to inspire you to create your own amazing creations. Whether you are a seasoned LEGO builder or just starting out, “The LEGO Ideas Book” is a must-have resource for unleashing your creativity and imagination.

3.

LEGO In Focus: Explore the Miniature World of LEGO Photography

“LEGO In Focus” is a visually stunning photography book that explores the world through the lens of LEGO bricks and minifigures. The book features the work of 30 toy photographers from around the globe, who have used their imagination and creativity to capture unique perspectives on a variety of subjects, including nature, urban life, travel, and adventure. Each image is full of surprises and hidden humor, and the detailed captions and behind-the-scenes progress images provide insight into the bricks and elements used to create the photos.

This book is perfect for LEGO fans and dreamers of all ages, and is the first of its kind to bring together adult LEGO fan communities from around the world. With its broad appeal and beloved brand, “LEGO In Focus” is a must-have for any fan of LEGO photography.

4.

The LEGO Story

“The LEGO Story” is a comprehensive history of the LEGO brand, based on unprecedented access to the company’s archives and rare interviews with the founding family. Written by Jens Andersen with contributions from Kjeld Kirk Kristiansen, former president and CEO of the LEGO Group and grandson of the founder, this book tells the story of how LEGO evolved from a small carpentry business into the world’s largest producer of play materials and one of the most beloved brands in the world.

The book explores the significance of play for humanity and the importance of nurturing the inner child, and is richly illustrated with never-before-seen photos from the family’s private archive. “The LEGO Story” is a fascinating cultural history and a must-read for any fan of LEGO.

5.

The LEGO Engineer

“The LEGO Engineer” is a fun and informative book that combines LEGO bricks with the principles of engineering. Written by expert LEGO builder Jeff Friesen, this book takes readers on a tour of the world of engineering, from towering skyscrapers to powerful rockets to speeding bullet trains.

Each chapter includes step-by-step instructions for building LEGO models that showcase different engineering concepts, such as how diesel and electric engines work together to drive freight trains, how container ships are designed for fuel efficiency, and how cable-stayed and suspension bridges distribute weight. With over 30 models to build and learn from, “The LEGO Engineer” is a great resource for anyone interested in understanding engineering principles and applying them to LEGO building.

6.

The Big Book of Amazing LEGO Creations

“The Big Book of LEGO Creations” is a massive collection of action-packed building projects that will inspire LEGO lovers of all levels to create for days on end. With more than 300,000 books in the series already in print, this book is sure to be a hit with kids and tinkerers of any age. The projects, which range from sleek race cars to fairytale creatures and secret spy headquarters, are accompanied by step-by-step pictures and detailed instructions, making them easy to follow.

In this book, you can explore far and wide with adventurer ATVs, military humvees, and mini animal safaris, or build your dream seaside vacation complete with a surf shack, ice cream stand, and pirate ship. The silly stories and scene suggestions included in the book will inspire countless hours of play, making this the perfect gift for kids who crave variety in their LEGO building.

7.

LEGO: The Art of the Minifigure

“The LEGO Minifigure: A Cultural Icon” is a beautiful visual celebration of the iconic LEGO minifigure. Over the past 40 years, the minifigure has evolved from a simple yellow figurine into a global pop culture icon, and this book celebrates its colorful history, evolving design, and lasting impact. The book features compelling interviews and essays, as well as stunning photography and never-before-seen visuals from the LEGO archives and beyond.

It is a must-have for all LEGO fans, from avid collectors to those who simply grew up with the minifigure and want to learn more about its history. “The LEGO Minifigure: A Cultural Icon” is a testament to the enduring appeal of the LEGO brand and the joy that it brings to people of all ages around the world.

8.

365 Things to Do With LEGO Bricks

“365 Things to do with LEGO” is a fantastic book that has won the Best Book in the Creative Play Awards 2016. It offers an abundance of unique and innovative ways to use LEGO bricks, including activities, games, challenges, and pranks. Some of the exciting ideas included in the book are going on a LEGO treasure hunt, performing magic tricks with LEGO, making a stop-motion movie, building a LEGO pet, and challenging your family to build the tallest tower.

The book includes a range of building and play ideas, from quick games that require just a few bricks to more involved activities that can keep you entertained for hours. Overall, this book is sure to inspire you to think creatively and have fun with your LEGO bricks.

9.

The Secrets of LEGO House

“The Secrets of LEGO House” is a comprehensive guide to the official LEGO House in Billund, Denmark, known as the “home of the brick.” It provides an in-depth look at the various themed “zones” within the LEGO House, including the yellow zone for emotions, the blue zone for problem solving, the green zone for social interaction, and the red zone for creativity. The book features exclusive content, including photos, interviews, essays, and art from the LEGO archives, and provides an insider’s perspective on the creative philosophy behind the iconic brand.

Throughout the book, readers will discover the “secrets” hidden among the 25 million LEGO bricks, which are all purpose-designed to promote learning through play based on nine core principles. This book is perfect for avid collectors and fans of the LEGO brand, as well as anyone interested in the history of the beloved toy. It is a vibrant celebration of the endless possibilities and experiences offered by LEGO bricks.

10.

The LEGO Architecture Idea Book

“The LEGO Architecture Idea Book” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to take their LEGO building skills to the next level. It offers an array of creative ideas for constructing architectural elements such as columns, doors, windows, and walls. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions, the book includes helpful photography that demonstrates how to achieve various looks and adapt them to your own builds.

You’ll learn how to build impressive walls with brick-and-mortar effects, create structural effects such as timber framing and shingled roofs, and add unique touches like “stained glass” and intricate color patterns. The book also includes tips on using unconventional pieces like croissants, snakes, and goblets to create architectural ornamentation. With its wealth of clever ideas, “The LEGO Architecture Idea Book” will help you transform your buildings into impressive, realistic structures.

11.

The LEGO Book

“The LEGO Book” is an extensive guide to the fascinating history of the LEGO Group and its beloved bricks, sets, minifigures, movies, games, and more. This updated and expanded edition takes readers on a visual tour of the company’s evolution, from its origins in a carpenter’s workshop to the creation of the iconic LEGO brick and minifigure, and beyond.

It covers the latest LEGO sets and includes information on fan creations that have been turned into real-life sets, as well as the role of LEGO bricks in video games and movies like “LEGO Star Wars” and “THE LEGO NINJAGO MOVIE.” Created in collaboration with the LEGO Group, “The LEGO Book” is a must-read for fans of all ages, and this special edition comes with an exclusive printed brick to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the LEGO brick and the 40th anniversary of the minifigure.

12.

Brick by Brick

“Brick by Brick” is a book that delves into the inner workings of LEGO and the teams responsible for creating some of the world’s most popular toys. It highlights the company’s approach to fostering creativity and tells the story of its impressive business transformation. The book discusses how LEGO struggled to adapt to the changing needs of children and fell into decline, and how the company’s attempts to increase innovation actually pushed it towards bankruptcy.

It was only through the efforts of a new management team, facing challenges such as the rise of electronic toys and highly demanding consumers, that LEGO was able to reinvent its approach to innovation and become one of the world’s most successful and fastest-growing companies.

13.

The Cult of LEGO

“The Cult of LEGO” is a book that celebrates the LEGO community and its members, including professional LEGO artist Nathan Sawaya, Dutch painter Ego Leonard, Pixar animator Angus MacLane, “Brick Testament” creator Brendan Powell Smith, and Henry Lim. It takes readers on a tour of the incredible LEGO creations made by these and other fans, including life-sized dinosaur models, microscale versions of famous landmarks, a large-scale battleship, a robotic chess set, and a remote-controlled sandcrawler.

Whether you’re an avid LEGO fan or just have a fondness for the bricks, “The Cult of LEGO” is sure to inspire you to take out your own LEGO collection and create something amazing.

14.

A Million Little Bricks: The Unofficial Illustrated History of the LEGO Phenomenon

“A Million Little Bricks” is a book that chronicles the history of the LEGO Group, from its origins as a small, family-run toy manufacturer in the 1930s to its current status as a market-leading and award-winning brand. It covers the company’s wide range of products, including wooden toys, plastic bricks, play themes, and building systems like DUPLO, Technic, and MINDSTORMS, as well as the manufacturing process, LEGOLAND parks, licensed toys, and computer games.

The book also tells the story of how LEGO successfully navigated an economic crisis and embraced technology to make its building blocks relevant to modern children. It highlights the vibrant community of LEGO fans, including kids and adults, whose conventions, websites, and artwork help keep the LEGO spirit alive. Whether you’re a nostalgicist or simply enjoy playing with LEGO bricks, “A Million Little Bricks” is sure to captivate you with its engaging and informative look at the history of this beloved toy company.


What is the History of LEGO?

The LEGO Group is a Danish toy company that was founded in 1932 by Ole Kirk Christiansen, a carpenter who began making wooden toys in his workshop. He named the company LEGO, which is derived from the Danish words “leg godt,” meaning “play well.” In 1934, LEGO started producing plastic toys, and in 1949, it introduced its first plastic bricks, which were similar to the bricks that the company is known for today.

Over the years, LEGO has introduced a wide range of products, including play themes, building systems, and licensed toys based on popular franchises such as Star Wars and Harry Potter. It has also opened several LEGOLAND theme parks around the world and expanded into computer games, movies, and other forms of media.

Despite facing challenges such as economic downturns and increased competition, LEGO has consistently remained a popular and successful brand, thanks in part to its commitment to quality and creativity. It has been recognized as Toy of the Year, Toy of the Century, and the Greatest Toy of All Time, among other accolades. Today, LEGO is enjoyed by people of all ages and is widely considered a classic and enduring toy.

There are many factors that have contributed to the popularity of LEGO toys over the years. Some of the key reasons include:

  • Versatility: LEGO bricks can be used to build an almost limitless range of structures and creations, which makes them highly versatile and adaptable. This allows children and adults alike to use their imagination and creativity to build whatever they can dream up, whether it’s a simple house or a complex model of a famous landmark.
  • Durability: LEGO bricks are made from high-quality plastic that is designed to withstand wear and tear, making them very durable. This means that LEGO sets can be passed down from generation to generation and still be in good condition.
  • Educational value: LEGO bricks can help children develop a variety of skills, including creativity, problem-solving, spatial awareness, and fine motor skills. They are also often used in educational settings as a tool for teaching concepts such as engineering, math, and physics.
  • Wide appeal: LEGO toys have a wide appeal, with sets and themes that cater to a range of interests, including sports, science fiction, and medieval fantasy. This makes them a favorite among children and adults of all ages and interests.
  • Cultural significance: LEGO has been a beloved toy for decades, and it has become a cultural icon that is recognized and revered around the world. This has contributed to its enduring popularity and the sense of nostalgia that many people feel towards LEGO bricks.

Are more Adults Buying LEGO?

It is generally believed that LEGO toys have a wide appeal and are enjoyed by people of all ages. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of adults who are interested in LEGO, and many adults are now buying LEGO sets for themselves. This trend has been referred to as the “AFOL” (Adult Fan of LEGO) phenomenon.

There are many factors that may be contributing to the rise in adult LEGO enthusiasts. Some people may be drawn to LEGO as a way to relieve stress, relax, or reconnect with their childhood. Others may be attracted to the creative and building aspects of LEGO and the sense of accomplishment that comes from creating something with their own hands.

In addition, LEGO has been making an effort to appeal to adult fans with more complex and sophisticated sets that are geared towards adults, such as Architecture and Creator Expert sets. These sets often feature more intricate and detailed designs, which can be more challenging and rewarding for adult builders.

Overall, it appears that more adults are buying LEGO and becoming fans of the toy, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. I am certainly an AFOL, having discovered a love for LEGO during the COVID-19 pandemic as a tool for relaxing and calming anxiety.


If you enjoyed this reading list of the best books about LEGO you may also want to check out our reading list of the best books about Star Wars.

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