5 comments about Collectible Gi Joe: An Official Guide to His Action-Packed World.

1. I cannot praise this book highly enough. While I have most of the other G.I. Joe books, this is without a doubt my favorite. The pictures and level of care and detail are so perfect that they are the next best thing to owning the toys themselves. It's also a great reference tool for collecting and posing your own finds. I take it out and look at it constantly.
   
   Most of us will never have the time or money to put together a collection like this, but we can enjoy the fruits of the author's work via this amazing book. If you love G.I. Joe, even just a little, by all means BUY this book. For those of us who dreamed and longed for the pictures we saw in the old Sears "Wish book" catalogs, here is the dream!



2. This book has a lot of great photos, mostly in color. The information is pretty good, but there are some areas that seem to have gaps in the narrative. I also would have liked more in-depth information relating to Hasbro instead of mostly the kind of information that you can get from a list. The book tells you when everything was released, what year, who did what, etc. But it lacks any human warmth, and there are really no warm stories of the original creators sitting together and working on GI Joe. Sadly, most of the GI Joe books totally ignore the human factor, aside from giving credit to the names of the people who designed, invented, patented, painted, funded, etc. The book is great for photos, and lots of interesting information. Sadly, it is not a warm, fuzzy book about a children's toy!



3. Plenty of useful and interesting information here, but the real appeal is the generous collection of photographs of vintage Joes and equipment in their natural element : on bivouac, at sea, ready to roll. These are the kind of set-ups that used to make me salivate as a kid and it's fun to revisit via this book.



4. I bought this book as a gift for my husband, who recently began collecting GI Joes. He was very pleased with the book and you can frequently find him browsing it, especially after he receives his catalogs/magazines.



5. I bought this book to help me prepare to sell off a number of GI Joe items on eBay. My plan was to sell the book too, after my collection was sold. Well, things change; this book is a keeper. It really recaptured the fun I had had of collecting and playing with GI Joe. The photographs are of the kinds of scenes I'd have loved to create for myself (if only my collection had been this good). The text reads as if you were listening to guy with a great sense of humor warm up to his favorite topic. Thanks Mr. Depriest for a job really well done.

1 comments about 2nd Muffy Identification & Price Guide (Muffy Vanderbear Identification & Price Guide).

1. This is an excellent source for Muffy bear collectors of all ages. The pictures and tips provide excellent resources to determine edition, completion, and price status. Ann offers a modest price guide in the back of the book that sets reasonable expectations for today's value of the bears. I would like to have seen documentation of all of the accessories. Most bears have pictures, but there are a few that do not--and many of the accessories and club pieces are not pictured or priced. Overall, a great source of information. Well-written!

5 comments about The Art of the Russian Matryoshka.

1. I had visited Russia in 1996 and purchased many matryoshkas for myself and souvenirs. I loved this book, because I saw many of the ones I had bought, and others I hadn't and it was wonderful to learn their history. I also am fond of the store that Mr. Ertl has online and hope to purchase some matryoshkas from him in the future.



2. Fantastic book! Color plates are exquisite and the text very informative. A definate must-have for any doll collector!



3. Our daughter was so happy receiving the book The Art of the Matroyshka for her school project. The book marvelous! Extreem beautiful pictures, so clear! A good story with much details. Very usable for the school project.
   We also were very pleased with the fast en accurate delivery.
   
   Many thanks, Robert



4. As an avid collector of matryoshka dolls, I found this book covered it all! I especially enjoyed the pictures and explanation of the lathing and prepping of the blanks. And the techniques used to paint the dolls. This book is a must-have for every collector!



5. The detailed and collaborative work of Rett Ertl and Rick Hibberd, The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is a unique and distinctive artbook devoted to the classic Russian toy consisting of dolls that fit inside one another. 330 full-color photographs illustrate and showcase rare and vintage matryoshka, while the narrative text covers the history of this device as well as the steps of its creation today. The Art Of The Russian Matryoshka is especially recommended for toy collectors and a welcome contribution Russian Cultural Studies collections.

3 comments about Revlon Dolls and Their Look-Alikes.

1. Revlon Tv adds can be bad enough, Now they are selling Dolls? Right, and Sears has a good auto repair service.



2. This book was like a trip back in time. I saw pictures of dolls that I played with and dreamed of owning. Recently I have been purchasing some of the dolls of my childhood to collect and display. The book is essential to help verify the authenticity of what I am buying. Is a dress truly a Revlon outfit or a copy? I enjoy referring to the book on many occasions. Kathy did an excellent job in documenting the history of Revlon dolls for doll collectors.



3. As a collector of 1950s fashion dolls, I can't buy a doll lately without checking this book -- for authenticity of outfits, identification of obscure companies, or comparing original dolls with "knock-offs." The Revlon information is the most complete available anywhere, in print or on the web. The additional info on similar dolls produced by competing companies is just as valuable. (No Madame Alexander info, but there are volumes of Alexander books already on the market.) And, like browsing a 1950s Sears catalog, it is just a hoot to see authentic '50s fashions in idealized miniature versions. Good for nostalgia, fashion research, and to prepare for browsing Ebay!

2 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls and Collectibles.

1. I have a substantial collection of reference books about Barbie doll and her world, but I simply COULD NOT do without this book! It is the most complete, chronological breakdown of Barbie & family dolls and that I have found. This book, in combination with Marcie Melillo's "The Barbie Book", will help the beginner and even the advanced collector to identify just about any Barbie family doll from any early (60's & 70's, primarily) era. It even goes into detail about dolls offered in successive years, and the differences in their manufacture, so that, for one example, you can tell to WHICH year your specific Growin' Pretty Hair Francie, a doll offered over a few years in the early 70's, belongs. The text accompanying the many, many photos is succinct and easy to understand, and while many photos are in black-and-white, there are quite a few pages of color photos as well, which detail much of Barbie's clothing across those early years. Well-executed, altogether. One might expect just such an excellent guide from Sibyl DeWein, who was a major player in the Barbie collectibles world until her death just a few years ago. I bought the book because she was a name of such renown & had written it (with a co-author/collector), and I was and am pleased to have it.



2. This is a must for anyone who collects vintage Barbies and related items. It contains information and prices from the first Barbie starting with 1957 to 1976. It has all marks from those times. Also, pictures with information each year, which dolls were released and what clothes they were wearing. They have a year by year section, with information on other Mattel dolls, Ken, Midge and other rare ones. This is the most informative Barbie book I've read.

5 comments about Hopi Kachina Dolls with a Key to Their Identification.

1. For the most part the depictions of the Kachinas in this book are line drawings of heads. That leaves out about 90% of what you may be interested in seeing.



2. This is by far the best Kachina book on the market. It was written by Harold S. Colton who spent a lifetime studying the Hopi indian culture. I found this book to provide the most accurate details of the Kachina. If you are pursuing an in-depth study of the Kachina, this book is for you.



3. This book is a good place to start if you are lookin into collecting katsina's



4. This book will be most helpful to you if you have a Hopi kachina and don't know which one it is (there are several hundred different kachinas). The book shows the different styles of masks and dress of the dolls, and also shows the differences in the little details such as mouths, eye shapes, colors the dolls are painted, feathers, and accessories that the dolls carry. The kachinas are listed with their names in English as well as Hopi, and the functions of the kachinas are given as well. The line drawings are very easy to understand, and the photographs are clear. Many of the dolls shown in this book are the older style non-action dolls (sometimes called "belly-ache dolls" because of the way their hands are positioned in front of their stomachs, as if they had belly aches), but there are some nice photos of more contemporary styled dolls too. I highly recommend this book!



5. This book is one of the best I've seen on the subject of kachina dolls and their carvers. A great reference as well as a strong introduction to the art. Describes the differences between Hopi and Navajo styles, with high quality photos. Along with my Barton Wright, this book is invaluable as a collecting reference book. The appendix includes a big list of Hopi carvers' names and a page of translated symbols.

5 comments about Barbie Doll Fashion: Vol. 2, 1968-1974 (Barbie Doll Fashion).

1. Another great book by Sarah Sink Eames!-Great outfits and pictures-easy to see values-Fun to see how Barbie and friends followed current fashion trends for the late 60's and early 70's-very helpful to any vintage collector!!



2. Great book. Found outfits and the year they came out. Do Recommend if you are into Barbie clothes...



3. If you are a collector, you should have this book on your shelf. Comprehensive, complete, with photos galore. A+++++



4. In Hong Kong, it is not popular to collect vintage Barbie dolls so that it is not easy to explore specific related knowledge. This book really helps a lot. It is a bible for every Barbie collectors!



5. This book and its companion volume, 'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1959-1967', are without doubt the most beautiful and informative books on the market for the vintage and mod era Barbie collector today. They are very well-written, with lovely photographs of absolutely pristine examples of each outfit, enough to make you drool over on every single page!

   'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1968-1974' covers the fashions from Barbie's exciting Mod era, and includes fashions not only for Barbie, but for her friends and family as well. These include original outfits, Pak outfits, Best Buys, Get Ups and Gos, Store Exclusives and every other type of outfit available from 1968 to 1974.

   Each outfit is described in detail, with a photograph showing the outfit and all accessories next to it, laying flat. Some outfits are shown on the doll. The photography is stunning, by far the best of any Barbie book I've ever seen.

   'Barbie Doll Fashion: 1968-1974' isn't just informative, it's a catalogue of dreams to build on, and a fun book just to sit and look at. You'll never be sorry you own it!

5 comments about Tasha Tudor's Dollhouse : A Lifetime in Miniature.

1. Those who say this isn't the "real" doll house are missing the point entirely! The Williamsburg house was specially made because "Thaddeus Crane" and "Emma Birdwhistle" never had their own proper dollhouse, but lived on shelves. The book explains this quite clearly. The one-quarter life size scale is fascinating in itself. Anyone who is a fan of handmade dolls, doll houses, or Tasha Tudor should delight in this amazing book. I wouldn't trade it for the world.



2. This isn't Tasha's dollhouse, like I thought it was. I got suckered in like many. Still, it is a well presented book with delightful pictures. And the furnishings are Tasha Tudor's. The ideas and elements of the design are well within the reach of the serious dollhouse collector and for that, the product of emulation, it is invaluable and inspiring. But like Coleen Moore's dollhouse, and Queen Mary's, there is a lot about it that are not within the reach of the average person. One has to realize this was not an authentic doll house, but a item made for display for people to marvel at. And marvel we do. The plans shown in there are adaptable. But I would much rather have seen Tasha's dollhouse...the real thing.



3. This inspiring book provides readers a colorful look at the holiday season at the home of renowned artist Tasha Tudor. Accompanying Harry Davis' kaleidoscopic descriptions is illustrations and photographs by Jay Paul. The book is well designed and depicts a wide range of Christmas activities centering on how Ms. Tudor and friends celebrate the season of joy. This is a wonderful gift for individuals who enjoy the art of Tasha Tudor as Mr. Davis and Mr. Paul pay homage to the great artist.

   Harriet Klausner




4. I am surprised to find out that Tasha Tudor's actual dollhouse is not pictured in the book, because the title leads us to believe we will see the "real" thing. Instead we see a re-creation by Colonial Williamsburg. My understanding was that the blank pages and extra white space were to have had art by Tasha Tudor. Little Brown is quoted in the Tudor bibliography as planning 20 line drawings and 20 watercolors by Tudor. Did she refuse to do the drawings because she didn't approve of Harry Davis' writing the book? Aside from the furnishings being from Tasha, the house we really see is a recent replica and is misleading. I would rather see Tasha Tudor's real dollhouse not a newly made replica. I was disappointed with this book, especially knowing that Tasha did not want it published.



5. I am surprised to find out that Tasha Tudor's dollhouse is not pictured in the book, but the title leads us to believe we will see the "real" thing. My understanding was that the balnk pages were to have been drawings by Tasha Tudor. Did she refuse to do the drawings because she didn't approve of the book? So aside from the furnishings being from Tasha, the book is misleading. I would rather see Tasha Tudor's real dollhouse not a newly made replica. I was disappointed with this book, especially knowing that Tasha did not want it published.

5 comments about Bleuette: The Doll and Her Wardrobe.

1. Being a doll collector and reproduction doll artist for over 30 years I have a very extensive doll library as well as doll collection. This book is an excellent reference source for anyone like myself who wants to learn about the history of Bleuette, how to paint her features authentically as well as study her extensive wardrobe. There are many wonderful color photographs, especially helpful for close-ups of Bleuette's facial features and patterns to make her a very lovely authentic wardrobe.
   This book is even wonderful as a gift for people who love dolls who may just love beautiful books to decorate their home with, a coffee tablebook.
   I love this book and thank the author for sharing her knowledge with fellow collectors and Bleuette fans around the world.



2. If you can only afford one book on that very collectible fashion doll "Bleuette", this is a wonderful choice. A large hardcover, the pictures and history are wonderful and cover it all. There are also original Gautier-Languereau patterns included, so you can sew for Bleuette yourself.
   The overall quality of the book itself is well worth the price. I'm very happy I purchased Bleuette: The Doll and Her Wardrobe by Barbara Hilliker.



3. 
   I agree with the previous commentator that this book is basically a coffee table book about Bleuette ,her history, and her family.
   
   So, if you need a book about Bleuette's clothing patterns, then this book is probably not for you.
   There are other books out there that are specific to Bleuette clothing patterns....but not this one.
   
   The photos in this book are absolutely amazing though...that is for sure!
   
   Please note that this book is not just a picture book. This book does indeed contain lots of information about the history of Bleuette. Also, the photos are mesmerizing (most photos being very large and in full color).
   
   I believe that if you are a Bleuette collector, then it's good to have a nice book about the doll's history. If so, then this book will serve that purpose nicely.



4. I purchased the combination of this book and another, thinking I was going to receive an extensive collection of Bleuette patterns. Instead, I got coffee table books with only a few patterns drafted by the author, rather than the original patterns. I found the advertising text misleading, and would not have ordered them had I known I was not going to get real Bleuette patterns.



5. I love this book and if you love Bleuette, you will read this book cover to cover. Barbara Hilliker is one of the experts we collectors rely on to tell us more about the lovely French doll produced from 1905-1960. The doll was produced as a give-away to sell a weekly periodical to young French girls. Each issue of the paper contained patterns to dress the doll. These patterns are what make the doll so popular. There were over 1300 patterns published, and this author has been influential in getting some of these patterns to the public.

1 comments about Treasury of Barbie Doll Accessories: 1961-1995.

1. Upon opening this guide, Rupp demonstrates immediately why it is so essential to have this book in your library. From the Table of Contents page, all the way through to the Epilogue, Rupp presents the reader with 412 of the clearest, most colorful photos of Barbie doll accessories made from 1961-1995. With each picture, a caption is provided desribing these treasures with dates they were copyrighted, and other interesting tidbits that some of us have forgotten (i.e. Sear's exclusive, working escalators, even product I.D. numbers). Cases, houses, paper dolls, and colognes are covered. There's enough here to provide any child or fan of the 70's and 80's with lots of opportunities to reminisce and learn. Rupp has done a fantastic job. One look through this book will have you exclaiming, "Wow! I had that!" An excellent source of entertainment and education.