5 comments about Marble Mania.

1. Marble Mania will prove to be the standard to which other marble related books will be compared to. A thorough, comprehensive view of all aspects of marble collecting. Graphically superior with detail that will be utilized by not only the beginning collector but the advanced collector also. Mr. Block has taken the time, performed the research and compiled this vast amount of information into an enjoyable, eye and mind satisfying beautiful book. Mr. Block is clear in his intentions to continue to be the leader in an area of great challenge, I can't wait for Mr. Block's next marble book. The bar has been raised!



2. I bought this book for my husband (from Amazon) for Xmas. Not only is the book very beautiful, but he has become an expert in his own right. With a year-2000 interest in things retro, marbles are enjoying a boom. We now have jars of them everywhere, looking great and, according to this great book, appreciating in value as we watch. With the help of the pricing guides we discovered that we already owned some very valuable marbles, and have since acquired more. In fact, the book paid for itself about 10 minutes after we got it, with the discovery of an unrecognized treasure.



3. Marble Mania has fine photographs of every imaginable marble from pebbles found alongside streams to the Industrial Revolution in Germany & Austria. Here the cutting of agate cubes & polishing them into marbles for export all over the world became a huge cottage industry. You have to see the beauty of all the clay, pottery, crockery, china & porcelain globes. It was fun to read this big book. Found myself chatting at the local recycle shop about the blue canning jars in their windows filled with marbles. Eyeing them eagerly, with a little more knowledge & a few more names.



4. i loved this book because it gave you funny expample of how to play i also loved it because it gave you marbles that you can play with.
   from,
   caroline



5. wonderful photos', informative narrative, the new guy can't go wrong. And the speed of shipping can't be matched. Thanks all around.

5 comments about 200 Years of Dolls: Identification & Price Guide, Third Edition.

1. Dawn Herlocher's 200 Years Of Dolls Identification And Price Guide, 3rd Edition unlike competing doll guides, over 5,000 dolls of all kinds are identified from Raggedy Ann editions to Barbie. The book comes packed with color photos - but the inclusion of manufacturer's marks, comparison charts and histories is what makes 200 Years Of Dolls so special. Of course, there's the latest pricing to aid in valuations. Over 275 doll manufacturers are included in a lovely coverage.



2. 
   I refer to this doll book often. Any author who attmpts to include 200 years` worth of antique and collectible dolls in one book has quite a feat ahead. But the author does a wonderful job. This hardback book is printed on quality paper.The photos are very nicely taken.Information is very helpful.



3. I used this book while conducting an estate appraisal of a collection of some 45 high-end collectible dolls, all in pristine original condition with boxes, hang tags, etc. and some with custom-made display cases. Only 20-25% of the dolls in the collection were listed in this book.



4. I just got done looking through this book, which is the 3rd edition and is dated 2005. I bought this book for $2 used on Amazon and that is all it is worth to me. I bought it for business purposes and if I'd paid the full retail price, I'd have been inclined to return it.
   
   The photos are nice, full color and close up enough to get a good feeling of what each doll looks like, but there are many more dolls mentioned in text that are not pictured. It makes it hard to identify a doll if there's no photo of it.
   
   For example, I mostly deal with Barbie and other fashion dolls and dolls of the later 60's and 70's. There is a section on Barbie but it offers only a few photos and most of the dolls listed are only mentioned in text. If you didn't already know what you had in your hand, how would you be able to look it up?
   
   Crissy is one of the most popular dolls made by Ideal and there is only a mention of her in the 4 pages devoted to Ideal. There is not one photo of Crissy or any of her family. The only photo I saw listed under Mego was a NRFB Cher doll from the 70's. All the other Mego dolls are only mentioned by name. This book also does not list dates for most dolls. I find that frustrating, too. And the prices suggested as the value are very theoretical. Maybe pre-Ebay somebody would have spent so much for Barbie, let's say, but prices are not that good today, although the author does state she based prices on the doll being in mint condition and with original box, outfit and accessories. Still, I haven't seen too many Barbies in the condition she describes go for quite that much online.
   
   Now, I don't want to say this book is all bad. Its just very incomplete in terms of it being a real history of 200 years of dolls. Its a very brief overview of dolls throughout the last 200 years and most of the photos that are featured, are of antique dolls, not fashion dolls, even though many fashion dolls are listed in text. I don't feel it would be worth $30, which is the suggested retail price. This book would be greatly improved by adding LOTS more photos and if it were spiral bound. Its very heavy and thick (415 pages) and pages don't stay open well. There's a whole chunk of pages seperating from the spine already and this book was like new! I also think the year for each doll should also be added next to the description. Again, a nice effort but falls short. It may be that it is too great of an undertaking to be covered in one volume. I feel the author should have covered less to give us more.



5. The book is very incomplete: a great many dolls are not listed; mostly only composition. The dolls that are mentioned are way to often not pictured, which i found enormously frustrating.I thought paging through my new book would be fun but instead it was just irritating. And of course the prices change, so ones really needs to check the internet for those. It's a horrible pictoral reference. Better to invest in the more specific books like Cindy Sabulis's guides.This book is not recommended.

4 comments about Collector's Guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s: Identification and Values, Vol. 2.

1. Volume 2 of Cindy Sabulis' great doll directory of the Sixties and Seventies has more obscure dolls than anyone has ever seen. There are the popular favorites like Tressy, but did you ever see the bizarre Peteena,a glamorous woman with the head of a poodle? Betsy Wetsy rubs elbows with the John Travolta doll, but then there's the strange Ginny Bones, all head with a stick body.
   But don't worry: you'll still see Twiggy, Flatsies, Liddle Kiddles, Heidi and the Rock Flowers. But then there's the obscure guys like Mr. & Mrs. Mouse House, Herby Hippy, and Lil' Souls. Just when you think you've seen it all Cindy will surprise you.



2. As a vintage doll collector I would be lost without this authors books for dolls of the 1960 and 1970's. I have had such fun finding dolls that I had long forgotten about or never even knew existed. The photos and information in this book are very valuable to the vintage doll collector. I would highly recommend this book. Even if you are not a collector the book is very fun to have around. People come over and open the book and say I had this doll or I remember my friend had this one.



3. I really could not live without this book! Not only has it taught me more about what I do collect, but it has opened up a whole new world to dolls that I never new exisited. The vibrant color photos are amazing and the descriptions are fun to read. Thank you for the countless hours it must have took to compile such a thorough history of dolls from my era!



4. As if her first book didn't do enough damage to my bank account, Ms. Sabulis had to follow up with a sequel, providing me even more opportunities to indulge my doll-collecting habit (addiction).
   
   Just like her Collector's Guide Vol I, Volume II is page after page of beautiful photographs and informative descriptions of dolls I had or wanted as a child, and also contains many dolls I never knew existed (but now of course must obtain). There's so much there, I find something new each time I peruse it afresh.
   
   Warning: The cost of this book is very reasonable. But unless (unlike me) you have a lot of self-discipline, it will ultimately cost you far more than the initial purchase price!

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

1. 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.



2. 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.



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. 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.



5. 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.

5 comments about Figures in Fabric.

1. WOW!! ABSOLUTELY AMAZING! Everyone in my class wants one!! A teriffic book for all Dollmakers and Collectors.
   Included in the 160 pages is the Gallery with 37 stunning pictures of different dolls made by Lisa.There is also a "Progress of a Figure" section complete with illustrations showing you how to make a Figure.
   Then comes the "Evolution in Fabric" which is a Gallery including many more pictures of Lisa's work over the years.
   
   Great book for the Coffee Table !



2. LISA'S BOOK IS AN INSPERATION FOR THE DOLL MAKER AND WILL CHALLENGE
   YOUR COURAGE TO TRY HER METHODS.NOT FOR THE FAINT HEARTED.
   SOME INSTRUCTIONS BUT YOU NEED TO PUT THE EFFORT INTO HANDS ON AND
   TRY,TRY AGAIN.A WONDERFUL BOOK A JOY TO READ AND QUITE SPIRITUAL.
   A MUST HAVE.



3. The day I receivd this book,on my birthday, my heart lept for joy I have waited patiently hoping to get a copy but not so expensive.Im 62 live on SSI so my funds are far short of my dreams but my son darling that he is surprised me. Turns out this was well worth the wait,and maybe 60.00I'm sure that the author deserves every penney as she is inspired and authentic. Sharing her knowledge with the rest of us mere mortals is indeed a gift.Hard to believe she can make fabric behave in the way she does but it takes patience and love of the designer so if you are not patient or inspirable save your money and blend in with the crowd with this book as an inspiration you will break out of the mold and be the butterfly you dream of.I love it.I will never part with it.
   Thank you Lisa



4. What an amazing author therefore an amazing book. The talent of this woman and the passion she has is very inspiring and to think they are done in fabric. I am in total amazement.



5. I bought this book to learn how these amazing figures were constructed but was even more surprised when my husband "borrowed" it from me as inspiration for figures and the human form for his drawings. I haven't seen the book since!

3 comments about Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World.

1. Ah, what a wonderful invention plastic is! Nearly limitless possibilities, able to be shaped into almost any form, take on any color, and endure across the centuries. As functional as it is fantastic. Of course, it was only a matter of time before artists took this malleable material into their capable hands, and created something that the inventors of the plastic would have never imagined. In this case, it is toys.
   
   "Plastic Culture: How Japanese Toys Conquered the World" supposes to tell the story of plastic, and its journey from function to fantastic, from commerce to art. Supposes to, because unfortunately the book seems to have fallen victim to a loss of focus, or possibly a conflict between writer and editor. Instead of this history of plastic, and their connection to Japanese culture, what the writer wanted to write about was an artistic movement called Urban Vinyl, originating in Hong Kong and then spreading to Japan and the US. That's his passion, and it shows.
   
   The first half of "Plastic Culture" is rough. It begins with a very brief history of plastic's invention, and its use in toys across the years. There is some brief connection with Japan, introducing the Kaiyodo model makers who perfected the garage kit. There is a half-hearted section on using toys for marketing purposes as mascots, mainly mentioning McDonalds Happy Meal toys and the Olympics. Trying to swing the story back to Japan, Sanrio is covered with their successful line of Hello Kitty figures and other characters. These articles are all short on text, and heavy on pictures, jumping rapidly from section to section without much logic or interest. Its pretty boring, and not very well researched. Then, on page 43, author Woodrow Pheonix begins the section on Urban Vinyl. And it all changes.
   
   The Urban Vinyl movement began in Hong Kong, with a couple of young talents started taking apart GI Joe figures and putting them back together street-style, dressed in the latest Hong Kong fashions and with an attitude that GI Joe never imagined. These two, Michael Lau and Eric So, exhibited their work at galleries, and inspired other artists to see toys as a medium of expression, rather than just playthings. The movement jumped across the water, to Japan with its ingrained toy culture, and then to the US underground comics scene, where artists like Dan Clowes ("Ghost World") and Archer Prewitt ("Sof' Boy") began teaming up with Asian designers to produce unique figures combining all of their talents and visions. Into this comes Takashi Murakami, famed for his Superflat exhibition and one of Japan's greatest modern artists, who sees the concept of creating original works of art in toys, rather than just reproducing existing works in plastic. Yoshitomo Nara, another prominent Japanese modern artist, follows suit. Its fascinating.
   
   If this book had been called "Urban Vinyl," and started with Lau and So in Hong Kong, then been given enough depth to explore the artistic movement completely, it would have been incredible. Woodrow Pheonix has a real passion for this movement, and a deep insight into what makes it tick and how the pieces fit together. His interviews with Murakami and Nara really made me reconsider the way I see toys, and it was great to here these two giants of modern art put forward such opposing yet complementary viewpoints on Urban Vinyl.
   
   But it wasn't, and so "Plastic Culture" is really only half a great book. That second half is really something, and worth picking up the book for. It makes me want to learn more about Urban Vinyl and hopefully someday Pheonix will get to write the book that he should have. I will be first in line to pick it up.



2. All the cool pictures of toys I can't have are nice. But it's really better than all the other toy books becuase it explains all about toys and how come they are so cool. I know it was for adult level reader but I learned a lot that my friends don't know! It wasn't hard to read and I wish it was twice the size. My only problem is There was not enough Blythe information even though she's on the cover.



3. This is an amazing book! Eloquently written, with great insights into toys as a whole, this book gives a comprehensive overview of the emergence of designer vinyl. Great images!

5 comments about Warman's Matchbox Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warmans Field Guide).

1. This is one fine little book. The pictures are superb and the text is short and concise. This book would work well for the seasoned collector as well as a collector that is new to Matchbox.



2. Upon reading this new book from Tom Larson,it has finally shown that there is room for a pocket guide amongst all the other "big" heavy Matchbox collector books. This book can be carried easily anywhere you want. Study up on your Matchbox hobby as you go about your travelling. Carry it to Toy Shows, diecast conventions, and even to the local antique auctions. It is small,light, full of brightly colored, well shot photos of all your favorite Matchbox cars and trucks. There is even some rare vehicles,sets, and other accessories shown. With accurate Price quotations for "Mint In Box" models,you are surely to enjoy this work for years to come.
   For the price, you can't beat it!
   Definitely worth every penny.
   Finally, a beautifully compiled Matchbox toy car collectors guide.
   It will be a hit, Just watch.
   Thanks Tom :)
   just another fine book in the Warman's series.
   Kudos to Krause Publications for jumping on this one.:)
   
   sincerely
   Burney Reid
   "Diecast Enthusiast"
   Coquitlam, B.C.
   Canada



3. This book is very welcome as it will increase many people's enjoyment of collecting Matchbox models. Due to its easy availability and reasonable price it may even attract some more people to this wonderful hobby.
   
   With its compact size it is ideally suited for carrying around to toy shows and flea markets, where it can be used as an aid in identifying models one might come across.
   
   While experienced collectors may be slightly disappointed at the lack of detail and some embarrassing and sometimes misleading mistakes (which have no doubt been caused by the tight deadline pressure under which the book was written), this book is perfect as an introduction for beginners.
   
   The quality of the many pictures is first class, and the introductory pages in the front section of the book, including a well-written summary of Matchbox history and useful collecting tips, are a must read for anyone interested in the subject.
   
   Congratulations to Tom Larson on this fine achievement!



4. Most Matchbox guide books are encyclopedic in size. This is the first one I've found that is easy to take with you to toy shows, garage sales, and flea markets. The photos in the book are outstanding. The helpful collecting tips are well-written and are sound advice for collectors. All in all, I'm very pleased to recommend this book. Mine already has considerable wear, and I'll probably be needing another one by Christmas (hint to family)!



5. It's hard to believe that so much information is packed into such a little book. It's the big little book for Matchbook collectors. The photo quality in this book is second to none. Although the prices of these gems are always in flux, it is great to have an updated price guide. The history, collecting tips and listing of online resources contained in the book are treasures in and of themselves.

No comments about Ultimate Handbook (Volume 3) (Littlest Pet Shop).

5 comments about American Character Dolls: Identification & Value Guide.

1. Judith Izen has written another wonderful book! For collectors of American Character dolls, it's a book that needs to be on your bookshelf. It's well written and researched with great photographs. We can only hope that Ms. Izen will continue to share her love and knowledge of dolls with more books.



2. A most comprehensive and well-researched book! Having contributed to the Tressy section of the book (look for pics from my collection!), I must say that this guide is a must have for Tressy collectors as well as for those who collect other American character dolls.



3. You can order an autographed copy directly from Judith by going to: www.americancharacterdolls.com
   
   You cannot buy an autographed copy through Amazon.



4. Very nice book & lots of information i have been looking for these past few years.



5. This is a great detailed book featuring many of the beloved American Character dolls! It has helped me tremendously with my doll collection.

5 comments about Blue Book Dolls and Values, 16th Edition (Blue Book Dolls and Values).

1. Although the Blue Book is the avid doll collectors' favorite price guide, it contains numerous categories that have not been updated for quite a number of years. China, parian, papier mache, and wooden, some of the earliest dolls in existence, have been gaining in popularity for several years now and the market prices, both at auction and online have been rising considerably. The Blue Book has not caught up with this trend.
   
   Also, it would be extremely helpful if there were a comprehensive section that described the methods used in compiling the information as well as the sources of this information. Some of the prices are so far off the mark in actual market prices realized, that it makes the professional wonder if the numbers are merely picked out of blue sky.
   
   The book is well structured and is the easiest to use on a daily basis, of all the price guides, however, serious updating and a description of the price compilation process, would improve it immensely.



2. THE resource for all your doll questions on values and dolls.



3. I am formilair with this book. It is a great book IF you know the name of your doll. If you don't it is not a good one for you.



4. I bought this book to help me determine the value of a collection of high quality dolls that my aunt wants to help her sell. Our of five doll designers, only one of the designers was even listed in her book. This was a waste of my money, for sure!



5. Very helpful book - have really been enjoying this book as I have wanted this book for years, finally got it!