5 comments about Collectors Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls: 1900-1950: Identification and Values (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls).

1. Wow! This wonderful compendium of American composition dolls is the most comprehensive and beautifully presented book ever written on the subject. What I most appreciated about this volume was that Ms. Mertz gave thorough descriptions of the dolls including markings, manufactured sizes, inconsistencies and even how these dolls were produced. So many other authors seem to "slap-dash" books together without paying attenton to these important details which truly make a collector's book worth its mettle. This book is not only filled with useful identification markings and values...it is also filled with the most professional of photographs that truly capture the spirit of each doll. It is obvious that this project was undertaken with great care, attention to detail and a lot of love for its subject. Even if one is not a doll collector, this is a book that captures a part of American design history and a simpler time when most major doll companies were still a family business..not some impersonal conglomerate. Hats-off to Ursula Mertz (and her husband) for creating this treasure of historical and collector's information. I think it belongs in the library of every doll collector and every historian of popular Americana.



2. This is the BEST book I have ever seen on Composition Dolls! Not only does it include marked dolls, but identifies unmarked dolls based on their characteristics. Also has many dolls that the Blue Book does not have. Great color photographs! The only thing that this book does not have is an index of marks (initials & numbers) for quick reference. I love this book!



3. Thoroughly enjoyed all the information provided. This book will continue to be a reference for anyone interested in composition dolls both recent and antique, the photographs are wonderful.



4. This is by far the best book on composition dolls printed to date. Ms. Mertz begins her book with a little background on the construction of composition dolls and traits peculiar to them alone. Lesser known compaies receive equal representation in this book ,with a section devoted to Patsy look-a-likes that shows many dolls some of us never knew existed. The photography is outstanding and quality is consistent throughout. I particularly like the section on Effanbee dolls;there are some early F&B's that I have never seen anywhere else.
   For the serious collector it is an invaluable resource; for the doll lover, it is a work of art . For both, it is the ultimate 'wishbook'!



5. I have the other Ursula R. Mertz book on compo dolls and both are just great! I would recommend both books!
   
   1) Photos: Large, bright, highly detailed!
   
   2) Descriptions: Very accurate. Ursula is probably one of the most knowledgeable people on this subject around today!
   
   3) Well written. Well researched.

1 comments about Naughties: Nudies & Bathing Beauties.

1. Arrested by the photos on its cover, I picked up Sharon Weintraub's NAUGHTIES, NUDIES, AND BATHING BEAUTIES and bought it on impulse. I opened it, and almost instantly came down with collector's fever. The author's enthusiasm is contagious, and her personal collection breathtaking. The narrative on the history and manufacture of the mostly German, mostly bisque figurines is expert and easy to follow (infectious, you might even say). But familiarity breeds covetousness when it comes to this book, so beware!

   Ironically, the "nudies" and "bathing beauties," originally novelties and souvenirs bought to shock and titillate, are probably most attractive today to women, especially those with feminist bents. This is because we see them now as depicting the wonderful time when women were tossing out their corsets and wearing comfortable clothing, when we got to feel the sand in our toes,to cavort like Isadora Duncan in the sunshine. The book begins with a fascinating, lavishly illustrated chapter about that period in our history.

   With the caveat that you will want to spend your kid's college tuition on what you previously might have thought of as knick-knacks...buy this book.

1 comments about Collecting Foreign-Made Toy Soldiers: Identification and Value Guide.

1. Absolutely fantastic book! I purchased a copy and was able to identify every foreign soldier I had and sold them for big bucks. COuldn't be happier!!

No comments about Shirley Temple Dolls and Collectibles.

1 comments about Shirley Temple Dolls and Collectibles: Second Series (Shirley Temple Dolls).

1. Nice variety of photographs of "non-doll" related items including postcards, photographs, magazines, paper dolls, books, posters, and sewing items. Prices are realistic for the secondary market. Small assortment of photographs of composition, early vinyl, and look-a-like dolls. If you are collecting "non-doll" related items this is a great reference. For a large variety of doll photos check out Edward Pardella's "Shirley Temple Dolls and Fashions." He also has an updated version going to print soon.

2 comments about Shirley Temple Dolls and Fashions: A Collector's Guide to the World's Darling (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. This book contains excellent photos and realistic prices for Shirley Temple dolls from the early composition dolls to the 1972 vinyl dolls. Also included are photos and prices for doll outfits, paperdolls, books, the sapphire blue breakfast set, and salts. If a collector wants photos and prices for other types of Shirley Temple items then I would suggest one of Patricia R. Smith's "Shirley Temple Dolls and Collectibles" books.



2. This is a must have for anyone collecting dolls. I use it all of the time and have learned so much.

2 comments about Effanbee A Collector's Encyclopedia 1949 - Present (Rev. Edition).

1. This book consists of mostly catalogue numbers. I bought it with the intention of identifying my childhood doll. Guess what, she wasn't listed. I didn't even see a doll with a similar face pictured. It may have been there, but the pictures are in black and white and are quite small, so it's possible I just couldn't recognize her. The listings are extensive, but certainly not complete.



2. i just had to write after reviewing the last review. This book is good - there are many,many large pics with dolls CLEARLY visible. full page pics & 4"x3", 3"x2", 5"x4" pics & on & on. On top of that there are catolog pics with many dolls. This is the nature of books on collectible books. Authurs don't wait till every last rare & unfound item is located & photographed before they add to the pool of info by publishing! we wouldn't get anywhere with history, collecting etc. if we did that. Just to let you know I am selling my edition on this site.

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Bisque Nancy Ann Storybook Dolls: 1936-1947, Identification & Values.

1. Ever since the early fifties I have had Nancy Ann Storybook dolls and this book is a must own for anyone interested in these dolls, if for no other reason than it boggles the mind to see how many of these dolls were made, and for all ethnic groups which is interesting when one considers black and Asian dolls were almost unheard of in the pre-60's days. Today I must have about twenty five of the dolls including a Nun doll but haven't been able to find the black doll that had the blue and white plaid dress which I had as a child. My dolls are heirlooms that will be passed down to family members who appreciate the workmanship. The book has so much information on the start of the company and how even during WW2 they were big sellers. And the photos are awesome.



2. Excellent book to inform you and to identify what you are looking at.



3. It is easy to tell that a lot went into this beautifully illustrated book. I didn't realize until I went through this book how many dolls of this type there were. I was disappointed that I was only able to identify one of my storybook dolls. Still recommend this book for the avid Nancy Ann Storybook doll collector.



4. This is a wonderful book, especially for the beginning collector. It is mainly a catalog of color photographs of dolls by style number, sometimes showing as many as ten variations of one doll in different costumes. There also is historical information on the evolution of the dolls and ways to identify the various body molds.
   
   This is a true ''encyclopedia'' of every Nancy Ann doll know to exist. I found it an excellent source for identifying dolls from the 1940s which I had found in the attic.
   
   I purchased another Nancy Ann book which is far inferior and which I never use. If you want to buy just one Nancy Ann book, this is it. If you have others, this would be a fine addition to your library and probably the only one you'll ever need for reference.



5. Anybody interested in collecting Nancy Ann dolls must have this book which chronicles the history of these beautiful dolls and is chock full of photos and helpful information.

5 comments about O'Brien's Collecting Toys: Identification and Value Guide (Collecting Toys Identification and Value Guide).

1. O'Brien's Collecting Toys covers an awful lot of ground and does it well. Whether you are a collector or a dealer you MUST have this book to be on the same page everyone else is when evaluating the values of most antique and vintage toys. While the book does cover many of the popular toys and manufacturers, it does have many ommissions, at least in the area of tin windups. In the future I'd like to see more toys added, and other manufacturers included..most notably Guntherman, Marklin, Martin, Arnold. A more intuitive listing of the toys would also help as it can sometimes be difficult to find the toy you're looking for.



2. 10th edition, year 2001 very comprehensive collectible toys guide featuring more than 51,000 values for its 17,000 listings. There are more than 3,700 black and white pictures and a 16-page color section. A complete table of contents makes item location easy. Its items range from Action Jackson, Buck Rogers, Charlie's Angels and Evel Knievel, to Addams Family, Howdy Doody, Munsters and Pez and Matchbox, Renwal, Tootisetoy and wooden toys. Each major topic covers a nice introduction to the area. Very useful reference for toy collectors and enthusiasts.



3. Elizabeth Stephan's O'Brien's Collecting Toys, 10th Edition is a weighty price guide which could well be used as a price 'bible' for toy collectibles. Anticipate only a handful of color photos mid-book: the meat of the title lies in its black and white photos throughout and more particularly its over 50,000 items categorized for quick reference and provided with the latest values.



4. I would rate this comprehensive guide to collecting toys as a basic necessity for the beginning toy collector as well as the veteran toy collector. Not only is this new reference exciting, but the information is extremely helpful, reader friendly, accurate, and up-to-date with contributions by many leading authorities in the toy-collecting field. If you are seriously interested in toy collecting, then this fine book is a MUST for your toy-reference library!



5. Great Resource for Toy Collectors. Got this as a gift for a family member who collects toys. He said it was very informative, especially for antique toys.

2 comments about The History of Sindy.

1. I am a collector of Sindy doll paraphernalia and I found Colette's book to be well documented and superbly illustrated. Where photos and illustrations are unavailable, written descriptions are clear enough to identify items. The only fault I found, was 1 year (1978) in the history of the Sindy doll is missing from this book. I have already submitted copies of the catalogue for this year to her publishing house. Thank you Colette for a wonderful book. For me it is the ultimate, make that only, Sindy Doll Collector's book.



2. This is a great book for Sindy collectors . As a fan of Sindy and having a lot of her fashions, furniture etc plus over 20 dolls from various years I find it invaluable and the best resource available. Would love to hear from other collectors