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 The Barbie Doll Years: A Comprehensive Listing & Value Guide of Dolls & Accessories (Barbie Doll Years).

1. I had a huge box of Barbies from various years. This book helped to identify them. I also recommend a fun read about dolls, Dolls Aren't Just for Kids.



2. This book has a couple of pictures in the front. And the rest are complete and extense lists (vintage & modern dolls and accesories). But the prices are usually not accurate. And to be honest there is no actual good price list to apply to the second market barbie. You pay what you want and can afford. So, it is completely useless to have this book, since 1- It only contains names (no pictures) so it is hard to identify something unless it is NRFB - (in which case you don't need to because it says what it is on the box). 2- The prices are unrealistic.



3. I read the other reviews of this book, and it sounded like it was a good bet. What the other reviews DIDN'T say is that this book is only for those who have New In The Box items! For the average collector who finds dolls in antique malls and garage sales, this is worthless. It only prices items that are unopened in original boxes - perfect mint condition! There are no prices for any other condition level. Also there are virtually NO pictures, making it impossible to use to identify various models . Several reviewers made a big point of there being 50 pages of pictures(actually in the 5th edition it's only 29 pages, 3-6 photos per page, most are of only a single item). Only a handful of Barbies are pictured, with the rest of the pictures being other special items. So if you have one of those typical dolls found in a sale that doesn't have a box with a model number, good luck trying to figure out what you have. This book is worthless for trying to identify which Barbie you are holding, and there is no information at all in the book about identifying the knock-off copies of Barbie on the market. It is strictly a price list by year or model number, with no other information of any kind. If everything you have has boxes with model numbers, the other reviews are right - it's a good book with a VERY comprehensive listing - over 9,000 different items (see why 100 photos is no big deal?!). But if your Barbies are unidentified and in less than store shelf condition, forget it. This book is, a waste of time and money.



4. I love this book, I buy the updated version everytime it comes out. Easy listings so that I can keep track of the value of my collection



5. This book is exactly what it says - a comprehensive review and has an amazing amount of information. This book is perfect for those collectors who still have the doll or product with the original packaging and want an approximate value of that doll or product. The dolls/products are listed by the "title" of the product, i.e. Millenium Bride. What it does not have is alot of pictures.
   
   If you are trying to find out what a particular doll is and/or the value - and all you have is the doll - this is not the best book for the task.

5 comments about Barbie: A Visual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll.

1. I love this book. This is the neatest book in the world. It has almost every Barbie I have in there. My favorite Barbie was the Olympic P.J. I use it to help me surf on Ebay. If you like Barbies, get this book now!



2. This book is really nice, the pictures are gorgeous, and it has some index on Barbie dolls by year, also Barbie's friends. Not so much on collectible dolls, but there are some dolls with gorgeous pics, some are different from the publish pics and a few are the same. Nice information for dolls and furniture. Great book! The cover is stunning!!!!



3. My kids like it. It's got excellent layout, clear crisp pics, but isn't comprehensive. Great to look through, and point to - look, I had that one when I was a kid..... (YOU were a KID?) I don't use it with my collection, but I am glad I bought it - it makes a pleasent just for fun.



4. This beautiful book is a must-have for any girl who loves Barbies. It is a children's book and is a visual delight...not a dry guide for adult collectors. The pictures are crisp and labeled, as the other DK books are; "corduroy hat" and "red patent leather pumps," etc. A huge hit with my 9-year old niece.



5. My daughter loves this book, and we are on our 3rd copy because she has worn it out taking it on trips, in the car, etc. Her favorite part is the international dolls section, where she enjoys looking at national costumes from around the world. The layout and photos are very well-done, and it brings me back to my childhood as well!

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!

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

1. Ursula Mertz has done it again! Her first volume of the COLLECTOR'S ENCYCLOPEDIA OF AMERICAN COMPOSITION DOLLS set the standard for compo doll reference books. Now her Vol. 2 -- all new information and photos -- has been published and it more than lives up to the quality of its now out-of-print predecessor. For anyone who enjoys the composition dolls of the first half century of the 20th Century, this book is a "must buy!"



2. This is a 'must have' book for the collector of American composition dolls. It is well researched and showcases many smaller companies that produced dolls as beautiful, and desirable, as the larger ,better known manufacturers. The addition of actual advertisements from trade magazines, touting 'uniqueness' and sales potential for particular dolls, is both interesting and education to the serious collector as well as the novice. The histories of the lesser known companies ,no matter how short, are enlightening since many of them I knew nothing about. This volume is as beautifully photographed as the first; Ms. Mertz took no shortcuts on quality. Both volumes I & II are well worth their price.



3. The photographs in this book are outstanding and very helpful when trying to identify a doll. Ms. Mertz has outdone herself in the information she provides in this book. I especially like the closeup photos of the dolls' heads because it is so helpful when trying to identify unmarked dolls without original clothing. This book is a joy to read, and I have kept it on my chair side table in close reach so that I can enjoy it every time I sit down for a break.



4. Excellent book-Well organized by years, showing top quality photos of American compo. dolls. Highly recommend!

5 comments about Collector's Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls: Identification and Values (Collectors Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls).

1. This Book is great and is written so the reader can find about everything that is necessary to start a Vogue Doll collection!!! There are a couple important things I want to mention to eveyone about this book that are very helpful..The way the dolls are put in YEAR ORDER and when a doll is not pictured in this book the Authors make sure it is mentioned with the NAME OF THE DOLL and in detail what she should be wearing for that year, No doll is left out. PHOTO'S ARE GREAT!!
   This Vogue book is a must for the Vogue doll collector with a wealth of information. I learned so much with this book and could not be without it! It has all you need to help you in your quest for Vogue doll collecting.



2. My doll friends and I use this book daily! Especially love the 'Herstory' section where there are plenty of vintage photos showing the factory sewers and samples, Promotional events, and store displays! Book is interspersed with actual catalog photos and many, many color photos of dolls from private collections. Great to see a variety of Vogue dolls all in one book, too!



3. This is an exceptional book for people who love the Vogue dolls! Illustrations and text cover both composition, hard plastic and vinyl dolls. The illustrations are many and identify hundreds of various costumes sold for the Vogue dolls. The Ginny, Jill, Jeff and Ginnette sections are especially helpful. Collectors who have costumes or dolls with missing pieces can use the book as a reference to complete outfits. If a collector likes 1950s Ginny dolls, this book offers a wealth of information and is known to collectors across the country as the "Bible" for Vogue collectors.



4. Even though Kathryn Kay was mentioned as a former Vogue Doll employee, her doll "Ginger" by the Cosmopolitan Doll & Toy Corp. was not illustrated and with absolutely NO information. This book is otherwise recommended for Vogue dolls only.



5. Terrific reference book - definitely would recommend for personal or public libraries. Loads of pictures and information - very helpful.

5 comments about Tomart's Price Guide to Tin Litho Doll Houses and Plastic Doll House Furniture.

1. Mary Brett has written the Bibile of Tin Litho houses. Excellent pictures of the houses detail their interiors, exteriors and the furniture needed to make them cosy little homes. All major producers are covered, Marx, Cohn, Wolverine to mention just a few. Ms. Brett also includes a section on the more unusual items, such as the rare and unique Friendly Folks Motel. Better buy two copies, this book is destined to become dog-earred and worn before very long.



2. I purchased three books on tin toys and dollhouses, and this one was the best by far to help me evaluate some tin/metal doll houses I was buying.

   The book sections are by the doll house maker, with excellent photographs that help identify them, and estimated years that they were sold.

   In addition there are photographs of the furniture that you would typically find in these houses. This helps alot if you have just purchased an empty doll house, and you want to furnish it with vintage items of the correct size and type.

   Simply an excellent reference book for tin doll house collectors or just old-timers wanting a bit of nostalgia :)




3. This is a wonderful reference quide for baby boomers who want to collect dollhouses and furniture! What great memories this book brought back. I found doll houses and furniture I once had and some of the models my cousins and friends had in the 1950's! This is a trip down memory lane and the price is great for this publication. Amazon delivers quickly, too!



4. Great reference book for collector of 40's and 50's plastic doll house furniture. Copyright in 1997 makes pricing guide a tad out of date . . . nevertheless a good starting reference price range. Great photos. Interesting information on producing companies.



5. I was very satisfied with Amazon. My book was packaged extremely well so that the pages wouldn't get messed up. I was surprised at how fast I received it too.

No comments about Toys & Prices 2008 (Toys and Prices).

1 comments about Simple & Stylish Patterns for 18-Inch Dolls' Clothing (Creative Crafters).

1. These seem to be for the American Girls dolls for the 1950's and 1960's...not so much for "modern" clothes.

No comments about Collector's Encyclopedia Of Madame Alexander Dolls 1948-1965 (Identification & Values (Collector Books)).