1 comments about Great Fashion Designs of the Sixties Paper Dolls in Full Color: 32 Haute Couture Costumes by Courreges, Balmain, Saint-Laurent and Others.

1. This is an interesting review of the fashions of the sixties. The designs are beautifully drawn and the colors are vivid.
   While I like the book, I don't think the costumes selected truly reflect the mood of the decade. There are too many "doll-like" outfits ( ruffles, flowers, etc), and not enough focus on the revolutionary changes in fashion during the period. The last plate representing the end of the decade does not give the sense of the ethnic influence on the late sixties which followed on to the seventies.
   The dolls themselves are gorgeous, with one looking like an East Coast sophisticate while the other looks like a Californian beach baby.

1 comments about Madame Alexander Store Exclusives and Limited Editions: Identification & Values.

1. This is an excellent reference book for the Madame Alexander doll collector. Being a Madame Alexander Doll Club member I found particularly helpful the section on Madame Alexander Club dolls from the early years of the club. It was the first time I had seen some of these. Also enjoyed seeing the store specials and one of a kind dolls. Recommend this book to any Madame Alexander collector.

3 comments about Doll Values Antique to Modern.

1. The 9th updated and expanded edition of "Doll Values: Antique To Modern" is a justifiable best-seller because it is a 'must' for any dedicated doll collector. "Doll Values" nicely pairs clear, small color photos with the latest doll values, offers a starting point for building up a reference library, and helps classify different styles and types of dolls. "Doll Values" is a 'must' for any serious collector - and many a general-interest library holding will also find it an important and popular addition to their Antiques/Collectibles reference collections.



2. This is another excellent entry in a series of very useful books. Good basic information on a variety of doll makers, good illustrations. I like the range of values given for dolls depending on the condition, since not all dolls are mint, and there can be an enormous difference between fair conditon and excellent.



3. This book is missing antique dolls by certain leading German manufacturers. The book makes reference to a specific manufacturer but does not include dolls of the manufacturer.

4 comments about Composition & Wood Dolls and Toys: A Collector's Reference Guide.

1. Most books like this only show pictures with prices. Michele's book gives me more information, background and a true understanding about the dolls, there origins, and the true history. Besides, it's a fun book to read with great photos. I'm glad I found it.



2. An extremely resourceful book. Deep histories and information on composition & wood dolls, plus an extensive photo gallery of many rare dolls. A must have for any collector in their right mind!



3. Of all my years of collecting dolls, I've never seen such a complete and informative book. Most impressive are the clear color pictures and the interesting discussion of the Cameo doll company. I.m very pleased with this purchase and recommend it to novice as well as experienced doll collectors.



4. 
   I own both volumes of this book and both are great! You cannot go wrong with buying both volumes ,or just one. Together though, both volumes are so valuable!
   
   But if you must own just one of the volumes (in this series) then buy this volume first, & then see if you need the next volume. It could be that this volume fills your need, since this volume is packed with soooo much information! Also, the color photos are just great!

1 comments about 20th Century Paper Dolls: Identification & Values.

1. This book, which retails for under $20, amazingly consists of over 330 pages of pure content in full color.
   
   20th century paper doll publishing was dominated by just a few large companies, but there were scores of smaller companies that contributed to an industry that is now sadly in retreat. Mary Young's book looks at these smaller companies, whose heyday was mostly in the earlier part of the century. It catalogs the output of the smaller companies and provides profuse all-color illustrations of the paper doll sets. Also, it often deliciously allows the user to peek inside the sets to see the paper dolls as both art and historical document.
   
   Countless sets are shown in this reference book, they are named, assigned monetary values, and descriptive notes are often attached. The value to the collector is significant. The identification of orphaned dolls and even loose items of paper doll clothing, the kind that pop up out-of-place in large paper doll lots, is made possible.
   
   The only drawback to the book is that some of the pictures are blurry or are too dark. That is quibbling because a great number of the items of the items depicted in the book are rare. It was a real privilege to get access to these wonderful old and fragile toys.

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.

5 comments about Bleuette: The Doll and Her Wardrobe.

1. 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.



2. 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.



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. 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.



5. 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.

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

1. 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!




2. 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!



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



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



5. 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!!

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

1. 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.



2. 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!



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



4. 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.



5. 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.