1 comments about Dolls: And Why We Love Them.

1. The title and cover illustration of "Dolls and Why We Love Them" compelled me to pick it up. I then could not put it down because the illustrations so beautifully portray why I love dolls. Vintage paintings of children and their dolls fill the pages of this short book with nostalgia and idealistic images of children caring for their beloved companions.

   The text rises to the stories told by the paintings with short prose and poetry sections based on different themes introduced throughout the book. The text is not a deep or lengthy look at why we love dolls, but the sentimentality well reflects the emotional tone of why we love dolls. This quick read is a treasure that will be picked up again and again by those doll collectors who love their dolls.

No comments about THE LITTLE BEAR LIBRARY: THE LITTLE BOOK OF BEAR CARE/THE LITTLE BOOK OF CELEBRITY BEARS/THE LITTLE BOOK OF TRADITIONAL BEARS (ULTIMATE TE).

No comments about Antique Dolls of China & Bisque.

No comments about Effanbee's Patsyette Paper Dolls.

No comments about Dolls 1997 Calendar.

No comments about Judging Dolls: For Collectors, Doll Shows, Investment, Insuring, Appraising, Auction Buying, and Fun.

No comments about The World of Barbie Dolls.

2 comments about Contemporary Fashion Dolls: The Next Generation.

1. Fashion doll collecting is not only a hot new trend, it can also be big business as the selling and trading of these items often involves major bucks. The ultimate hobby guide for those who have a penchant for these pretties is "Contemporary Fashion Dolls" by Beth Owens who is an avid collector and former contributor to trade publications.

   There is a broad range of images in these dolls, all the way from the cute pop-eyed trolls who were popular in the 1960s to America's sweetheart, Barbie, to Franklin Mint representations of Jackie Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe to the top of the line exquisitely formed and clad Madame Alexander creations.

   Dolls, we learn, had been relegated to the realm of children's toys until the mid 1900s. It was then, following a surge of interest in eighteenth century European dolls, that the United Federation of Doll Clubs was formed. An imprimatur had been placed on grown-ups playing with dolls.

   As the number of collectors grew so did the demand for Barbie as she was among the most accessible and affordable. Some savvy business folk gave her a glamorous wardrobe, imaginative accouterment, a best friend, Midge, and a handsome boyfriend, Ken.

   Although many try to rival the vaunted Madame Alexander dolls none have succeeded. We read: "The most influential force in the proliferation of fashionable dolls was Madame Beatrice Alexander, who would irrevocably change the course of fashion doll history. Throughout her doll-making career, Madame had an intense passion for fashion and her creations were exquisitely and stylishly dressed in the finest fashions available."

   And fashion doll history is still changing as dolls reflect us and our lives continue to evolve. As the author asks, will there be a "Casual Friday" doll?




2. Get excited! This is not a fluff book! Bringing her experience as a columnist for a fashion doll mag, her passion for the dolls themselves, and a wealth of contacts in the world of manufacturers, doll artists, and collectors, Beth Owens gives us the most comprehensive reference on the world of fashion dolls at the turning of the century. With emphasis on those "stars" in the ascendancy at this moment, and with a nod (but not much more) to the 11 1/2 inch former ruler of the doll universe, Beth explores the genesis, history, and development of the modern fashion doll, which is primarily the interest of the adult collector (or the child inside of one!) Written in an elegant and eloquent style, and lavishly illustrated with photographs of beautiful little "ladies of fashion" , this book will, I expect, become the standard reference for this genre of dolls. Several of the many superb photographs illustrate new dolls just coming onto the market, for such is Beth's "connection" to the doll world that she can discourse comfortably on even the newest developments. In addition to reams of information, she offers guidance on beginning and refining a personal collection, and shares her own development as a connoisseur of the fashion doll today. Beth is truly mad about her subject, and has such a fresh and enthusiastic approach that I yearned to be able to invite her to my house to ...play dolls!

No comments about Martin Leman's Teddy Bears.

1 comments about Edward Bear Esq.: The True Story of the Astonishing Achievements of Teddy.

1. I've had this book for a long time, as I collected bears as a child and teen. I was looking to list it and looked it up at Amazon. Amazon lists it as reading level baby/preschool (something like that). It is NOT!!! It is a 112 pg book that is written for teens, adults, and collectors. Lots of really neat photos and pics from early bear days.
   
   The book reviews the history of teddy bears from before they were made, up to current collectors. As a previous collector, I loved seeing the old advertisements and pics. One that stood out was a pic of women in a factory in the 1930's making and sewing teddy bears!
   (review by Kathy, Bob's wife)