4 comments about Horsman Dolls: The Vinyl Era 1950 to Present.

1. I feel that from a doll collector's prospective, this is one of the WORST ID AND VALUE GUIDES ON THE MARKET! Reasons-1. THE ACTUAL MONETARY VALUES THAT THIS AUTHOR GIVES TO THE HORSMAN DOLLS! EX-In "the collectors encyclopedia of black dolls by patikii and tyson gibbs", pete and polly are valued at $300-$400, in don's book, they're valued at only $30-$60! 2. ALL THE DOLLS IN THIS BOOK, are valued VERY LOW...3. which can only hurt collectors in the long run-INSURANCE WISE. I do agree though with previous reviews in reference to the beauty of the book and the Horsman history lesson. But HELLO, we need what the book promises-A legitimate ID AND VALUE GUIDE. 4. Also, there are very few black dolls featured. (3 pgs in a book with 240 pgs!) 5. So, being that I collect Vintage Black Dolls, I feel that my money was wasted. I GAVE TWO STARS BECAUSE OF THE BEAUTIFUL GLOSSY PAGES AND THE HORSMAN HISTORY LESSON...



2. This is an enjoyable book, although I must agree with the first reviewer, who said that it is difficult to research a doll without first knowing it's name. I would prefer to find information based on era, material and so forth. It does have some interesting information on the Horsman family and company, and the pictures are priceless. After looking at my own photos and doing a little more research, I realize that many of my favorite dolls were Horsman, so this book should be excellent for reference.



3. Don Jensen's HORSMAN DOLLS: THE VINYL ERA 1950 TO PRESENT includes a fine biographical sketch of Horsman and the dolls he created, then moves to the heart of the matter: color photos for identification and written descriptions which chart the changing styles, purposes and trends of these dolls. Any doll collector, particularly those of Horsman styles, must have this identification and value guide.



4. Don Jensen, known as the Horsman expert, has lots of good information in this book.
   
   However, I found it harder to use to identify dolls. The dolls are listed in alphabetical order. Great if you know the doll's name, but not much help when you are trying to identify the doll you have.
   
   I prefer break downs by era, type of doll, or material type. Putting them all in A-Z order makes for a slow process if you don't already know the doll's name.

2 comments about Dollhouses, Miniature Kitchens, and Shops from the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Center.

1. This book presents a charming look at some important historical dollhouses in the Rockefeller Folk Art Center. Good pictures and texts. Not useful if you are looking for realistic projects for your own dollhouse crafting hobby, but for the historian, this is a wonderful look at historical dolls, dollhouses, and furnishings that were used over generations as toys and learning devices for girls. For extravagant historical dollhouse rooms created by and for an adult collector (that you would perhaps want to emulate in your own hobby), see another book, Miniature Rooms, about the Thorne Rooms at the Art Institute of Chicago.



2. I consider this book to be one of the best dollhouse references out there. Every page has color photos. Many of the furniture pieces are photographed individually. Each photograph is clear and detailed. The author is careful to note when a piece is original, antique, or modern. Everything in this book is well-researched and documented. You could carve replica furniture pieces from the photographs in here, they are that good!

   Needless to say, the houses featured in here are gorgeous in their own right. My favorite part of this book are the great photos of the Grodnertal peg-wooden dolls. This book contains some of the best Grodnertal photos I've ever seen!

3 comments about Barbie Doll Structure and Furniture (Barbie).

1. I am delighted to own this book, not only because it does a quite perfect job of listing every little piece which came with some of Barbie's early and Mod Era houses/cases/rooms, especially the rarer items, but because the photos are fantastic and fun - posing Barbie and her family/friends in these structures, in many of her wonderful period outfits, is simply genius! Demonstrating how to use some of these structures for displays of your collected Barbies, Marl creates a complete world in miniature. I was surprised to learn that the very old, cardboard furniture & structures designed for Barbie have withheld the ravages of time much better than many of the molded plastic furniture sets/houses from the late 60's/early 70's. An excellent book, and a must-have for the scene-designing Barbie collector!



2. WOW!
   This book helped me turn a trunk full of parts and pieces (That I thought was junk) into a dozen Sets . The excellent photos and parts listings are very helpful when you need to know what exactly came with any given set. This book covers Cardboard and plastic structures and sets for barbie and all her friends and family, an excellent book for any collector.



3. If you collect vintage barbie dolls, you will also need vintage houses and furnitures to display your collection.

5 comments about Barbie Doll: Identification & Values (Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie Doll Collector's Editions).

1. Good resource. Would have been much better if each doll was listed by name under the category in table of contents. ie; Bob Mackie: Queen of Hearts,etc. and the page number where it can be found. Some Bob Mackies are in the porcelain section as well as designer section and would be missed if you don't know your dolls, which is why you buy the book in the first place.



2. I found this book easy to use because it was well organized. I also found the prices to be on target. The pictures are great and they cover most of the collectors dolls. They also give you all the right basic information you would want to know about a doll.



3. I have been a fan of J.Michael Augustiniak since I read his first "Encyclopedia".As a Barbie Collector who lives in a foreign country and doesn't have the same access to the informa
   tions that are necessary to buy a doll,this book gives you a full view of all the types that have been made, their market values,focusing into the designers' work,the changes a Barbie
   doll has been passing through and the most amuzing part:The one
   of a kind dolls,which we woudn't be able to know if it wasn't for this book. Excellent for rechearch and a very accurate source for a good purchase.
   A must-have!



4. Okay, you might ask what a guy like me is doing reviewing a book on Barbie Dolls. Well, for one thing, I happened to pass down the collectible aisle in the local bookstore, which had books on collecting coins, stamps, signatures, cars, antiques, art glass, dinner plates, you name it, and on the end, was the book on Barbie Dolls, with information on prices and rarity. So I picked it up and took a look. I was surprised to see some of these dolls go for nearly $1000, but most of the dolls in this book go for $10 to $50.
   
   Also, the Barbie Doll is probably one of the most important pop culture icons of the last 40 years. Hundreds of millions of Barbie Dolls have been sold in just about every country.
   
   The book also had some interesting historical info. The first doll came out in 1959, and from there until 1966, there was only one head mold used, altered slightly for the Fashion Queen and Miss Barbie Dolls. From 1967 through 1976, there were four different head molds used (the original 1959 was used for Montgomery Ward, Twist n' Turn Barbie, Stacey, and Steffie Dolls).
   
   Since 1977, however, many other molds have been used, offering more variety and ethnic diversity, including the 1981 Oriental Barbie, the 1983 Spanish Barbie, the 1991 Shani Barbie, the 1992 Mackie Neptune Fantasy Barbie (which looks like it might have been Aquaman's girlfriend or significant other, from the comic strips), and the 1999 Fantasy Goddess of Africa Barbie.
   
   The book also contains info on prices and rarity, and other general information on each model, including clothing, accessories, face make-up, Ken dolls, and other Barbie paraphernalia.



5. I absolutely recommend this book! Very Detailed-from the beautiful Silkstones to the innovative Dolls Of The World-Princess Collection(I have almost EVERY one!)-stunning photos, close-ups and all-if you collect Barbie, you MUST have this book(and the other with the special store editions)-

2 comments about Warman's G.I. Joe Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides).

1. This guide is very incomplete! It only has the basic figures and uniforms only up to the 1990's even though it just came out in print in 2006.



2. The Warman's G.I. Joe Field Guide is not a comprehensive, all-encompassing guide to G.I. Joe figures. Writer Karen O' Brien makes this clear in the introduction. Rather, this small (5" by 4") book serves as a convenient, pocket guide to G.I. Joe figures and accessories and includes hundreds of clear, vibrant photographs. It's the kind of book you can pack along easily when you travel to garage sales, flea markets, or collectibles shows. While it may not be exhaustive, there is still a lot packed into its 512 pages. O' Brien provides a brief history of the figure line and the opening section of photos display the various copyright marks and facial and uniform variations on the early figures.
   
   Some figures are show loose while others are show still in their original boxes. For pricing purposes, only a MIP price is given. Another plus is that O'Brien provides the Hasbro item number for the figure (although not accessory sets). Some of the rarest Joe figures are pictured including the Soldiers of the World sets, the rare Canadian Mountie Sears figure, and the Action Girl G.I. Nurse, valued at $4000, perhaps the rarest figure of all. The various adventure sets were always my favorite as a kid and the book includes photos of these great sets including the Secret of the Mummy's Tomb, White Tiger Hunt, and Fight for Survival dog sled set. You know I still have those plastic husky dogs over thirty years later!
   
   The first 380 pages of the book are dedicated to the original G.I. Joe line while the last 130 pages are given over to the 3 ½" line. Only figures are pictured for the 3 ½" line, no vehicles or accessories are included. As a basic, carry along guide it serves its purpose well to provide some guidelines for pricing and identification. You can get more comprehensive guides but this fills the bill for being compact and inexpensive.
   
   Reviewed by Tim Janson

No comments about Warman's Dolls - Antique to Modern (Warman's Dolls).

3 comments about Baby-Boomer Dolls: Plastic Playthings of the 1950's and 1960's a Reference and Price Guide.

1. To try to fit all the Baby Boomer dolls in one book would be impossible. This book gives a good overview about dolls from this time. Good pictures, lots of company info. In its second printing so that should say something right there. My favorites were the TV related dolls like Jeannie and Pebbles and Bamm Bamm.



2. This was strong on Terri Lee dolls (9 pages) and on Mattel (13 pages). Though 16 pages were devoted to Madame Alexander, I felt that just two small pictures of "Cissy" were not enough; and there were no pictures of the Winnie or Binnie Walker dolls. Most of the MA coverage was of the child-dolls and Alexanderkins.
   There were only two pages devoted to "Ginny"--and there were no pictures of Ginny with painted eyes, molded lashes, or bent knees. All were of the painted-lash version.
   Karl offers less than 1 column (about 100 words!) on the prolific and highly collectible Virga dolls, offering no pictures at all.
   The quality of the pictures is excellent, and this is a nicely produced book. But I feel that it does not offer full enough coverage, especially of the hard plastic dolls of the 1950s, to be considered a comprehensive guide.



3. If you collect dolls of the 50s and 60s you should buy this book. It has hundreds of full color photos with descriptions and prices. It's a great reference guide. I enjoyed looking at so many of the dolls I grew up with.

2 comments about Fashion Doll Clothing.

1. I loved her designs. They were well done.



2. The facts : "Fashion Doll Clothing" includes a total of 70 patterns in seven sizes for modern popular fashion dolls. There's three sizes for 10-inch tall dolls - "A" is tailored to Cocquette Jacqui, "B" is Tiny Kitty, and there's a general "10-inch dolls" size that presumably fits both. Patterns for 16-inch tall dolls are arranged similarly - "A" fits Alexandra F. Ford, "B" fits Tonner dolls like Tyler (straight arm) and Glinda (bend wrist), and a general "16-inch dolls" category that should fit both. American Model dolls, also by Tonner, are the sole occupants of the 22-inch size pattern group.
   
   You get 6 general 10-inch doll patterns, 9 to fit the "A" doll, 9 to fit "B". The 16-inch tall girls get the most - 12 for general 16-inch tall dolls, 11 "A" size, and 13 "B" size. AM dolls score 10 patterns. As seen on the cover, most are for dresses and skirts, but coats, pants, and tops are included in all sizes.
   
   And the patterns don't repeat. If you see it for Tiny Kitty, you may find something similar for Tyler, but it won't be the exact same thing. Author Mrs. Ionker wants her readers to experiment with adaptation - so each size, even `A' and `B' within the same scale, has all unique stuff.
   
   I found more photos of the contents by researching the book on auction sites - since FDC doesn't feature the `look inside' option - but you can't beat Amazon's price !
   
   The review : While the two dresses I've made went together easily and fit great, this isn't a book for beginning sewists. Very few step-by-step directions are found here. You get fabric advice, general sewing tips, and even a brief history of zippers, but very few garments have a paragraph or three of instructions. As long as you're familiar with basic garment construction, however, this book will give you few problems. I've added photos of my doll wearing the two dresses I've made from this book to the image gallery above.
   
   I did have a few confusing moments. There's lots of great photos that reference the patterns, but the patterns don't reference the un-numbered photos. I did it myself with a pen. A full cross-reference would have enhanced this book, I think. Sometimes I look at the pattern first, not the photo.
   
   On the pattern pages, Mrs. Ionker shows the altered sloper she used to create the final pattern. It's nice to see, but a bit confusing when the page has solid grey parts (sloper) under black lines (pattern). I wondered for a few minutes what I was supposed to use to make that great dress on page 20 ! I understand she wants her readers to learn pattern drafting, but usually, I wanna get going on my latest project before I run out of time ! Use the black lines. And get some great ideas from the altered sloper.
   
   I also found that the General Sleeve was much too tight to fit over my bend-wrist doll's hand. I had to resew it much more narrowly, and even then, had to wiggle and bend her thumb to get it on her for the photos. It's an easy fix, just wanted you to be aware of that possibility in your sewing.
   
   In conclusion - this is a great, reasonably priced selection of patterns that fit well and sew quickly. A great value, in my opinion - there's something here for the intermediate as well as the advanced. I only have one of the dolls she created patterns for - an '05 Tonner Wicked Witch known as Elphie - imagine how much more useful it'll be to you if you own Tyler, Tiny Kitty, and an AM !

No comments about Simple & Stylish Patterns for Dolls' Hats & Shoes: For 18-Inch, 14-Inch and 8-Inch Dolls (Creative Crafters Series).

5 comments about Encyclopedia of Cabbage Patch Kids: The 1980s (Schiffer Design Book).

1. Although I did enjoy reading the facts about the kids, their orgin, rarities, head mold facts.....and so on.....This book ONLY focused on MIB kids. Even though there are great photos (hundreds of them), several are duplicates and the author consentrated mostly on the beloved #4 head mold. ALOT of the kids talked about were mentioned as *hard to find* and *extreamly hard to find* MIB. I do not believe all head molds and eye/hair color combonations were pictured. I also believe that what one collector views as mint another may not agree upon. For instance, some kids are redressed and out of the box...is that still considered mint in the box?
   
   The first 14 pages are very brief paragraphs of the different headmolds, clothing, eyes and hair colors, boxes and so on. No price guide on any clothing with the exception of animal sleepers, terry sleepers and rompers.
   
   I feel as though in my opinion only, that a Collectors guide for Cabbage Patch kids has alot of potential if more information was given and less of identical photos. This book just didn't give ME the info. that I was so hoping it had.
   
   With that said, this book is a definate read for any collector, but quite pricey.



2. My second wife (a shrew of a woman if ever there were one) blessed me with three little kippers--and each bore a strong resemblence to a cabbage patch kid (Note: the woman had the largest cranium I've seen prior to Shreck). This encyclopedia was invaluable during the difficult child-naming process and has been a nostalgic reference these passing years since the harlot took the kids (and the pudgy judge-awarded palimony) to Kansas in order to follow some religious kook and raise the bigheads in an "upright" environment. I miss them occasionally, and when I do, I shed my tears with this fine book by my side. Thank you Schiffer Design Books.



3. This book gives the complete picture of cabbage patch kid collecting. I haven't seen a more overall picture of the dolls anywhere. It is a fantastic guide not only for the new collector, but also for the expert. Thank you.



4. The cabage patch kids are one of the best books i have read!!. It is easy to read and is full of drame and really keeps you on the endge of your seat the whole time while you are reading it. I cant wait to read it again!!



5. This was an awesome book! As an avid collector of Cabbage Patch Kids, it is nice to know that there is some value to my collection. Further, this provided many of my friends and acquaintances with eager cries of "Mine looked like this one!" The research that when into this book is obvious. As one skims over the glossy pages of pictures, they find themselves stopping to read the stories behind the value of "kids." I enjoyed this book thoroughly and often stay up late rereading it.