No comments about Making Early Histories in Museums (Making Histories in Museums).

2 comments about 2001 Comic Book Checklist and Price Guide (Comic Book Checklist and Price Guide, 2001).

1. i got last years edition of this and instantly fell for it like a ton of orange bricks, originally from yancy street (okay, i'm a comic geek but if you knew my reference you are too..NYAAAH!!). sadly this years has taken two steps back. the boxes to check off your comix are a lot smaller than last years edition and it seems like the typeface has shrunked too. i guess they have another years worth of comix to cram and thats where this twin priceguide/checklist idea cracks apart. i use this as a checklist, i'm a collector not some investor wannabe who bought loads of spiderman or x-men #1's to "retire" on..(snicker-snicker..you chumps got what you deserved..comics are for reading not to be traded like stock certificates)..another point is: who gives a crap about 100's of bad b&W 80's casualties of which this gives a lotta real estate to??....how about a checklist book with the majors and some of the bigger independants and thats it..they could still do this one if they wanted but i guarantee it wouldn't sell as well...



2. I'm used to years of trying to use Wizard Magazine as a price guide (try being the operative word). I finally decided to bite the bullet and buy a complete, current price guide and chose this one.

   Boy, was I pleasantly surprised. 99.5% of the books I was looking for were in the guide. They list prices based on the condition of the book, not just a listing for Near Mint copy. It also gives a grading scale with pictures.

   Overall, a great book.

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 1999 Sports Collectors Almanac (Serial).

2 comments about Soft Toys (Miller's Collector's Guides).

1. This is mainly towards the high end soft toy collector. Very good book, too small, too little information but packs a punch!



2. This new Miller's Guide is a very special one. Leyla Maniera and David Agnew present a various range of soft toys, classified in several chapters as animals, disney characters, comic characters, oddities, manufacterers, care & restoration. Many of the described toys are very unusual and you won't know many of them from other collector's guides. Beside nice photos, the descriptions contains informations about the manufacter, the history of origin and a valuation. This is the only point I would like to criticize: the valuations are not very helpful.

   But summing up, it may be said that this soft toy guide is highly recommended!

No comments about Greenberg's Guide to Varney Trains.

No comments about Sotheby's Caring for Antiques: A Guide to Handling, Cleaning, Display and Restoration.

No comments about The Sargent Tool Catalog Collection.

No comments about Bookman's Price Index: Cumulative Index to Vols. 74-79 (Bookman's Price Index: Cumulative Index).

2 comments about The History of Sindy.

1. 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



2. 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.