2 comments about Tammy and Her Family of Dolls: Identification & Price Guide.

1. As a 'Tammy' collector, I first purchased the Sabulis "Tammy" book to refamiliarize myself with the Tammy family of dolls produced by Ideal. I purchased this title hoping to gain new information not already in Cindy's book. I was a bit disappointed, and refer most often to my Sabulis book on Tammy and take the Axe book with me to Doll shows (fits nicely in a purse).

   For Tammy collectors, there are a few pluses and quite a few drawbacks to this book:

   PLUSES:

   1. Tammy wanna-be's are pictured and discussed in depth here - especially Palitoy's Sindy. One doll I had forgotten that I'd originally received in the 1960's was the Cinderella doll (with two heads!).

   2. Unique Tammy items are displayed and presented well.

   Now, THE DRAWBACKS:

   1. Few color photos are included - most all of the pages are in Black and White.

   2. Book does not include and mention or have a description of the final costumes issued for the Tammy line (Powder Puff, Private Secretary, On the Avenue, possibly others.) These are some of the rarest and hard-to-find costumes produced for Tammy.

   3. Very little information about the Italian Tammy craze back in the 60's other than a poster reproduction advertising Tammy.

   4. (THE MOST IMPORTANT DRAWBACK TO SERIOUS TAMMY COLLECTORS) Information about the rarest of the Tammy family -- "Bud" -- appears to be misleading - the markings that John identifies as being a Bud doll looks like it's a combo of a Dad and Ted doll, although he does picture Bud. Bud's markings on the back of the head are correctly identified in the Sabulis book.




2. As a 'Tammy' collector, I first purchased the Sabulis "Tammy" book to refamiliarize myself with the Tammy family of dolls produced by Ideal. I purchased this title hoping to gain new information not already in Cindy's book. I was a bit disappointed, and refer most often to my Sabulis book on Tammy and take the Axe book with me to Doll shows (fits nicely in a purse).

   For Tammy collectors, there are a few pluses and quite a few drawbacks to this book:

   PLUSES:

   1. Tammy wanna-be's are pictured and discussed in depth here - especially Palitoy's Sindy. One doll I had forgotten that I'd originally received in the 1960's was the Cinderella doll (with two heads!).

   2. Unique Tammy items are displayed and presented well.

   Now, THE DRAWBACKS:

   1. Few color photos are included - most all of the pages are in Black and White.

   2. Book does not include and mention or have a description of the final costumes issued for the Tammy line (Powder Puff, Private Secretary, On the Avenue, possibly others.) These are some of the rarest and hard-to-find costumes produced for Tammy.

   3. Very little information about the Italian Tammy craze back in the 60's other than a poster reproduction advertising Tammy.

   4. (THE MOST IMPORTANT DRAWBACK TO SERIOUS TAMMY COLLECTORS) Information about the rarest of the Tammy family -- "Bud" -- appears to be misleading - the markings that John identifies as being a Bud doll looks like it's a combo of a Dad and Ted doll, although he does picture Bud. Bud's markings on the back of the head are correctly identified in the Sabulis book.

No comments about Classic Miniature Vehicles: Made in Germany.

1 comments about Raggedy Ann and More : Johnny Gruelle's Dolls and Merchandise.

1. It's been 80 years since Raggedy Ann and all her playtime pals first became a part of America's childhood experience and popular culture. In Raggedy Ann And More: Johnny Gruelle's Dolls And Merchandise, Raggedy Ann expert Patricia Hall has compiled an exhaustive, authoritative, and accessible catalogue that will prove an essential reference for the collector and dealer in Raggedy Ann dolls and memorabilia with its up-to-date price guide. Raggedy Ann And More is equally recommended to those nostalgic readers who will deeply enjoy the informative and knowledgeable text enhanced throughout with hundreds of photos, many of which are here published for the first time.

5 comments about Unofficial Guide: Transformers (A Schiffer Book for Collectors with Price Guide).

1. I have to say, I do love this book. Alverez does a great job in a lot of respects, and it's obvious he knows his stuff.
   
   On the other hand, there are pages and pages of prices that were out-of-date before the book was even published. The pictures, while plentiful, are also a problem. He would have been better off leaving Beast Wars out of the book and spent more time on Generation 2 or some of the Micromasters, Pretenders, and Action Masters that he skipped. Some of the Transformers are hideously mistransformed (Hook, Onslaught, and Bruticus stand out, and that's just the first 50 pages). He also makes no effort to point out when some of the Transformers in the photos are broken (Mirage), or when the figures are lacking accessories (too many to list).
   
   The problem with this book is largely that it's just too informal. He tries to talk to the reader like he's a buddy showing off his collection, and we end up getting unnecessary things like birthday party photos (page 140) instead of the go-to guidebook that this should be.
   
   Again, for all my complaints, I do love this book. It was the first of it's kind that I ever found, and helped me a lot in my collecting. However, with the internet sites and other guidebooks that are infinitely more detailed, the age and lack of professional effort are really starting to show. It's still a FUN book, but it's simply not a GREAT book.



2. I managed to get this book but was not really impressed with it. It sounds more like the author is re-living his childhood through the book. I must admit the history of each toy line is pretty good for those who 'missed' the toy period. The price guide can be thrown out the window cos may be irrelevant now. Some pictures show the figures in their boxes, some in robot mode, some in car/plane/etc mode. What's missing is pictures of the individual figures full set, like guns/accessories. The images could have been done in a more professional way. The pictures do not do justice to one of the greatest toy lines in history. After owning this book, I'm now eager to get better quality books out there regarding Transformers. It's a good book to read by your bed side but not for serious collectors.



3. The Unofficial Guide to Transformers 1980s to 1990s is a great book! This book maily talks about the early Transformers toys from the 1980s and 1990s. J. E. Alverz talks through the history of the Transformers when they were early Japanese Mircoman and Diaclone toys. The book has many pictures of the toys, comics, videos, and other old Transformers memorabilia. J. E. Alverz is a good writer. He tells you everthing you need to now about Transformers toys in America. He also writes about Beast Wars: Transformers toys and The Japanese Transformers figures! Buy it! Highy Recommended! J. E. Alverz writes a great Transformes coffee table book! A+



4. This book has it's ups and downs, the ups include,it identifys a wide range of the toys, I didn't know some of the toys existed(I'm was new to collecting when I bought the book), there's little bits of background info dotted here and there, it runs through most of G1, G2, Beast Wars and Machine Wars, The main down is it doesn't show all the toys. E.G Runabout, Runamuck,the Throttlebots and a few others are missing but not that many. If your starting a collection this is the book to get!



5. This book is flooded with amatuerish writing, corny jokes and lots of pointless prices. I'm not looking forward to story reviews, etc. but at this price, the writer should at least include pictures of all weapons, accessories, instructions and tech specs. I'm very disappointed with the effort. I won't call it a waste of money, but I do feel shortchangedby the poor quality. Seriously, if I've his collection, I could have done something similar, if not better.

   If you don't mind not reading the words, I suggest you get Transformations: Generations. The pics are superb and they showed all weapons, too. No box, tech specs or instructions, but the presentation is much more professional, and the pictures are definitely of a higher standard.

   Buy this book only if you're a hardcore TF fan, flipped through it once and then forget about it.

5 comments about The Tyler Wentworth Fifth Anniversary Album.

1. I have just recently begun collecting these dolls and their clothes. I love miniatures and the detail that goes into them when they are done to scale, use quality materials, and there is attention to detail. This doll has all that. I have Barbie dolls from my childhood and the first clothes offered for that doll had style and quality --- the later clothing line didn't come close. Mattel now makes a Silkstone line of Barbies for collectors that has that quality back.
   
   Tonner Doll Company has had the quality in the doll and clothes since it's inception. The doll and clothes are to die for. Such detail in material, buttons, zippers, lining, etc., makes for beautiful clothes for the doll. And it all goes with the doll's story line - The House of Wentworth - a fashion designer company. I now have three Tyler Wentworth dolls (blonde, brunette, and red head), Tyler's sister Marley, Tyler's boyfriend Matt O'Neill, and a Sydney Chase doll (of the Chase Modeling Agency).
   
   This book explained the doll's story well, introduces you to her friends & associates and displays the doll's clothes beautifully. I truly enjoyed this book!
   
   I enjoy collecting these dolls and displaying them in their different outfits. I highly recommend this book (and "The Robert Tonner Story" book) to all Fashion Doll collectors and especially for Tonner Doll Co. doll collectors too! Enjoy!



2. This is a wonderful coffee table book loaded with great photos of Tyler, and her story. I love creating outfits, and having a fashion book filled with creative, gorgeous outfits that work is stimulating. Plus, sharing the book with my little friend who just loves to look at the dolls and clothes is a treat.



3. I don't collect Tyler Wentworth dolls but still loved the book. Lots of good pictures.



4. I find this book indispensible when trolling eBay for Tyler and family outfits and accessories. There are wonderful detail pictures of the outfits and dolls and special editions. The pictures show you what should have come with the doll or outfit originally. It provides edition sizes too and has saved me money by preventing me from bidding on partial outfits or dolls that are incomplete or have been modified. I have worn this hardback just about limp but it has such a strong binding and good quality paper that it is still stout. I wish Tonner would do a similar book for the Brenda Starr series when she has her 5th anniversary with Tonner.



5. As a collector of Robert Tonner dolls, this book is a must have as a wonderful reference and history of his dolls. Photographs are gorgeous and wonderful details. I highly recommend this book and Amazon has a wonderful deal on it. This book is first class just like the Robert Tonner doll company!!! A++++++++++

1 comments about Collector's Toy Yearbook: Identification & Values: 100 Years of Great Toys.

1. Any toy collector will find indispensable this survey of 100 years of toys in COLLECTOR'S TOY YEARBOOK IDENTIFICATION AND VALUES, a blend of outstanding, colorful close-up color photos and articles on toy and manufacturer history and toy trends over the last 100 years. Other books focus on pricing alone: this blend of in-depth detail and identification tips offers beginners and avid toy collectors much more and makes for a colorful, inviting reference suitable not just for toy collectors but for any general-interest lending library.
   
   Diane C. Donovan
   California Bookwatch

5 comments about Toys & Prices 2001 ( Toys and Prices, 2001).

1. Now in it's tenth and updated editionm Toys & Prices 2003 from Krause is a very fine guide for dealers and collectors which packs over 4,000 photos into a gallery of popular collectible toys. From Barbie dolls and lunch boxes to games and battery operated toys, black and white photos accompany most of the listings, with a centerfold splash of color.



2. I used and reviewed last year's edition (2000 issue), and find this brand new 2001 issue even better. There are 958 pages (6xx9") in this volume, with more than 700 black and white photos. There's an 8 page color section. The authors have updated the listings of over 20,000 toys in up to three condition grades. This expanded edition now includes some of the "newer" toys such as Weebles, and TV toys such as those based on Howdy Doody, Scooby Doo, Pee Wee Herman, and the Flintstones. Additional new chapters cover space toys and robots. Each section contains background information about the topic. If you can't find the toy in this book, you'll have problems finding it in any book. Very, very comprehensive. Toy collectors will use it often.



3. I highly recommend this book for anyone needing a comprehensive overview of just about any toy you could imagine.



4. This book has more items than many of the other toy books you will find here. I know, I have 2 others and they don't come close to the number of toys this book has listed. There are plenty of images too, 2 to 4 on every fourth page or so. There are 925 pages here with about 50 entries per page. So, if you're looking for quantity, look no further.



5. Massive 944 page book containing toys and prices updated for the year 2000. Included are 500 black and white photos and an 8 page color section. Detailed listings for over 19,500 toys made from 1843 to 1999. It covers toys from action figures, coloring books, erector sets, to PEZ containers, restaurant premiums and Rock and Roll, to View-Master Reels and western toys. There are more than 55,000 current values provided !! Brief histories of major categories provide useful information. Toy collectors will find it of great value, especially when bidding on internet auctions. A book you'll refer to often.

5 comments about Modern Candy Containers & Novelties: Identification & Value Guide.

1. I have seen the price double in candy containers and this is going to be a HOT new collectable. And so far this is the best book I have found and I have really looked.

   Candy King.




2. I think this is a great book and do recommend it.



3. This book is great and a MUST HAVE for serious and casual or would be collectors of Candy Containers. I have been collecting glass Candy Containers for many years and have just begun collecting the plastic containers. This is the BEST book on the subject. It is well organized and provides just enough background on the history of candy containers. It must have taken thousands of hours to compile such an extensive list and take all those pictures... Such great detail! The price evaluations are surprisingly accurate. Even though there is a disclaimer that value is what it is worth to you and the hobby is ment for fun. What a book. I bought 6 of 'em for gifts.



4. I'm so happy a book finally came out on this, not so old, collecting of plastic candy containers. I can now see so many that I do not have, that will make the "hunting" so much more exciting. The book title says it all, "Modern Candy Containers & novelties", because there are few older ones listed. All in all, I think this is a great book and do recommend it to any one that enjoys collecting fun "stuff"!



5. I'm so happy a book finally came out on this, not so old, collecting of plastic candy containers. I can now see so many that I do not have, that will make the "hunting" so much more exciting. The book title says it all, "Modern Candy Containers & novelties", because there are few older ones listed. All in all, I think this is a great book and do recommend it to any one that enjoys collecting fun "stuff"!

No comments about Tin Dream Machines: German Tinplate Toy Cars and Motorcycles of the 1950s and 1960s.

No comments about Effanbee's Candy Kid & Honey Paper Dolls.