No comments about The Collector's Guide to British Dolls Since 1920.

No comments about Pocket Idiot's Guide to Beanie Babies (The Pocket Idiot's Guide).

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 Christie's Toy Trains.

No comments about Wheels (Cover-to-Cover Books. Historical Toys).

1 comments about Diecast Toy Aircraft: An International Guide.

1. Sue Richardson's book on diecast aircraft, which she took many years to carefully research and prepare, covers a relatively neglected area of toy collecting in a very thorough and professional manner. At least half of the book covers Dinky Toys, which are well-known and a topic on which Ms. Richardson is a noted authority. She includes material from the original source - the factory at Binns Road. The book continues to take the reader on a tour of the world, from Argentina to the United States, including some very obscure manufacturers. These toys range from inexpensive novelties currently available all the way to the extremely rare Wm. Britains aircraft of the 1930s. The numerous photos are mostly taken from above. With a work like this, it is inevitable that a few models are forgotten, and one would have liked a better reference for American "dimestore" toys of the 1930s, for instance. On the whole, however, this book is excellent, not only for a toy plane collector like me, but for anyone who enjoys diecast metal toys.

1 comments about Action Figures of the 1960s (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. John Marshall is THE toy guru, and he takes a look at the 60s toys with humor and interesting insites. This is packed with photos and information for any collector, or even one trying to recapture their youth.

No comments about Trade Card Catalogue.

No comments about Greenberg's Guide to Kusan Trains.

No comments about Collecting Toys: Identification and Value Guide (O'Brien's Collecting Toys).