Barbie : Her Life & Times and the New Theater of Fashion by Billy Boy Paperback
A book for Barbie fans, by a fan. It contains many pictures of vintage Barbies, but the most exciting section is Barbie dressed by many international designers.
Billy Boy has also contained many facts about Barbie, gleaned from Mattel products. For example, did you know that Ken's last name is Carson?
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A Decade of Barbie Dolls and Collectibles 1981-1991 : Identification & Values by Beth Summers Hardcover
When I first starting buying dolls as an adult, I didn't keep the boxes or write down which
dolls were which. Thanks to this book, I've been able to identify a lot of my dolls. I can't
imagine which Barbie dolls haven't been included! I do wish she had more pictures of
Barbie's friends, though.
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The Story of Barbie by Kitturah B. Westenhouser Paperback
This book is excellent for beginning collectors, and contains valuable information for everyone. It includes help in identifying older dolls by their markings, and taking care of dolls. It also contains a fascinating account of Barbie's birth, from Ruth Handler's difficulties
in persuading anyone that her idea had merit, to starting production in Japan.
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Barbie the First 30 Years 1959 Through 1989 : An Identification and Value Guide by Stefanie Deutsch Hardcover
I saw this book at a meeting of the Nova Scotia Barbie Club, and decided I must have it! It details each doll produced by year, with several variations pictured for extra help in identification. I received it quickly, and find it very valuable. Just when I thought I knew everything, this book told me more. :-)
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| Forever Barbie: The Unauthorized Biography of a Real Doll by M.G. Lord Paperback
There's something about club meetings and books - I spotted this gem while
travelling to the September meeting! This book is more scholarly, focussing
on the various aspects of Barbie, from fertility goddess to cultural icon
to a collector's dream. It does not drag Barbie through the mud, and neither does it worship her. I enjoyed reading it very much, and highly recommend it.
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| The Barbie Doll Boom: Identification and Values by J. Michael Augustyniak Paperback
The Barbie Boom features information on virtually every U.S. Barbie and a
sampling of the most popular foreign dolls beginning in 1986, the year
Mattel released the first doll especially for adult collectors. More than
400 full-color photos showcase over 800 dolls. Synopsis provided by Amazon.com.
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| Barbie Fashion, 1959-1967 Vol 1 by Sarah Sink Eames Hardcover
So I stumbled upon vintage clothes at the flea market, and managed to identify most of them. I asked my online friends, "What books do you recommend to help me further?" Everyone recommended this one. I now have it and what a book!
Accessories, colour and fabric variations...I can see why it came so highly recommended!
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Fabulous Fashion Doll Clothing You Can Make by Tina Casey Paperback
I've heard that this book is a godsend for those with minimal sewing skills.
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