Customer Reviews

Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls)

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Wow! This wonderful compendium of American composition dolls is the most comprehensive and beautifully presented book ever written on the subject. What I most appreciated about this volume was that Ms. Mertz gave thorough descriptions of the dolls including markings, manufactured sizes, inconsistencies and even how these dolls were produced. So many other authors seem to "slap-dash" books together without paying attenton to these important details which truly make a collector's book worth its mettle. This book is not only filled with useful identification markings and values...it is also filled with the most professional of photographs that truly capture the spirit of each doll. It is obvious that this project was undertaken with great care, attention to detail and a lot of love for its subject. Even if one is not a doll collector, this is a book that captures a part of American design history and a simpler time when most major doll companies were still a family business..not some impersonal conglomerate. Hats-off to Ursula Mertz (and her husband) for creating this treasure of historical and collector's information. I think it belongs in the library of every doll collector and every historian of popular Americana.

Being a doll restorationist, I am constantly receiving dolls to repair that need identification and their history. This is the most comprehensive compilation of compostion dolls I have ever read. The pictures are wonderful and the various articles so informative. I thought I knew just about all there was about composition dolls, but Ursala Mertz taught me even more great pieces of information. A must have winner!

This is the reference compo doll collectors have waited for. Ursula Mertz's knowledge of composition dolls -- particularly the very early examples -- is unsurpassed. This volume is truly encyclopedic. The first chapters deal with the history of the dolls and how they were made, essential to the serious and beginning collector alike. Mertz tells what one should look for in buying a compo doll today. The bulk of the book consists of a "by manufacturer" Gallery of Dolls, featuring wonderful photos of composition dolls from the years 1900 to 1950, many of which have never been seen in any previous doll book. Photos, mostly by Mertz's husband, Otto, are first rate. It is the composition doll book by which all others, past or future, will be measured.

This is the BEST book I have ever seen on Composition Dolls! Not only does it include marked dolls, but identifies unmarked dolls based on their characteristics. Also has many dolls that the Blue Book does not have. Great color photographs! The only thing that this book does not have is an index of marks (initials & numbers) for quick reference. I love this book!

This is by far the best book on composition dolls printed to date. Ms. Mertz begins her book with a little background on the construction of composition dolls and traits peculiar to them alone. Lesser known compaies receive equal representation in this book ,with a section devoted to Patsy look-a-likes that shows many dolls some of us never knew existed. The photography is outstanding and quality is consistent throughout. I particularly like the section on Effanbee dolls;there are some early F&B's that I have never seen anywhere else.
For the serious collector it is an invaluable resource; for the doll lover, it is a work of art . For both, it is the ultimate 'wishbook'!

I think this book has some of the most valuable information I have seen about composition dolls, their make up and care. Also more companies are covered complete with a sample of the dolls. What a wonderful present Ursula has given to all of us that collect these type of dolls. Thank You Ursula!

I have the other Ursula R. Mertz book on compo dolls and both are just great! I would recommend both books!

1) Photos: Large, bright, highly detailed!

2) Descriptions: Very accurate. Ursula is probably one of the most knowledgeable people on this subject around today!

3) Well written. Well researched.

Thoroughly enjoyed all the information provided. This book will continue to be a reference for anyone interested in composition dolls both recent and antique, the photographs are wonderful.

Love this book and it has helped me enormously in identifying dolls I knew nothing about. There is always something missing in a book, but I was able to go close in identifying some that were unmarked and common. Great book but you need vol 2 as well.

I couldn't wait to recieve my book and luckily wasn't disappointed by the fast delivery time and the book was so beautifully displayed I couldn't wait to open it. I really was impressed with the Composition Dolls 1900 - 1950 book. I already had the volume II book. This book has beautiful pictures and alot of information on dolls that were not in volume II book. I found it not only entertaining but very useful Collector's Encyclopedia of Composition Dolls I (Collector's Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls)for my doll collecting.