Customer Reviews

The Complete & Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls® & Fashions (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

There are many reasons why I disliked the book I will try to list them and be brief --- I stand by the books I recomend in my Listmanias & the How to Guide...

1) All the items are listed, but MANY/MOST of them are NOT Pictured. THis is salvaged because you get a list of all the parts that come with that item. --- There are many pages with NO pictures.

2) It has a price guide, I really dislike price guides as they usually never reflect the real market values; and tend to distort them.

3) The pictures that it does have don't illustrate well the fashion - you see it on a doll - which would make a lovely picture book - but this is a reference, I want to see the details of the fashion and you can't see it if its dressed (ex. the Friday Night Date underdress).

4) Not all dolls are pictured, the ones that are there have good shots, but I would also have explained how to tell all the PTs appart [including face close ups - there are no face close ups], also I would explain in a bit more detail Japanesse, European & Rare items [I mention them because they appear listed in the book]

5) I was looking to have the 3 books I use the most in one tome -- but this is not it. [[1] Face of the American Dream: Barbie Doll 1959-1971 by Christopher Varaste , [2] Barbie Fashion: Vol. 1, 1959-1967 (Barbie Doll Fashion) by Sarah Sink Eames and [3] The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book by Marcie Melillo ]

Please, would someone step outside of their own personal collection and write a TRUE guide to Vintage Barbie and Friends plus fashion and structures? Is it asking too much for someone to put together a comprehensive book on the first 10 or 12 years?

Con: Wish there were room for more photos.
Pros: Chock Full of Great Information. My preferred reference book now. Hillary worked long and hard to put all of this great info together in an easy to read format. This is the new go to book now.

I read the other reviews and their points are well made. However I find that I use this book ALL the time. It is the only book that LISTS every accessory that comes with an outfit and all the stuff (including which swimsuit) comes with each doll. The price guide was/is instantly outdated but particulary for the accessories, it gives you an idea of their worth. I would be lost without it! Here is my wishlist for the new edition:

Wish it covered Francie fashion and accessories!
Wish it had more detailed info on hair color names (like for TNTs)
Wish it included info on what pamphlet came with what doll and outfit