Customer Reviews

Face of the American Dream: Barbie Doll 1959-1971

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Okay, we've seen the parade of books on Barbie fashion. We've seen the forensically photographed doll priceguides. What we haven't seen, until now, was a book whose visual language made the dolls and fashions come to life in a way that conjures the imaginary world that Barbie seemed to live in. If you know someone who doesn't "get" Barbie collecting, show them this book. It's so lovingly assembled that even the skeptic is forced to look at the subject through a child's eyes. And yet it's so well researched and informative, the discriminating adult collector can find an answer to virtually any question. Varaste's knowledge about transitional dolls and their differences, for example, was especially helpful. The narrative is so artful and engaging, you don't even realize how much your're learning! The photos are fabulously fun and imaginative; Varaste isn't afraid to see the humor in our hopeless love for Barbie. Visually, he knows what we want and he delivers! Hands down the best book on the subject of Miss B. We can only hope for a sequel!

This book is one of the most beautiful Barbie books ever written. The pictures are beautiful. The dolls represent pictures of many of the best barbie collections in the World. The information is quite extensive. I give it a 11! Simply the best!

Varaste's "The Face of the American Dream" is simply fantastic. So many Barbie books simply photograph the fashions and give current prices. Chris takes the subject far deeper than anything I've ever read, both sociologically and in terms of the minute variations within the Barbie doll. It is an absolute feast for the eyes of the collector or non-collector and a treasure trove of information for the collector. It is really awesome! As another reviewer wrote, I would love to see Chris tackle the Mod era in more depth. I look forward to more from him!

This book captures the spirit of an era through the toy that helped define it. The photographs are amazing, the prose is thoughtful and insightful, making it a delightful read. Barbie doll collectors will be thrilled with the many rare items pictured, and casual readers will find the pictures beautiful and informative. Bravo to Chris for a job well done and a fresh spin on this important part of our cultural history.

This book is PERFECT for the advanced collector. Going thru each style of BARBIE from Ponytails thru TNT's. If you are looking for price guides, this is not the book for you. If you are wondering what the difference between white ginger and platinum bubbles, or what year TNT's had centered eyes, or to just drool over totally mint rare dolls, THIS IS FOR YOU! I really like it.

She's perky, pretty, and piquant. She's a Barbie doll, the icon and idol of millions of preteen girls. Television producer/photographer Christopher Varaste takes us back to the 1960s when Barbie was on the rise embodying the face, figure and styles of that decade.

Turning the pages of this delightful and informative album is a nostalgic retro look at the way we were - when frosted lipstick was the rage, of course, Barbie wore it. Her golden hair was seen swinging in a bobbing pony tail or poufed into a Bubble Cut.

As women grew more independent so did Barbie. She entered the job market as a career girl (well dressed, of course), zipped around town in a peony pink roadster, became an American Airlines stewardess, and even soared into space. She acquired the then fashionable Carnaby Street "mod look." And, Barbie had a theatrical bent appearing as "Guinevere." Whatever young girls dreamed of Barbie could become.

Most of us age but Barbie evolves as Varaste's complete and colorful book reminds us.

Outstanding reference book and guide. Stunning photography brings the dolls to life. A valuable resource in purchasing expensive collectibles. Author should be commended for fabulous job well done!

This book is so neat. It shows all kinds of really rare and beautiful dolls from the early years, and places them in context with period advertising and history. If you collect Barbie you're going to want all the dolls shown, and if you don't collect, you'll still learn some interesting information about this cultural icon.

This is a virtual encylopedia of the Barbie Doll. The book is packed with facts that only a true aficonado would know: how the Barbie doll was discovered in Europe when the creator saw her daughter playing with paper dolls and envisioned a three dimensional doll; the Japanese influence in the early Barbie which borrowed from Kabuki theater; the creation of Ken; the 'swirl' ponytail; the early 60's "Bubble cut" Barbie favored by collectors; special packaging including wedding party gift set, mix and match; the bendable leg era which began in 1964;the mod era of the late 60's; the athletic Barbie of the 70's.

Female icons and social changes are also chronicled in the book: civil rights, women's liberation, Cher, Jane Fonda, Barbara Eden; the changing image of women. All of the trememendous societal upheavals of the 60's had an effect in how Barbie evolved. Advertising and make-up in the real world influenced Mattel's designs for Barbie.

Always one step ahead of the social climate, Mattel's Barbie remains more than a toy. She is the mascot of her era and and a historical marker for understanding social changes in the lives of women in the US in the last 50 years.

This is a wonderful book, well written and very interesting to those of us who love Barbie. I would recommend it to all. The author has great insights and seems like a really nice person!