This is Blythe [Paperback]

Blythe (Author), Gina Garan (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 15, 2000

Produced for only one year in the '70s, Blythe is a moony waif of a doll coveted by a growing group of devoted fans. Photographer Gina Garan fell to Blythe's charms and unusual looks years ago and has shot her in settings around the world, from Greece to Soho to Hooters. Hilarious, mesmerizing, and just a little spooky, This Is Blythe is the result of Garan's offbeat passion and a photography book like no other. Here's mod Blythe pacing through an art gallery; a pensive Blythe in a tiny blue fur parka, the sun flaring orange behind her; Blythe emerging from a block of ice. Is that Blythe telling her Christmas wishes to Santa Claus? Like stills for a film that hasn't happened (yet?), these undeniably beautiful photographs create an entire world from each flawless frame. A no-explanation-necessary gift for that special someone, This Is Blythe will enchant fans of witty photography and pop culture with a taste for the unexpected.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gina Garan a New York-based photographer and video producer, met Blythe by chance. She owns all of Blythe's original outfits, and lovingly customizes her clothing and hair.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (June 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811828239
• ISBN-13: 978-0811828239
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (22 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #775,924 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars What a beautiful book!, April 14, 2000

By 

Megan Halliday - See all my reviews

This review is from: This is Blythe (Paperback)

If a fun collection of photos featuring one of the most kitschy-cool odd-ball dolls wasn't enough, THIS IS BLYTHE is inspiring. The way Gina Garan shoots photos of her big eyed dolls they definitely seem to have personalities of their own. With more spark than most super-models, and more spunk than a whole aisle of Gen-X Barbie dolls! Photographs of this elusive doll from the 1970's would be interesting enough on their own, but with the unexpected locations (like in the mouth of a tiger at the Siegfried and Roy monument, or posing au naturel in front of Hooters) combined with the quirky subject matter (Blythe's the only doll I've heard of that can change her eye color from pink to orange with the pull of a string). Prude, sassy, sophisticated, glamorous, edgy, shy, apprehensive, innocent- are all conveyed not only by this dolls ability to change eye color and position. It is done with with the fabulous costumes, settings, and Gina's ability to almost animate Blythe with her unique style of photography. The book is interesting and whimsical, colorful and humorous. It has a very arty/innovative feel and a super-slick layout, but doesn't ever lose touch with the sweet and simple feeling that this girl is just playing with her dolls. Anyone who loves books about pop-culture, has an affinity for the unusual, appreciates dolls, or is simply looking for a book that is one-of-a-kind and inscrutably appealing,,, this is it! After flipping through the the book again and again, I kept remembering something from the last line of the introduction, and how it really holds true. It's that,"Blythe reminds you to embrace the rare and unique", qualities of who we are-- and that's exactly why this book is a gem!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Open your eyes to the world of Blythe...., January 8, 2004

By 

Mike (NYC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This is Blythe (Paperback)

Blythe is a wonderful doll, with a personality all her own. Blythe has been caputured in these photos beautifully by Gina Garan! Check out one of Gina's lovely photobooks, like this one "This is Blythe", or try "Dear Blythe Love Gina" or "Dear Blythe, Love Gina II"

For 30 years, Blythe was like a forgotten child, that no one seemed to remember. Gina saw in Blythe what no one else did... a quirky, yet charming inner beauty, and a distinct personality.

Once you own a Blythe doll, you will find that she somehow becomes your obesssion!!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wonderfully haunting..., August 8, 2002

By 

Miss D. AwesomePants "Amazon Junkie" (Hoboken, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: This is Blythe (Paperback)

This lil photography book is beautiful and haunting. The colors are wonderful (and reminicent of David LaChapelle or John Waters), and little Blythe's beautifully color-changing eyes set the mood of each photo.

Now i just wish i had a Blythe doll myself...