Customer Reviews

Warman's Barbie Doll Field Guide: Values and Identification (Warman's Field Guides Barbie Doll: Values & Identification)

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

 

 

Review Update:
I received a comment asking for details regarding the errors I found. I thought it might be more useful to note a few of them within my review. Hopefully they will illustrate my issues with the book.

The reference material is poor. Problems range from the captions for the photos not matching the detailed description of the same doll (so which is correct?) to too many omissions. For example, if a doll comes with three wigs, why is only one pictured? When there isn't even a description of the wig styles, how is the collector to know what they are looking for or if what they are buying is legitimate and complete?

One photograph shows a doll that was originally released with three wigs and some other unique accessories. The photograph doesn't include the wigs or accessories, and neither the caption or description mentions the omitted items. How is the collector to know what is missing, or if attempting to buy the doll, that the included items are the correct pieces?

Yet another doll was made in a wig version -- a fact not mentioned anywhere in the doll's description. So, if a collector sees that doll at a show they will have no idea what it is or if the description the dealer is presenting is accurate.

The description for a common vintage doll notes a valuable variation but no picture is included to help the collector identify the doll.

One of the most important skills a collector can learn is the ability to properly differentiate between the various ponytail Barbie dolls issued. In this book, ignoring errors, the material is only partially there. Less than half of the vintage ponytail dolls are pictured in the book, and one of them has so much wrong with it, I'd need paragraphs to clear up the confusion, and there are many more problems that will confuse and mislead new collectors.

With a book like this you must already know the subject matter to see what is wrong. Experienced collectors won't buy this book but unfortunately, new collectors are in no position to evaluate the material, so they buy it and based on the used book prices, promptly sell it when they discover its lack of value as a reference.

Is the book comprehensive? No. Is it accurate? No. This thick little book looks like it should be packed with information, but instead it contains a lot of filler and little substance. There are lists that others have compiled on Amazon for the best Barbie books. If hunting for a solid reference book, check those lists.
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My original review.
I have a problem with reference books that are filled with errors because they are written by non-collectors. I am assuming this book was written by a non-collector because no self-respecting collector/expert would want to lead other collectors so astray.

The only reason for a collector to purchase a reference book is to assist in their purchases -- ensure they are buying a doll with the correct head and body along with the proper swimsuit/outfit. This book has significant errors so the collector is left vulnerable instead of informed. These errors are blatant, hopelessly sloppy and undoubtedly caused because the author does not know her subject matter. That alone is unforgiveable, but additionally, the price guide is terribly inaccurate.

If the subject is of sufficient interest to warrant a reference book, the effort should entail enough research and care in the creation to produce something of value to the reader. This book will mislead rather than empower a collector.

It is clear is that the main motivation for producing the book is money, not sharing accurate information. Collectors deserve better, and there are much better books on the subject.

If you have the original Barbie Field Guide - do NOT bother to waste your money on this one. It is essentially the same book, page for page. I assumed that this was the next edition, with all new Barbies, and info, but it is basically the same book with a new cover. Just a way to make a little more money - very aggravating. The price guide is a joke. The only reliable price guide for Barbie is going on ebay and searching completed auctions - everything else is just hype. All in all, very few Barbies are featured in this book, and not many of the ones that you would find on the secondary market. Really a waste of time.

First I am not a collector. My girls were given this book as a gift so they could find some of their many Barbies in it but they did not find one. I found one I had as a kid "Barbie and the Rockers" so that was fun to see again. My kids like looking at the pictures but that is all it is used for at my house. My mom bought it for my girls so they could see how their Barbies looked when they were new and dress them in their origal clothes which would have been fun but this is the wrong book for that. As far as being used for collectors I do not know?

Book is OK, not sure how accurate the prices are but at least it had pictures of outfits and is something you can carry with you.

Another pocket size book. One needs a magnifying glass to look through the pages.

This title not only features an expanded price guide from the previous edition but showcases a part of the collection of renowned Barbie expert Sandi Holder. Holder, who runs Sandi Holder's Doll Attic in Southern California, has been featured in Newsweek magazine, as well as newspapers and magazines around the world. Sandi has served as a Barbie doll consultant for Mattel for years. Her business established a world record for the highest price ever paid for a single Barbie when she auctioned a Ponytail #1 doll for $25,700. My favorite part of the book? The 50-page vintage fashion sets chapter. Great fun and simply beautiful! Whether you are a collector, a big girl with fond memories, or have a little girl who loves Barbie in your family, this is a wonderful little book.

I think this is a great book for the novice collector.

The market will bear whatever someone is willing to pay for an item, so I never pay attention to estimated values in books, mostly due to prices will increase and decrease at all different times of the year.

I love buying from Dealers as they will only charge you actual MSRP on an item when it first comes out. I understand an item increasing in value, so I understand a dealer charging more for an item when the supply is low & demand is high.

This book is a neat tool to carry in my purse when I am looking at Barbies and find one I have never seen before. I have the previous edition & I have worn it out, so it was nice to see a new one come out!

The best way to get a idea on a value on a doll is to research completed or sold items. Sometimes my dealers will let me know what a doll is worth too. Always do your own research for values, but the book is a great starting point to find valuable dolls!