The Collector's Daughter's Book of Dolls
Do you collect dolls and want to share your passion with your children? With your friends? This is the book to introduce friends and family to your interest in a clear, intriguing and beautiful way. The language is precise and uncomplicated. The book touches briefly on every aspect of collecting, from the importance of preserving this part of our collective history, the mystery of the unidentified doll, to the beauty of a fine bisque Jumeau. The photography is excellent and includes delicate, hard to find pieces as well as dolls within the reach of a beginning doll collector. I received this book in its first edition from my mother, a collector of international dolls, along with her own first Effanbee Baby Doll from 1934. It was inevitable that my collection began with my first exposure to fine dolls and the comfortable friendliness of the composition babies of the 1930's. A collector of composition, cloth and the odd bisque doll myself, I recently acquired another first edition of this book for my daughter, which I dedicated to her and presented along with her great, great grandmother's papier mache doll, a example of which is examined in the book with text and photographs. The All Color Book of Dolls, has given her a grasp of the historical importance of collecting, repairing and identifying dolls. Having devoured the book and nearly memorized it, at age 12, she can speak with knowledge about the geography of the growth of doll manufacture, the fine artistry involved in the creating of dolls, and the various mediums used currently and throughout history. I recommend this book heartily to any collector who wishes her friends and family understood her collecting ! Not only will it help them understand, it may give you a partner with whom to share your passion as my daughter has become mine. Beginning doll collectors would do well to start with this book, and perhaps one day, pass the doll collecting spirit on to a special friend. Enjoy the read!
