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Ultimate Barbie
Traces the history of the Barbie doll from her beginning in 1959, through her meteoric rise in popularity in the 1960s, to her place on the world stage as a jet-setting, multicultural fashion icon. Original.
- GenresNonfictionHistoryFashion
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2003
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
July 18, 2018
An old childhood favourite.
When I was a kid I would take this book out the library and renew it every single week. I loved it, so much so I got my own copy when I was older.
Obviously, I understand that:
A- the book is outdated (written in 2000) so it would not include the Barbie princess/fantasy phase, the downfall of Barbie and the comeback it currently has
B- It would not have every single Barbie doll ever made in the book, otherwise it would be huge.
No this is a simple book for children who love Barbie as much as I did.
When I was a kid I would take this book out the library and renew it every single week. I loved it, so much so I got my own copy when I was older.
Obviously, I understand that:
A- the book is outdated (written in 2000) so it would not include the Barbie princess/fantasy phase, the downfall of Barbie and the comeback it currently has
B- It would not have every single Barbie doll ever made in the book, otherwise it would be huge.
No this is a simple book for children who love Barbie as much as I did.
June 3, 2020
I cannot count how many times I have read this book; My copy is practically falling apart.
It's a majorly nostalgic book for me, and it's proved to me from such a young age how big of an impact a mere doll has had the world.
This book tracks Barbie history, and in turn Barbie herself tracks history. Each doll reflects the Western social norms of it's day and it's simply fascinating to see history personified on what is traditionally viewed as a children's toy.
This year this book turns 20 years old - making it very outdated. It doesn't include the influential "Fairytale Era" of 2001 to 2009 that was such a major part of my childhood, and so many other Gen Z's too.
It also doesn't include Barbie's 50th birthday in 2010, her downfall and her resurgence, as well as her redesign as a more "body positive" doll in 2016.
I would love to see a second edition of this book one day soon.
It's a majorly nostalgic book for me, and it's proved to me from such a young age how big of an impact a mere doll has had the world.
This book tracks Barbie history, and in turn Barbie herself tracks history. Each doll reflects the Western social norms of it's day and it's simply fascinating to see history personified on what is traditionally viewed as a children's toy.
This year this book turns 20 years old - making it very outdated. It doesn't include the influential "Fairytale Era" of 2001 to 2009 that was such a major part of my childhood, and so many other Gen Z's too.
It also doesn't include Barbie's 50th birthday in 2010, her downfall and her resurgence, as well as her redesign as a more "body positive" doll in 2016.
I would love to see a second edition of this book one day soon.
July 5, 2022
What an interesting book! For me it was like time traveling. I had my Barbie when they first came out, and ended up with the house, and a car for her. I also had Ken and Skipper.
I never realized how Barbie and Ken changed as far as their bodies, although I knew that Barbie's face had been changed.
She had clothes for every occasion...and shoes and purses, and even makeup. She had dogs, and she was hoping that she could marry Ken. I had always pretended that that had happened anyway. I did not realize all of the little brothers and sisters that they both had, nor did I know how often they tweaked their looks.
It was a great book...all colorful photography. Everything was explained chronologically so you could see the actual physical changes that they went through.
Barbie aficionados need to read this, and have it on their shelves.
I never realized how Barbie and Ken changed as far as their bodies, although I knew that Barbie's face had been changed.
She had clothes for every occasion...and shoes and purses, and even makeup. She had dogs, and she was hoping that she could marry Ken. I had always pretended that that had happened anyway. I did not realize all of the little brothers and sisters that they both had, nor did I know how often they tweaked their looks.
It was a great book...all colorful photography. Everything was explained chronologically so you could see the actual physical changes that they went through.
Barbie aficionados need to read this, and have it on their shelves.
March 4, 2019
It was a good book, for what it was. I liked seeing the different Barbie styles.
May 5, 2019
Wonderful book that takes you back through time via the fashion of Barbie from 1959 until 2000. Every time I pick it up, I have wonderful memories of trying to find clothes to match my Barbies.
April 10, 2013
I was pretty disappointed in this book. I got it in the hopes that I could have a walk down memory lane and see pics and stories of all the Barbies and Barbie accessories I had as a kid in the 70s and 80s. There was some of that, but this book was missing TONS of the dolls I had as well as most of the accessories I had as a kid. I would not consider this a guide at all because it is simply missing too much! I would not really recommend it to anyone either.
June 16, 2014
A fun walk down memory lane with my grand daughter. Nice book for anyone interested in the history of the doll and her fashions.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews