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Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy
Take an enthralling and richly illustrated trip through the official real-world story of the Barbie™ doll—from groundbreaking toy to beacon of female empowerment.
Created in partnership with Mattel to celebrate Barbie doll’s 65th anniversary and featuring rare images from their archives, Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy is a stunning tribute to the beloved pop culture icon that has echoed the taste, style, and events of every decade she has experienced.
Recall the joy of opening a brand-new Barbie box with this sumptuously designed book chronicling every step in the beloved doll’s journey, from entrepreneurial pioneer Ruth Handler’s creation of Barbie in 1959 to the record-breaking film in 2023, and beyond,
The Birth of Barbie – Learn how Ruth Handler came up with the idea of a doll that allowed little girls to play at being women, then overcame a parade of challenges—including disbelief from her male colleagues that mothers would buy their daughters an adult doll with full-grown breasts—and persevered to create the wildly successful Barbie doll and prove her doubters wrong. Breaking Boundaries – Follow the path that Barbie took from teenage fashion model to over 200 different careers, including trailblazing roles like astronaut in 1965, beating the first American woman, Sally Ride, into space by nearly 20 years, to surgeon in 1973, at a time when the total number of women physicians in the US was around 5 percent, to other male-dominated roles like Marine Corps sergeant, a business executive, and President of the United States. Reflecting Diversity – See how a doll that started with a choice of either blonde or brunette hair now boasts 35 skin tones, 97 hair styles, and 9 body types, with those numbers growing each year. Barbie in Fashion and Art – Explore how the fashion and art worlds have influenced and been influenced by Barbie, from limited edition Barbie fashions from premiere designers like Christian Dior and Michael Kors to a portrait of Barbie by Andy Warhol. Barbie in Pop Culture – Discover all the ways that Barbie has influenced pop culture, from Barbie bloggers and collectors to how her movie smashed records as the highest-grossing domestic release in history, granting its female director, Greta Gerwig, the prize for the highest-grossing film directed by a woman.
Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy reveals how Barbie is more than a toy—she is an ideal that lives forever, encouraging girls to persist through to become whatever they dream to be.
Created in partnership with Mattel to celebrate Barbie doll’s 65th anniversary and featuring rare images from their archives, Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy is a stunning tribute to the beloved pop culture icon that has echoed the taste, style, and events of every decade she has experienced.
Recall the joy of opening a brand-new Barbie box with this sumptuously designed book chronicling every step in the beloved doll’s journey, from entrepreneurial pioneer Ruth Handler’s creation of Barbie in 1959 to the record-breaking film in 2023, and beyond,
The Birth of Barbie – Learn how Ruth Handler came up with the idea of a doll that allowed little girls to play at being women, then overcame a parade of challenges—including disbelief from her male colleagues that mothers would buy their daughters an adult doll with full-grown breasts—and persevered to create the wildly successful Barbie doll and prove her doubters wrong. Breaking Boundaries – Follow the path that Barbie took from teenage fashion model to over 200 different careers, including trailblazing roles like astronaut in 1965, beating the first American woman, Sally Ride, into space by nearly 20 years, to surgeon in 1973, at a time when the total number of women physicians in the US was around 5 percent, to other male-dominated roles like Marine Corps sergeant, a business executive, and President of the United States. Reflecting Diversity – See how a doll that started with a choice of either blonde or brunette hair now boasts 35 skin tones, 97 hair styles, and 9 body types, with those numbers growing each year. Barbie in Fashion and Art – Explore how the fashion and art worlds have influenced and been influenced by Barbie, from limited edition Barbie fashions from premiere designers like Christian Dior and Michael Kors to a portrait of Barbie by Andy Warhol. Barbie in Pop Culture – Discover all the ways that Barbie has influenced pop culture, from Barbie bloggers and collectors to how her movie smashed records as the highest-grossing domestic release in history, granting its female director, Greta Gerwig, the prize for the highest-grossing film directed by a woman.
Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy reveals how Barbie is more than a toy—she is an ideal that lives forever, encouraging girls to persist through to become whatever they dream to be.
- GenresNonfictionHistory
339 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 16, 2024
15 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 13, 2024
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy is a handbook filled with information from how Barbie was created and made, the designs, the fashions and styles, and everything you could think of in-between.
I loved the photography included and would love to see it in the physical version when it is released, as it was quite hard to zoom in and see the whole thing on my phone.
This would make a great book to use in a classroom for discussions and research and anyone who picks it up and enjoys Barbie will be fascinated with the pictures taken and included through the history and years of Barbie from the start to the present day.
Definitely a book for any Barbie fans!
Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy is a handbook filled with information from how Barbie was created and made, the designs, the fashions and styles, and everything you could think of in-between.
I loved the photography included and would love to see it in the physical version when it is released, as it was quite hard to zoom in and see the whole thing on my phone.
This would make a great book to use in a classroom for discussions and research and anyone who picks it up and enjoys Barbie will be fascinated with the pictures taken and included through the history and years of Barbie from the start to the present day.
Definitely a book for any Barbie fans!
February 27, 2024
This was such an interesting read! From the hype of the movie I figured I would check this one out. It was really cool to learn about Barbie's overall history. I you're a fan of Barbie in any way, I would recommend giving this a read!
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC. The book is due for release this April
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC. The book is due for release this April
October 19, 2024
A book on Barbie’s history and her influence on the world with a timeline.
Barbie is forever and so is my love for this revolutionary fashion icon doll. thank you Ruth Handler for having a vision and running along with it. I hope she knows how many girls she has positively impacted with her creation back in 1959.
infinite possibilities! You can be anything! “a mirror of our world”, “a canvas for storytelling” her branding is incredible too, which was so interesting to read about.
Barbie is forever and so is my love for this revolutionary fashion icon doll. thank you Ruth Handler for having a vision and running along with it. I hope she knows how many girls she has positively impacted with her creation back in 1959.
infinite possibilities! You can be anything! “a mirror of our world”, “a canvas for storytelling” her branding is incredible too, which was so interesting to read about.
April 14, 2024
In "Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy," readers embark on an enthralling journey through the captivating story of Barbie™ doll, from her groundbreaking inception to her iconic status as a beacon of female empowerment. Celebrating Barbie's 65th anniversary, this book, created in collaboration with Mattel, is a stunning tribute to the beloved cultural icon, complete with rare archival images that bring her evolution vividly to life. From its inception, Barbie was more than just a doll; she was a revolutionary concept conceived by Ruth Handler, who dared to defy conventions and provide little girls with a toy that allowed them to envision endless possibilities. Despite facing skepticism and challenges, Handler persevered, ultimately proving her critics wrong as Barbie became a global phenomenon. One of the most compelling aspects of Barbie's journey is her ability to transcend boundaries. From her origins as a teenage fashion model to her portrayal in over 200 different careers, including groundbreaking roles like astronaut and surgeon, Barbie has consistently shattered stereotypes and inspired generations of girls to dream big. The evolution of Barbie's physical appearance also reflects a commitment to diversity and inclusion. What began with a choice of only two hair colors has now expanded to encompass 35 skin tones, 97 hairstyles, and 9 body types, a testament to Barbie's ongoing relevance and adaptability. "Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy" also delves into Barbie's influence on fashion, art, and pop culture. From collaborations with premier designers to iconic portrayals by artists like Andy Warhol, Barbie's impact is undeniable. Moreover, her recent cinematic success, breaking records as the highest-grossing domestic release directed by a woman, underscores her enduring relevance in contemporary culture. Ultimately, "Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy" celebrates Barbie as more than just a toy; she is an enduring symbol of empowerment and possibility. Through her story, readers are reminded of the importance of perseverance and the limitless potential that lies within every individual. This richly illustrated book is not only a must-read for fans of Barbie but also for anyone interested in the history of one of the most iconic toys of all time. Whether reliving childhood memories or discovering Barbie's legacy for the first time, readers will be captivated by the timeless allure of this cultural icon.
April 6, 2024
This guide to the history of Barbie tells the story of how Ruth Handler created this doll, covers the ups and downs of its early marketing and sales, reflects on Barbie's cultural influence, and highlights the brand's current product lines and social messages. There's a lot of great information in this book, but the small font size and formatting make it difficult to read, which is part of why I'm not giving this a higher rating.
The book includes engaging historical photos, pictures of some Barbie products throughout the decades, and contemporary photos. This will be a fun coffee table book for fans and collectors. It can also appeal to people who aren't specifically interested in Barbie, but who are invested in vintage toy history. The book includes details about other toys that Mattel was known for, and compares Barbie to other, much less revolutionary products that were on the market for girls at the time. This book also includes lots of interesting details about mid-century history, advertising, and consumer culture.
This is mainly a puff piece about Barbie, and there's not a lot of deeper analysis. When the book mentions people having misgivings and critiques about Barbie, the implication is that only clueless men would question her. There's no acknowledgement that the men at Mattel were sometimes right, and that there were many women who didn't want to buy their daughters an adult doll with an adult figure. Many women and girls have objected to Barbie for a variety of reasons, from many different social and political perspectives, and there's no acknowledgement of that here. The book makes it sound like the only naysayers were men, and it doesn't address legitimate social controversies about Barbie.
I would mainly recommend this book to Barbie fans who don't know much about her. If someone has already done a deep dive into this doll's history, they won't find a lot of new information here, and if someone isn't a Barbie fan, the book will lack the more thoughtful analysis they're looking for. Nonetheless, this is a fun, colorful celebration of Barbie that will appeal to people who love this nostalgic toy and cultural icon.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The book includes engaging historical photos, pictures of some Barbie products throughout the decades, and contemporary photos. This will be a fun coffee table book for fans and collectors. It can also appeal to people who aren't specifically interested in Barbie, but who are invested in vintage toy history. The book includes details about other toys that Mattel was known for, and compares Barbie to other, much less revolutionary products that were on the market for girls at the time. This book also includes lots of interesting details about mid-century history, advertising, and consumer culture.
This is mainly a puff piece about Barbie, and there's not a lot of deeper analysis. When the book mentions people having misgivings and critiques about Barbie, the implication is that only clueless men would question her. There's no acknowledgement that the men at Mattel were sometimes right, and that there were many women who didn't want to buy their daughters an adult doll with an adult figure. Many women and girls have objected to Barbie for a variety of reasons, from many different social and political perspectives, and there's no acknowledgement of that here. The book makes it sound like the only naysayers were men, and it doesn't address legitimate social controversies about Barbie.
I would mainly recommend this book to Barbie fans who don't know much about her. If someone has already done a deep dive into this doll's history, they won't find a lot of new information here, and if someone isn't a Barbie fan, the book will lack the more thoughtful analysis they're looking for. Nonetheless, this is a fun, colorful celebration of Barbie that will appeal to people who love this nostalgic toy and cultural icon.
I received a temporary digital copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2024
Robin Gerber's “Barbie” offers a fascinating deep dive into the history and cultural significance of one of the world's most iconic toys. The book is as much a biography of Ruth Handler, Barbie's creator, as it is a chronicle of the doll herself. Gerber does an excellent job of portraying Ruth's vision and tenacity in a male-dominated business world, making her a compelling figure to follow.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed exploration of Ruth Handler’s life and the challenges she faced in bringing Barbie to market. Gerber skillfully captures the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Ruth to innovate, even when faced with skepticism and criticism. The book also offers a well-researched look at the broader cultural context, examining how Barbie has influenced and been influenced by societal changes over the decades.
Gerber strikes a good balance between celebrating Barbie’s impact and acknowledging the controversies surrounding the doll, particularly regarding body image and gender roles. This balanced perspective allows readers to appreciate Barbie’s place in history while also considering the complex legacy she leaves behind.
While the book is thorough and informative, it occasionally feels a bit dense, particularly in sections that delve into the intricacies of business decisions and corporate history. These parts, though important, can slow down the narrative for those more interested in the cultural aspects of Barbie’s story.
Overall, “Barbie” by Robin Gerber is a well-crafted and insightful book that offers a nuanced look at an enduring cultural icon. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of toys, entrepreneurship, or the evolution of women’s roles in society. Though it might be a bit heavy at times, it’s a rewarding read that sheds light on the fascinating story behind the doll that has captured the imaginations of generations.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed exploration of Ruth Handler’s life and the challenges she faced in bringing Barbie to market. Gerber skillfully captures the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Ruth to innovate, even when faced with skepticism and criticism. The book also offers a well-researched look at the broader cultural context, examining how Barbie has influenced and been influenced by societal changes over the decades.
Gerber strikes a good balance between celebrating Barbie’s impact and acknowledging the controversies surrounding the doll, particularly regarding body image and gender roles. This balanced perspective allows readers to appreciate Barbie’s place in history while also considering the complex legacy she leaves behind.
While the book is thorough and informative, it occasionally feels a bit dense, particularly in sections that delve into the intricacies of business decisions and corporate history. These parts, though important, can slow down the narrative for those more interested in the cultural aspects of Barbie’s story.
Overall, “Barbie” by Robin Gerber is a well-crafted and insightful book that offers a nuanced look at an enduring cultural icon. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of toys, entrepreneurship, or the evolution of women’s roles in society. Though it might be a bit heavy at times, it’s a rewarding read that sheds light on the fascinating story behind the doll that has captured the imaginations of generations.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 11, 2024
Ruth Handler saw her daughter and friends playing with paper dolls of grown women and wondered why they couldn’t have actual dolls. She designed Barbie against everyone’s advice. What mother would allow her daughter to play with a doll with a grownup figure?
Mattel toys placed TV commercials on The Mickey Mouse Club and sales took off. The story of creating all of Barbie’s tiny garments in Japan is amazing. Barbie has always been ahead of the times, breaking new ground for women. She’s been an astronaut, surgeon, everything. Barbie’s motto is See It/Be It.
Her creator thought Barbie would sell for three or four years. Barbie is now 65.
March 2, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for the e-ARC.
This was cute, like a Barbie textbook in a way. I loved the use of pictures and somewhat wished they had even more. The plot informs you of the creation of Barbie as the doll and its significance to this day. It does make the point that Barbie is a fashion icon, so I wish more pictures showed different Barbie fashions. This was adorable for anyone who appreciates Barbie. If you have elementary school children they would appreciate the pictures, but might not be able to understand the written part independently (maybe bedtime-worthy?).
This was cute, like a Barbie textbook in a way. I loved the use of pictures and somewhat wished they had even more. The plot informs you of the creation of Barbie as the doll and its significance to this day. It does make the point that Barbie is a fashion icon, so I wish more pictures showed different Barbie fashions. This was adorable for anyone who appreciates Barbie. If you have elementary school children they would appreciate the pictures, but might not be able to understand the written part independently (maybe bedtime-worthy?).
March 4, 2024
This book was a great introduction to the history and legacy both Mattel and Barbie have had on the world. I learned so many things about every stage of Barbie’s history and how it came to be the empire it is today! Very good and interesting read if you are curious to know about Barbie and Mattel, and how they beat the odds of toy making. It doesn’t mention it in the book, but since the Barbie dream house paint line released- which this book now has me wanting!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Robin Gerber for allowing me to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and Robin Gerber for allowing me to read this e-arc in exchange for my honest review
June 5, 2024
This history of Barbie details how the doll came to be and its influence on pop culture. It includes photos of the original Barbie and images of how the doll evolved over time and became the global icon it is today.
August 18, 2024
What a fascinating story
I really liked the origin story with the time lines along with the pictures. The writing was very well done and the story was not boring like some non fiction books can be.
I really liked the origin story with the time lines along with the pictures. The writing was very well done and the story was not boring like some non fiction books can be.
December 15, 2024
3.5/5 rounded up
A lot of great information and pictures
A lot of great information and pictures
October 8, 2025
The history of Barbie is super interesting to me. It's very clear that Mattel has had its ups and downs but is a legendary toy brand that has a history of being able to adapt to the times.
November 6, 2024
*I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
Barbie by Robin Gerber
Pub Date: Apr 16 2024
A really cute coffee table-style book detailing the history of Barbie dolls, from the creation of Barbie dolls through Margot Robbie's portrayal in the Barbie movie from last summer. The photos are gorgeous, though the text was a bit difficult to read on an e-reader (as I was doing) and will likely flow better in a physical book. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys Barbie.
Barbie by Robin Gerber
Pub Date: Apr 16 2024
A really cute coffee table-style book detailing the history of Barbie dolls, from the creation of Barbie dolls through Margot Robbie's portrayal in the Barbie movie from last summer. The photos are gorgeous, though the text was a bit difficult to read on an e-reader (as I was doing) and will likely flow better in a physical book. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys Barbie.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews