The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book: Identification and Price Guide

by Marcie Melillo

Since debuting at the New York City Toy Fair in 1959, the Barbie doll has become the most popular doll in the history of children's toys - and the most collectible! Since its debut, The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book has provided complete, reliable information for collectors, dealers and fans on the fashion doll that both children and adults adore. Available for the first time in an affordable softcover edition, this one of a kind book clearly and chronologically identifies U.S.-issued Barbie dolls, including friends and family, in nearly 2,000 clear color photographs accompanied by complete detailed descriptions. Containing information for five decades worth of dolls, The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book provides the definitive answer to any collecting question. Simple facts, striking photos, and outstanding organization mark this comprehensive guide as a must-have. Features up-close head and full-view shots for easy identification. Also contains an index with extensive cross references and model numbers and box dates.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference

280 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[María Fernanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es básicamente un catálogo, si eres coleccionista te va a ayudar. ⭐️2.5

[Donna]

This hardback book came to my attention during a time when my then 5-year-old granddaughter was full of princess thoughts, Barbie Dolls and plenty of questions. She wanted me to sew her dollies some clothing and in doing so I found my own sense of childhood dreams, albeit the Barbie was not around during my younger days. As the clothes began piling up, I saw an opportunity to teach my granddaughter the necessity of giving to the less fortunate.

So armed and ready with my 20-year-old sewing machine, I bought formal dresses from second-hand shops from which beautiful lace, satin, velvet, etc. was salvaged. Once the fabric was ripped into flat pieces, I cut and sewed doll clothes. The dolls (which I won on eBay) were cleaned and some were even given a perm to their hair (via the curling iron)! Then my granddaughter and I dressed the "girls" in my personally designed garments and delivered to a lady who worked with the homeless in the inner-city.

Occasionally, my granddaughter mentions those dolls she helped give away, but never does she wish she had the dolls back. There is compassion in her voice today whenever she sees someone looking poor. I only hope this grandmother was a small part of her developing character thinking.

This book, while not a read within story lines, is simply a detailed identification guide of the dolls model numbers, hair and face descriptions, arms, body and body markings, patents and where the doll was made, plus notes of the manufacturer, i.e. whether doll was sold with headbands, etc. or variable hair and lip colors. THE ULTIMATE BARBIE DOLL BOOK enables one to trace Barbie from her 1959 debut through the 1990s. The photography shows up-close details and there is even a chapter on Ken and Skipper.

If one has an interest in collecting Barbie Dolls (Barbie Christmas ornaments as I do), this book is a must.

[Adelinep · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!!!!!!!!! If you want to now how much your Barbies are worth read this book. I found out that one of mine is worth $25!!!!!!!!!! Yayayayayayayaya!! There are some really creepy old barbies. One had a switchable head. I liked it because it was so funny. Ken had a beard.