This book is a MUST HAVE for the small doll collector!  If you love the small 8" dolls of the 40s/50s era but have difficulty identifying them, then this book will definitely become your "bible".  Loaded with photos and descriptions by a leading expert in the doll field.  Fortune, Virga, Cosmopolitan, Beehler Arts, Muffie, Ginny, they're all here!  Definitely put this one on your holiday wish list!!!

The author, Carol Lindberg, has been in the doll repair/restoration business for many years.  She has written this book to share some general helpful tips on repairing such things as eyes, wigs, restringing, and cleaning.  She shows examples of composition, hard plastic, and vinyl dolls.  For the do it yourselfer, this will give you the confidence to tackle some of your dolls that need a little TLC!

Collector's Guide to Dolls of the 1960s & 1970s, Vol. Two
©2004
Newly released in June of 2004, this is Volume Two.  A nice companion volume to add even more references to dolls of this era.  This book as many dolls not shown in Volume One making BOTH a definite asset to your doll reference library.

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Collector's Encyclopedia of 
American Composition Dolls 1900-1950, Volume Two
©2004
By Ursula R. Mertz
A long awaited companion volume to the above book.  Once again the author has out done herself with incredibly beautiful photographs of some of the most incredibly beautiful dolls of the early twentieth century.  The first volume is now commanding high prices on the resale market.  This new book is affordable and stands on its own as a great reference, even without Volume One.

Compo Dolls Volume II  1909-1928
Identification and Price Guide
©1994

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A "must have" reference for the 50s doll collector.  The Judd's developed this book to expand upon their first book Hard Plastic Dolls (Volume I).  It further assists doll collectors to identify the many hard plastic dolls made in the middle of the twentieth century.  It has a particularly helpful glossary of doll marks and cross references of various doll parts and mold styles to their manufacturer.  This book is an invaluable tool for identifying "Ginny's competitors."

The Doll Hospital Directory, 
Second Edition. (©1998)
by Marlene Alperin-Hochman

Your doll needs help!  And, its more than you can handle!  This easy to read directory gives expert advice on the steps necessary to find a quality doll hospital. Included is how to document, and protect, your precious doll for the journey. The book is a bit pricey for its size, but the information is invaluable if you need repair and/or restoration services but cannot find this information locally.  It offers a detailed list of several doll hospitals throughout the United States.

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The Patti Playpal Family
A Guide to Companion Dolls of the 1960s
©2000
by Carla Marie Cross

Large life-like, child-sized dolls were all the craze in the 1960s and Ideal's Patti Playpal was the most popular of all.  This reference shows lots of examples and variations of the whole Playpal family; Patti, Peter, Suzy, Penny, etc.  Also, there is a nice section featuring some of the competitive brands to help you with identification.

One of the most popular of the Madame Alexander Dolls, Cissy is a beautiful icon of fashion of the 1950s.  A. Glenn Mandeville has been a leading authority on Madame Alexander dolls for many years and has written volumes on them.  Exquisite and beautiful, this is a must have book for the Cissy doll collector.

This is a long awaited reference book on the American Character dolls. The volume includes information on Tiny Tears, Toodles, Betsy McCall, Tressy, and Sweet Sue, to name just a few of the popular dolls by this maker.  Judith Izen, who has written several doll reference books, is a noted authority on all types of dolls and she has created another winner with this excellent reference book.

This is a very comprehensive reference book on these popular collectibles.  This large book (over 350 pages) covers the bisque dolls, not the later hard plastics.  It has many, many color photographs to help identifying your collectible Storybook Dolls.  A must have reference tool!

Arranbee Dolls "The Dolls That Sell on Sight"
Identification and Value Guide
©2004
by Suzanne  DeMillar & Dennis Brevik

I believe this newly released book is the only book written exclusively on Arranbee Dolls.  These quality dolls were some of the prettiest dolls made in the early to mid-20th century.  They are sometimes hard to identify because not all are marked.  This book becomes a valuable tool in helping you identify these dolls as well as being a wonderful book just to drool over!  Nancy Lee, Nanette, Debu-Teen, Littlest Angel are just a few of the lovely dolls you will see in this book.

A popular baby boomer doll of the 40s and 50s, Terri Lee is well documented in this comprehensive book.  Full of color pictures and history of the doll and the family that created her.

I love books that feature one manufacturer because of the depth of information.  Finally a book about the beautiful Horsman dolls!  This is a comprehensive book about one of America's leading doll makers of the Twentieth century.   Great for reference!

This handy carry around size Barbie doll reference book is packed full of useful information for the Barbie doll collector.   The book covers the older Barbie dolls to the more recent ones.  Written by leading experts, it has loads of photos to help you identify your Barbie.  They offer tips on collecting, valuing, selling, and caring for your Barbie doll.  A great starter book for the new collector!

Madame Alexander Collector's Dolls Price Guide #30
©2005
By: Linda Crowsey

This is Linda's most recent price guide to the beautiful Madame Alexander dolls. Find the most current value of all of the fabulous dolls made by one of America's leading doll makers.  This is more of a price guide than a photo book but dozens of photos accompany the extensive list of every type of M.A. doll.

This was my Christmas present to myself a few years ago and I haven't put it down since! This book is the most complete and comprehensive book to date on all of Vogue's dolls, especially GINNY.

A must have, almost like chocolate!!

Collector's Encyclopedia of VOGUE Dolls Vol. Two
Identification and Values
©2004
by Judith Izen & Carol Stover

A companion volume to the above reference book by these two noted authors and doll experts.  It will further give you hours of pleasurable reading and wonderful photos to help you identify your Ginny as well as other Vogue dolls. 

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Shirley Temple Dolls and Fashions
A Collector's Guide to the
World's Darling
©1992
By Edward R. Pardella

Though the above was written in '92 it is still one of the leading authoritative books on all types of Shirley Temples including paper dolls and storybooks. Prices are not current but the detailed photos and expert restoration and care info makes this worthwhile.  The book below is an extension of the above.  Shirley fans will enjoy both.  These books may be difficult to find but Amazon will do a search for you if they are currently out of print.

Shirley Temple Dolls and Fashions
A Collector's Guide to the
World's Darling (Updated version of above)
©1999

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GINNY  America' Sweetheart
Identification & Value Guide
©1998    (3rd Revision)
By A. Glenn Mandeville
This book is currently OUT OF PRINT!! Difficult to find.  I'm offering a brand new one in my online store for sale, click here.

This is the latest revision of a very popular Ginny book.  Beautiful all color photographs, care and repair tips, and a very thorough price guide. Many photos from his original printings but a new section with the new Vogue Doll Company line.  Handy pocket size for an easy-carry reference. 
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Collector's Guide to Ideal Dolls
Identification and Value Guide
(Third Edition)
©2005
Again Judith Izen has given us a wealth of information on the Ideal Dolls of the 20th century.  Now the third edition of this popular book has just been released.  Don't miss adding it to your book collection.  Packed with info!

The Ginny Doll Encyclopedia
by Sue Nettleingham Roberts
               & Dorothy Bunker
This book is currently OUT OF PRINT!! Difficult to find.
This is an early Ginny reference book that carries you through the "Meritus" & "Dakin" years.  Even though there are other more current books written, this book is full of great history, lots of catalog sheets, and beautiful large photos to help you identify your Ginnys.

The Ginny Doll Encyclopedia
©2004
by Sue Nettleingham Roberts 
& Dorothy Bunker
I haven't actually seen inside this volume, but if it is like the first, it offers information and photographs of Vogue's popular toddler doll, Ginny.  With the above book now being out of print, and a collectible in it's own right, this newer one would be a good substitute if you can't find the first book.

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For the man in your life who collects GI Joe, an informative reference that documents our favorite soldier over several decades.  A great book of nostalgia for any guy who grew up with this "macho" doll whether or not he is a serious collector or just wants to reminisce about youthful adventures with Joe.  This is the second book written by this author on GI Joe, his first is out of print but I understand both are must haves, if you can find the first.

This book got rave reviews at Amazon, by those who own it, so I wanted to include it here.  The photos are outstanding and the book is written in a humorous, detailed manner.  A must have for the serious collector as well as a trip down memory lane.  The book may be out of print but could probably be found in the Amazon marketplace/used.