Product Review

The Ultimate Barbie® Doll book, published in 1996, contains over 1,070 U.S. issue dolls produced by Mattel®, Inc. from 1959 through 1995. All are pictured in full color, most with two views - a close-up of the face and a full picture of the doll - almost 2,000 photographs. Not intended as a coffee table book, concise blocks of information next to the photographs contain, name, model number, hair color and style, clothing, body type and markings, head mold and markings, accessories, booklets, and pertinent notes all to assist the collector in identifying loose, unclothed dolls from the covered time period.

Designed to be used like an illustrated dictionary, where dolls and their characteristics can be "looked-up" as quickly as possible. Abbreviations are kept to a minimum, but for those used, check the "Terms and Abbreviations" key. Also, a "Pictorial Key" illustrates some of the frequently cited arm styles, shoes, accessories and doll stands. Finally, an alphabetical "Price Guide and Index" lists the dolls, priced both in and out of the box along with average retail price and page number with extensive cross-referencing to assist in locating dolls within the book.