This title is more of a catalog than a book. I like that it is concise in its descriptions of various Barbie-type dolls, but that is all it does, catalog variouse dolls. Great if you already know what doll you have and want to clarify details. Yet if you have a doll and want to look up what its style is, there is no logical pathway in the book to do so. Even the chapter headings lack clear landmarks within the book so you can find them easily. The layout is repetitive and so are some of the details (blond hair, blue eyes). There is no history and no taxonomy or "family tree". On the first page of descriptions, no attention is placed on the differences between #1 & #2, and later Barbie arched versus curved eyebrows, a major factoid. The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book will be valuable to people interested in prices. It has an extensive alphabetical index of Barbie titles, doll styles and specialities. If you want more depth, want history, clothes, interesting Barbie fun facts, this is not your favorite Barbie Doll book.Read full review
Love the close up pictures of Barbie & Friends showing slight differences in hair color, eye detail, lip features and jewelry. Explanation of markings on body & head help assure that you match all parts correctly on each doll. I buy old & new Barbie & friends & need to match each with their parts and complete outfits & love to know the date they were produced. This book gives me all this. Only bad thing is that it isn't larger with more dolls featured.
I bought this book because I wanted a reference guide because I have some vintage barbies. It is an excellent reference for the dolls in that it gives information on all barbie dolls. This book also has some pictures of the shoes, etc. that were parts of the ensembles for barbie, but it deals mostly with the actual dolls. I would have liked to have seen more information about the clothing ensembles. I am still glad that I bought this book, though.
This book truly is the ultimate barbie doll book. I've read a few and this one covers almost every single barbie form 59-95. This will definately be a go to book for any collector. easy to use and follow for identifying dolls, shows all markings, face paint etc.....overall I love this book :)
Very descriptive and nice photos of dolls.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New