BOOKS

This page lists all (known to us) books about Barbie and her history.

Collecting in general, all decades

Value guides

Vintage

Collector's and Special editions, newer Playline and Foreign

Barbie Fashion

Story of Barbie, geschiedenis

Barbie as art

Fashiondolls in general, Barbie and other fashiondolls

Creative, sewing, crocheting, knitting

Magazines

Collecting in general, all decades

Barbie Doll Collector's Compass - by Martingale & Company

ISBN: 1-56477-343-4

2000

This book is a handy guide for collecting Barbie. It begins with the history of Barbie and continues with directions for collecting, value determination, display, storage and selling your collection.

 

Barbie Das neue kompakte Bestimmungsbuch - by Janine Fennick

ISBN: 3-8290-1298-5

1998

A for vintage collectors very complete book in pocket size. Many vintage dolls a few outfits and a lot of markings, years and features with marvelous pictures for identification. Some newer dolls are shown also.

 

Barbie Dolls the new compact study guide and identifier - by Janine Fennick

ISBN: 0-7858-0868-8

1998

A for vintage collectors very complete book in pocket size. Many vintage dolls a few outfits and a lot of markings, years and features with marvelous pictures for identification. Some newer dolls are shown also.

 

Barbie im Wandel der Jahrzehnte ein ausführliches Handbuch für Liebhaber und Sammler - by Dieter Warnecke

ISBN: 3-453-08738-0

1995

A nice book with a chapter about Bild Lilli and clones, besides that a listing with some photo's of all dolls and fashions, markings etc. until the '90s. Very handy for vintage collectors.

 

 

Barbie - The first thirty years 1959 through 1989 - by Stefanie Deutsch

ISBN: 0-89145-665-1

1996

A great book about Bild Lilli, almost every foreign Barbie exclusive and some regular line dolls to boot. Also miscellaneous, outfits and accessories with value listing. Only disadvantage: the pictures are pretty small and dark, so it's hard to identify some dolls.

 

 

Barbie - The first thirty years 1959 through 1989 second edition- by Stefanie Deutsch

ISBN: 0-89145-665-1

2003

A great book about Bild Lilli, almost every foreign Barbie exclusive and some regular line dolls to boot. Also miscellaneous, outfits and accessories with value listing. Only disadvantage: the pictures are pretty small and dark, so it's hard to identify some dolls. Extended version of the former publication.

 

 

Barbie Doll Treasures 1959-1997 - by Rebecca Ann Rupp

ISBN: 0-87588-505-5

1997

To be honest I think this book is a little chaotic. The writer threw together some things and wrote something about them. Clear photo's and good description, but there is no lead.

 

The Ultimate Barbie Doll Book - by Marcie Melillo

ISBN: 0-87341-397-0

1996

A very informative book that showcases many dolls until the mid-nineties. She gives a careful description of how to identify each doll and his/her clothing and accessories. Great close-ups, year, number, markings and features of the doll.

   
 Value guides

 

The Barbie doll Years second edition 1959-1996 a comprehensive listing & value guide of dolls & accessories - by Patrick C. Olds and Zona R. Olds

ISBN: 0-89145-759-3

1997

 

 

The Barbie doll Years third edition 1959-1996 a comprehensive listing & value guide of dolls & accessories - by Patrick C. Olds and Zona R. Olds

ISBN: 1-57432-100-5

1999

Miller's 1996-97 Price Guide Pocket annual

black/white issue

 

Fashion Doll Price Guide 2000-2001 incorporating Miller's Price Guide Pocket Annual

ISBN: 0-94-2620-41-0

color

 

 

Kelly 2003 Price Guide - by Paul David Wrightsel

www.mikelman.com

Handy a-4 guide, also some blach/white photographs of Kelly and her friends.

   
Vintage

 

Face of the American Dream - Barbie doll 1959-1971 - by Christopher Varaste

ISBN: 0-87588-546-2

1999

An in-depth book that looks closely to the specific features of each doll. Very helpful for collectors who like to get everything precisely right. Unfortunately just Barbie, but there's so much to discover about her in this book!

 

the Barbie Closet Price Guide for Barbie & Friends Fashions and Accessories 1959-1970 - by Patricia Long

ISBN: 0-87341-695-3

1999

A super complete book about vintage Barbie and her family outfits included. Unfortunately are not all photo's as sharp as in the books of Sarah Sink Eames, but they complete each other nicely. The information about the dolls is very extensive and very useful. Highly recommended!

 

Barbie mit aktuellen Marktpreisen - by Stefanie Deutsch

ISBN: 3-89441-171-6

1993

From Bild Lilli to Barbie 1981. The pictures are somewhat unclear because the are black/white, but as a guide very handy. Contains years, names and values.

 

the World of Barbie Dolls an illustrated value guide - by Paris and Susan Manos

ISBN: 0-89145-229-X

1983, 1990

A handy pocket size book with dolls, outfits accessories and miscellaneous. Years and values.

 

 

The Collectors Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls and Collectibles - by Sibyl DeWein and Joan Ashabraner

ISBN: 0-89145-052-1

1977, 1990

Black/white. Very complete guide to vintage Barbie with dolls, outfits accessories and miscellaneous. Clear descriptions, years and a chronological list with characteristics and numbers.

 

Barbie vom Kinder- zum Sammlertraum - by Karl Heinz Gessat

3-8170-1012-5

1993

A great book for vintage collectors! Clear photo's, descriptions, markings, years, stocknumbers and even values for almost all vintage dolls.

 

Het Barbie verzamelboek - by Karl Heinz Gessat

90-213-2202-1

1994

A great book for vintage collectors! Clear photo's, descriptions, markings, years, stock numbers and even values for almost all vintage dolls.

 

Barbie in Japan - by Keiko Kimura Shibano

1994

All possible dolls and outfits especially created for the Japanese market in the 60s and 70s. Beautiful photographs, booklet reprints, clear descriptions. GOTTA HAVE!!

 

 

Skipper Barbie Doll's Little Sister identification and value guide  also featuring Tutti and Todd - by Scott Arend, Karla Holzerland and Trina Kent

ISBN: 1-57432-062-9

1998

All possible Skipper, Tutti and Todd dolls and outfits, as well as clones, miscellaneous and accessories until 1978 can be found in this book with marvelous pictures. Variations, rarities and prototypes are also listed.

 

 

Barbie Doll Structures and Furniture - by Marl B. Davidson

ISBN: 0-87588-504-7

1997

Lovely book about cases, houses, furniture, structures and play sets. Everything where Barbie and her family could live, work or play in is featured in this book. Contains everything from 1965-1977, also Susy Goose and Room-fulls. You really need this book for the clear pictures of all accessories belonging to the structures.

   
Collector's and Special editions, newer Playline and Foreign

 

The Barbie Doll Boom identification and values 1986-1995 - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN: 0-89145-686-4

1996

A beautiful book containing Special Editions, Collector editions, Convention Dolls and  Store exclusives. Everything listed by series, year or store.

   Kelly Priceguide 2003 - by Paul David tm Wrightsel

2003

A very handy priceguide for the collector of  Kellydolls. Many Photo's in Bl/White. Contains almost every Kellydoll including foreign issues.

 

Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie doll Exclusives and More identification and values - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN: 0-89145-793-3

1997

A beautiful book containing Special Editions, Collector editions, Convention Dolls and  Store exclusives. Everything listed by series, year or store. Also fashions included. For the serious collector a must-have to get a complete view of the collectors market.

 

Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie doll Exclusives and more identification and values - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN: 1-57432-134-X

2000

A comprehensive guide to store specials, special editions, Collector Editions, Convention Dolls and Store Exclusives. Also exclusive fashions. Sorted by series or store. For the serious collector an absolute must-have to get complete image of everything that was issued for collectors.

 

Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie doll Exclusives 1972-2004 identification and values - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN: 1-57432-404-7

2005
A comprehensive guide to store specials, special editions and Store Exclusives. Also exclusive fashions. Sorted by series or store. For the serious collector an absolute must-have to get complete image of everything that was issued for collectors.

 

Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie doll Collector's Editions also includes 2004 Dolls! identification and values - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN: 1-57432-405-5

2005

A comprehensive guide to store specials, special editions, Collector Editions and exclusive fashions. Sorted by series For the serious collector an absolute must-have to get complete image of everything that was issued for collectors.

 

Barbie Sammler Handbuch - by Elizabeth Schwatlo und Don yeskey

ISBN: 3-980-2668-4-2

1994

With DOTW, Bob Mackie, Porcelain, Designers, Happy Holidays, USA, department stores, Special editions and limited editions etc. From 1979-1995 with value listing  in the back. A great pocket size book about collectibles and newer NRFB dolls. Clear photos with year, stock number and name. Listed by doll.

 

The Wonder of Barbie Dolls and Accessories 1976-1986 - by Paris and Susan Manos

ISBN: 0-89145-336-9

1987, 1990

Clear pictures of Barbie and family from Europe, Canada, Japan (Takara), USA. Also features Paper dolls, Convention souvenirs, oddities and rarities. The items are listed with year, brief description and value. A handy guide to have in your purse.

 

A decade of Barbie Dolls and Collectibles 1981-1991 - by Beth Summers

ISBN: 0-89145-714-3

1997

Includes dolls, fashions and lots of miscellaneous items. Also a value guide.

 

 

Collectibly Yours Barbie Doll 1980-1990 identification and price guide - by Margo Rana

ISBN: 0-87588-511-X

1998

A great book about playline DOTW and Store specials of this decade. Great pictures with close-up of the faces for simple identification. The description of every doll contains a list of the accessories. Dolls are listed with stock number year and value.

 

Collector's Guide to 1990s Barbie Dolls identification and values - by Maria Martinez-Esguerra

ISBN: 1-57432-068-8

1999

Great guide to US playline dolls. clearly photographed and identified with year, number, name and value. Lists dolls from 1989 to 1997.

 

Barbie exclusives - by Margo Rana

ISBN: 0-89145-632-5

1995

With Department Store Specials, Porcelain Treasures and Disney. Beautiful pictures and close-ups.

 

Barbie exclusives Book II- by Margo Rana

ISBN: 0-89145-687-2

1996

With Toys 'R' Us, DOTW, customized dolls, Festival Dolls, Store Specials. Beautiful pictures and close-ups.

 

Barbie doll Exclusively for Timeless Creations 1986-1996 book III- by Margo Rana

ISBN: 0-87588-474-1

1997

Wonderful book, clear photos and close-ups. With series as: Bob Mackie, Happy Holidays, Nostalgic, Hollywood Legends, Stars and Stripes, Porcelain, etc.

   
 
Barbie Fashion

 

Barbie Fashion Vol. I, 1959-1967 - by Sarah Sink Eames

ISBN: 0-89145-418-7

1990, 1998

A comprehensive guide to the wardrobe of Barbie and everyone in her family. Also a value guide. A great book for identification of vintage outfits, however not always complete. Absolutely fabulous pictures you can see at a glance what belongs with an outfit.

Download a free handy index for this book here (service by Think Pink!)

If the download doesn't work, go to  www.rarlabs.com  or http://winzip.com. Windows XP comes standard with a zip-program.

 

Barbie Fashion Vol. II, 1968-1974 - by Sarah Sink Eames

ISBN: 0-89145-758-5

1997

A comprehensive guide to the wardrobe of Barbie and everyone in her family. Also a value guide. A great book for identification of vintage outfits, however not always complete. Absolutely fabulous pictures you can see at a glance what belongs with an outfit.

Download a free handy index for this book here (service by Think Pink!)

If the download doesn't work, go to  www.rarlabs.com  or http://winzip.com. Windows XP comes standard with a zip-program.

 

Barbie fashion vol. III, 1975-1979 - by Sarah Sink Eames

ISBN: 1-57432-345-8

2004

The books of Sarah Sink Eames are famous with collectors and can be seen as invaluable for the identification of outfits. A comprehensive guide to the wardrobe of Barbie and everyone in her family. Also a value guide. A great book for identification of vintage outfits, however not always complete. Absolutely fabulous pictures you can see at a glance what belongs with an outfit.

 

Barbie Outfits 1975-1979 - by Bettina Dorfmann und Astrid Geskes

ISBN: 3-932005-27-9

2004

The perfect addition to the Fashion Vol. III book. The German ladies have a vast collection of mainly German/European outfits listed in their book, the greater part of which is out of the package and clearly photographed. In between there are several miscellaneous items, like cases and a poster. This book also covers the wardrobe of Barbie’s family extensively. Each 70s collector should own both books for a complete picture of Barbie's wardrobe in this era.

 

 

the Barbie Closet Price Guide for Barbie & Friends Fashions and Accessories 1959-1970 - by Patricia Long

Listed under 'vintage'

 

 

Barbie Doll & Her Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion 1967-1972 - by Joe Blitman

ISBN: 0-87588-462-8

1996

Fantastic photo's, art and identification are beautifully combined. The author has great remarks with each outfit, for instance concerning rarity or characteristics of an outfit. He also describes which accessories possibly came with an outfit, with several possibilities. A beautiful book to read and a must have for Mod collectors.

 

Barbie Dolls' Cousin Francie & her Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion - by Joe Blitman

ISBN: 0-87588-449-0

1996

Again:

Fantastic photo's, art and identification are beautifully combined. The author has great remarks with each outfit, for instance concerning rarity or characteristics of an outfit. He also describes which accessories possibly came with an outfit, with several possibilities. A beautiful book to read and a must have for Mod collectors.

   

Skipper Barbie Doll's Little Sister identification and value guide  also featuring Tutti and Todd - by Scott Arend, Karla Holzerland and Trina Kent

Listed under 'vintage'

 

Barbie Four Decades in Fashion - by Laura Jacobs

ISBN: 0-7892-0461-4

1998

Great photography in a mini-size book. The book is really meant to give an idea of fashion in each year and is very suitable for fashion students or fans.

 

Barbie Four Decades in Fashion - by Laura Jacobs

ISBN: 0-7892-0552-1

1999

Great photography in a mini-size book. The book is really meant to give an idea of fashion in each year and is very suitable for fashion students or fans. Contains less pictures than the former edition.

For sale, click here to order from Think Pink!  Was €21,95 now €10,-

   
Story of Barbie

 

Barbie Her Life and Times - by Billy Boy (paperback or hardcover)

ISBN: 3-925818-11-1

1988

A marvelous book about the story of Barbie. With her history, an overview of Barbie fashion from each decade, beautiful pictures of Designer Barbies and Barbie art (Mel Odom, Any Warhol and more).

 

Barbie Ihr Leben und Ihre Welt - by Billy Boy (paperback or hardcover)

ISBN: 3-925818-11-1

1988

A marvelous book about the story of Barbie. With her history, an overview of Barbie fashion from each decade, beautiful pictures of Designer Barbies and Barbie art (Mel Odom, Any Warhol and more).

 

 

Barbie, Barbie Ein Kultbuch in Rosarot - by Felicitas Bachman

ISBN: 3-548-36209-5

1998

An amusing book about everything that has to do with Barbie: her wardrobe, political correctness, family, Barbie mania and much more.

 

Dream Doll - The Ruth Handler Story - with Jaqueline Shannon

ISBN: 0-681-00763-X

1994

An autobiography about the creator of Barbie. It is very personally written and enjoyable to read. Truly a fascinating person.

 

Hier is Barbie en de rest van de Mattel-familie 1964-2003 - by Hélène J.M. Winkelman

ISBN: 90-5260-107-0

2003

A very entertaining and informative book about Barbie's history in the Netherlands. Len went thru great lengths to get all sorts of information like leaflets, ads, correspondence of the first sales rep, photos  of dolls from her on collection and much more in a historical overview. For every Barbie lover a must have, especially when you have kids who want to write something about Barbie.

 

The Story of Barbie - by Kitturah B. Westenhouser

ISBN 0-89145-595-7

1994

In this book all kinds of aspects of Barbie are being described, like her hair, DOTW, structures, family and more.

 

Barbie Beauty Queen, German

ISBN: 3-8310-0061-1

2000

A nice book with great photography that clearly show certain developments of Barbie. For instance the 60s, marriage, friends and family and more.

 

Barbie A Viasual Guide to the Ultimate Fashion Doll

ISBN: 0-7513-6214-X

2000

A nice book with great photography that clearly show certain developments of Barbie. For instance the 60s, marriage, friends and family and more.

 

Barbie Dolls 1980 and Beyond Contemporary Barbie - by Jane Sarasohn-Kahn

ISBN: 0-930625-28-5

1996

Amusing information about dolls, history, her production and more. Fun facts and trivia. Nice photos.

 

 

Barbie Ein farbiger Führer durch vierzig Jahre Barbie Geschichte - by Janine Fennick

ISBN: 3-89441-336-0

1996

Barbie history, hair-dos, decades, special events. With beautiful pictures and even values.

 

Barbie Tausend Gesichter einer Kultfigur - by Marco Tosa

ISBN: 3-7607-1771-3

1998

Amusing information about dolls, history, her professions and more. Fun facts and trivia. Nice photos.

   
Barbie as art

 

Barbie Künstler und Designer gastalten für und um Barbie - by Wunderlich

ISBN: 3-8052-0562-7

1994

Beautiful photographs of Barbie as art, created by famous artists and designers.

   
Fashiondolls in general, Barbie and other fashiondolls

 

Doll Fashion Anthology price guide featuring Barbie and other Fashion Dolls - by A. Glenn Mandeville

ISBN: 0-87588-318-4

1987, 1990

An overview of American fashion and fashion dolls with Barbie, Tammy, Tressy, the Littlechaps, Darci, Dusty and more. Nicely written and informative. Black/white and color.

 

Deutsche Modepuppen der 50er + 60er / german Fashion Dolls of the 50's + 60's - by Silke Knaak

2004

Showcases all Bild Lilli outfits, shares the history of this doll. Other fashion dolls in this book are Petra, Schwabinchen, Steffi, Gaby, Kessy, Babsy. But I would purchase this book mainly for the fabulous information about Lilli.

To buy this book and for more information go to www.barbies.de

 

Poupées Mannequins des Années 60 - by Kathy Moreau

ISBN 2-9517840-0-7

2004

Despite the fact that this book is French, you can understand it fine with a dictionary and a little bit of good will (take that from me- I hate French!). This is an extensive guide to all kinds of fashion dolls of the 60s. It contains 'big' brands like Barbie, Tressy, Tammy, Sindy and Bild Lilli (of most brands, only 1 or 2 dolls are shown, so the guide isn't complete), but also clones like Petra, Miss Seventeen and many Hong Kong productions. This has all been listed alphabetically by name of company and in the back there is a convenient index of all dolls. With every doll comes a description of how he/she looks, what the original outfit is and how the packaging looks. Where applicable markings and values (with or without package) are listed.

The chapter about Barbie is very extensive, with Ponytails to Mod Barbie and all family members from the 60s. A great field guide for quick identification of Barbie.

 

Collector’s guide to Dolls of the 1960s and 1970s - by Cindy Sabulis

ISBN 1-57432-162-5

Where the former book also contains dolls from Europe, this one mainly focuses on US dolls, fashion dolls as well as baby- and even cloth dolls.  This book is categorized alphabetically by name of company and in the back there is a convenient index of all dolls. You can find companies like Mattel, Hasbro, Mego and much more. Some examples of dolls are Rock Flowers, Dawn, Upsy Downsys, Little Kiddles, Storykins and Blythe. With all the dolls comes a brief description, markings and the value. Also,this guide is pretty complete with every series, the author tried to show as many, if not all dolls of each series in the book. If you only collect fashion dolls then this book is not such a good completion of a book collection. But if you collect all kinds of dolls in all kinds of sizes, then this book is a great reference that will help you identify dolls and accessories.

 

Thirty Years of Mattel Fashion dolls 1967 trough 1997 - by J. Michael Augustyniak

ISBN 1-57432-052-1

A perfect book for collectors of all Mattel dolls. This book contains fashion dolls (celebrities, playline, Disney and Barbie) and other (cloth, celebrities, porcelain).

I think the author didn't leave out any Mattel doll, where he could he even showed prototypes of dolls that never made production. From almost every line almost all dolls are listed, even variants between dolls. The book has been divided in several parts, among which are Celebrity and Character Dolls, playline, Barbie, Disney and OOAK.  In the front you can look up a section and skip quickly to the right page. Every doll has a description, year, stock number and a value. You also get a handy index in the back of the box for quick reference.

 

Fashion Dolls Exclusively International ID & Price Guide to World-Wide fashion dolls - by Robert Gardner

ISBN: 0-87588-476-8

1997

Beautiful photo's of Barbie and Sindy dolls from countries like Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Europe, Japan, Philippines. Mainly 90s dolls. Also outfits, accessories and a horse are shown.

 

Disney Dolls identification & Price Guide featuring Mattel Dolls - by Margo Rana

ISBN: 0-87588-541-1

1999

Great ID guide, wonderful pictures and close-ups, good descriptions with year, stock number and values.

   
Creative, sewing, crocheting, knitting

Diana breien en haken voor Barbie

Cute patterns for crocheting and knitting.

 

Magazines

The magazine every collector needs! Absolutely brilliant photography, great articles and great information for all sorts of Barbie collectors.

www.barbiebazaar.com

Download a free handy index for all Barbie Bazaar Magazines (Premiere 1988 to June 2002) here.

Barbie Bazaar has quit, sadly. Now it's time to start digging for those back issues ;) Last issue was april 2006.

Great magazine for Dutch people. I love the personal stories, short photostories and themes of this magazine. Although it is black-and-white, the photographs are very clear. Also a great magazines for all kinds of Barbie collectors, from vintage to collectibles.
 

 

 You can find these books (some of) them in our Fashion Doll Shop