Face of the American Dream: Barbie Doll 1959-1971

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 192 pages
• Published by: Hobby House Press July 1, 1999
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0875885462
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0875885469
• Book Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 2 pounds

Product Description
A unique look at America's doll icon correlates fashion trends with the makeup and hairstyles that the Barbie doll wore between 1959 and 1971. A close inspection of the doll, rather than just her clothes, gives insight on how her face was painted, how her hair was styled and all of the influences that kept her a fashion statement during the changing beauty developments from the Kennedy era through the Mod 1960s. Interesting and informative, with magnificent photographs, Face of the American Dream will delight anyone who ever played with a Barbie doll, and for those who didn't, it is fun to read as a mass culture documentary about changing beauty trends.

Back Cover Copy
A unique look at America's favorite doll icon correlates fashion trends with the makeup and hairstyles that the Barbie doll wore between 1959 and 1971. A close inspection of the doll, rather than just her clothes, gives insight on how her face was painted, how her hair was styled and all of the influences that kept her a fashion statement during the changing beauty developments from the Kennedy era through the Mod 1960s. Interesting and informative, with magnificent photographs, Face of the American Dream will delight anyone who ever played with a Barbie doll, and for those who didn't, it is fun to read as a mass culture documentary about changing beauty trends.

Reader Reviews
Okay, we've seen the parade of books on Barbie fashion. We've seen the forensically photographed doll priceguides. What we haven't seen, until now, was a book whose visual language made the dolls and fashions come to life in a way that conjures the imaginary world that Barbie seemed to live in. If you know someone who doesn't "get" Barbie collecting, show them this book. It's so lovingly assembled that even the skeptic is forced to look at the subject through a child's eyes. And yet it's so well researched and informative, the discriminating adult collector can find an answer to virtually any question. Varaste's knowledge about transitional dolls and their differences, for example, was especially helpful. The narrative is so artful and engaging, you don't even realize how much your're learning! The photos are fabulously fun and imaginative; Varaste isn't afraid to see the humor in our hopeless love for Barbie. Visually, he knows what we want and he delivers! Hands down the best book on the subject of Miss B. We can only hope for a sequel!