The Knopf Collectors’ Guides to American Antiques: Dolls is a book by Wendy Lavitt, published in 1983. It is a comprehensive guide to American dolls, covering their history, manufacture, and collecting. The book includes over 478 pages and 400 photographs and illustrations.
Lavitt was a well-known doll expert and collector. She began collecting dolls in the 1930s, and she eventually amassed a collection of over 5,000 dolls. She was also the author of several other books on dolls, including The Collector’s Encyclopedia of Dolls and The Doll: A Collector’s Guide.
The Knopf Collectors’ Guides to American Antiques: Dolls is an essential resource for anyone interested in American dolls. It is a well-researched and informative book that is full of interesting facts and stories about dolls. The book is also beautifully illustrated, making it a pleasure to read.
Here is a table of contents from the book:
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: The History of American Dolls
- Chapter 2: The Manufacture of American Dolls
- Chapter 3: Collecting American Dolls
- Chapter 4: American Dolls by Type
- Chapter 5: American Dolls by Maker
- Chapter 6: American Dolls by Era
- Chapter 7: American Dolls by Price
- Chapter 8: American Dolls by Condition
- Chapter 9: American Dolls by Accessories
- Chapter 10: American Dolls by Care and Repair
- Chapter 11: American Dolls by Resources
- Chapter 12: American Dolls by Glossary
- Chapter 13: American Dolls by Bibliography
- Index
Here is an excerpt from the book:
“The history of American dolls is a long and fascinating one. The first dolls made in America were simple, handmade figures created by early settlers. These dolls were often made from cloth, wood, or even corncobs. As the country grew, so did the popularity of dolls. By the 1800s, there were many different types of dolls available, from simple rag dolls to elaborately dressed fashion dolls.
The 19th century was also a time of great innovation in dollmaking. New materials, such as bisque and composition, were used to create dolls that were more lifelike than ever before. In addition, new manufacturing techniques allowed for the mass production of dolls, making them more affordable for everyone.
The popularity of dolls continued to grow in the 20th century. New types of dolls, such as Barbie and Cabbage Patch Kids, were introduced and became instant classics. Today, there are more types of dolls available than ever before, from traditional rag dolls to high-tech electronic dolls.
No matter what their type or style, dolls have always been a popular toy for children of all ages. They provide hours of imaginative play and can teach children about history, culture, and even themselves. Dolls can also be a source of comfort and companionship. For many children, their dolls are their best friends.
If you are interested in collecting American dolls, there are many resources available to help you get started. You can find books, magazines, websites, and even clubs and organizations dedicated to doll collecting. With a little bit of research, you can find the perfect doll to add to your collection.”
