Fisher-Price, 1931-1963: A Historical, Rarity, Value Guide (Fisher-Price: a Historical, Rarity & Value Guide, 2nd ed)

Book Description

The first full-color, illustrated, comprehensive book on this legendary American dollmaker and the company she founded in 1923. This is the first book ever produced with the cooperation of the Alexander Doll Company and Madame Alexander's family. The magnificent book features a rich compilation of lavish, never before seen photographs, which bring to life the magical legacy of Madame Alexander. Collectors of both historical and contemporary dols will be enthralled by the all new color photography of 758 mint dolls dating from 1930-1998. 9" x 12"

Customer Reviews:

THE MERCEDES OF DOLLS.......2001-08-17

Born in 1895 in the Williamsburg area of Brooklyn, Madame Beatrice Alexander was the daughter of Russian immigrants who rose to become America's premier doll maker. As a child she was known as Bertha, but soon took what she considered to be a more socially acceptable name - Beatrice. This name change was but a harbinger of her determination to excel, to rise above what she considered to be humble surroundings.

Her story is well documented and lavishly illustrated in this keepsake volume. Included are numerous full-color photos of the famous Alexander dolls.

Early on Madame Alexander adored her step-father, Maurice,emulating his love of doll making and doll repairing. He is responsible for this country's first doll hospital located on the Lower East side of New York City. The family lived above this business.

With the outbreak of World War I and America's ban on German goods, including the dolls which were the family's best sales items, it seemed their business was doomed. But Beatrice and her sisters would not accept this. They put their heads together to try to determine how to make dolls without porcelain or kilns. The answer was, of course, cloth toys. Their first success was a Red Cross Nurse doll. Beatrice was the creative member of this team, coming up with ideas and issuing instructions on making her concepts a reality.

Building upon their success the Alexander Doll company moved to a large space in the late 1920s. It was not long before their efforts were rewarded with an order from FAO Schwarz.

The Alexander Alice In Wonderland doll debuted in 1930. Today, in an updated incarnation, Alice is still one of their most popular items. There were soon Scarlet O'Hara dolls, bride dolls, Queen Elizabeth II dolls, Eloise dolls, and more.

Today, the original issues of many dolls are prized items in collections throughout the world.

"Alex" is among the latest creations - she's a very modern miss in an extravagant gold gown or capris and crop top. Her wardrobe is extensive as is her following. But, to many, a Madame Alexander doll is the Mercedes of toys.

BEAUTIFUL BOOK!.......2000-02-27

BEAUTIFUL BOOK! WONDERFUL PICTURES! IT WAS GREAT HOW MANY SCARLETT O'HARA DOLLS THERE WERE! BUT THIS BOOK COSTS TOO MUCH, IT SHOULD COME IN PAPERBACK!

The historical perspective is a real plus........1999-10-18

The photos of Lia Sargent's dolls in this book are, indeed, beautiful, but the real draw is the way Ms. Finnegan, the author of the book, relates Alexander's life to what was going on in the world at the same time. Wonderful historical perspective, which is very unusual in a doll book!

Wonderful new book a MUST.......1999-10-16

Photos of many dolls in outfits never seen before.All in color.So you can identify your Alexander doll or hunt for that particular doll. This should make Madame Alexander dolls go up in value.

It's all so beautiful..........1999-09-26

This book is excellent! I found the life of Madame Alexander very interesting and read this book from cover to cover. I hated to put it down. If it were not for Madame Alexander we might not know Scarlett O'Hara or Barbie as we know them today. We have a lot to thank her for...you will be amazed! I also enjoyed the photographs of the dolls. Lia Sargent, the leading expert on pre 1965 Madame Alexander dolls did an outstanding job on this book also. The photographs and photo captions show Lia's work is perfection..something Madame Alexander would be proud of. This book will be loved by generations to come. Doll collector or not, this book will leave you saying "WOW"!!!!

Average customer rating:

Book still not here after a month!
Great Book
polar the titanic bear
A book with so much to offer!
Polar the Titanic Bear

Polar the Titanic Bear
Daisy Corning Stone Spedden , and Leighton H. Coleman
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0316809098

Amazon.com

Imagine the excitement of rooting around in an old attic and discovering the letters, diaries, and photo albums of a relative. What if that memorabilia opened a window on the sinking of the Titanic, the most famous sea disaster of all time? That's exactly what happened to Leighton H. Coleman III. Exploring the attic of his relative Daisy Corning Stone Spedden, he found many personal treasures, including a charming book Daisy had written for her 8-year-old son, Douglas, in 1913. This story, combined with award-winning artist Laurie McGaw's gorgeous watercolor illustrations, actual family photographs, keepsakes, and historic postcards, weaves the fabric of Polar the Titanic Bear, an engaging slice of history for all ages, told through the black glass eyes of an extraordinary toy bear named Polar.

The story begins in the toy workshop where Polar is born, and quickly moves to the point where he is given to "Master," Daisy Spedden's son Douglas. Soon the boy and bear are inseparable! As the wealthy Speddens are world travelers, Polar and his new family sail from New York to Algiers and on to the French Riviera, until it comes time for them to return to America on the Titanic. On the fateful night of the sinking, Polar and the Speddens are lucky enough to be lowered down the side of the luxury liner in a lifeboat, but when the family boards the rescue ship, Polar finds himself left behind! How will Polar make it back to his best friend?

In the epilogue, rich with family photographs, the historical context for the story is fully and engagingly explained, with more details on the Titanic disaster as well as a smattering of toy history. This is a wonderful gift book--the richness and emotion of the story are all the more poignant when enhanced by the Spedden family photographs, their tragic personal story, and the reflection of an era that will never exist again. (All ages ... excellent for reading aloud to ages 6 and older, but perfect for 9- to 12-year-olds, too.) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

Polar is the charming story that the American heiress Daisy Corning Stone Spedden wrote for her son the year after her family escaped the doomed Titanic. The story, told through the eyes of the young boy's teddy bear, opens a window on a vanished Edwardian way of life and contains an enthralling eyewitness account of the Titanic disaster.

Customer Reviews:

Book still not here after a month!.......2006-08-14

Amazon asked me to review this book, which is funny, considering I still haven't received the copy I ordered more than a month ago! If you really want this book, you might try getting it elsewhere.

Great Book.......2006-02-20

I found this book to be a wonderful book that takes you into the world of a passenger on the Titanic and his journey through the disaster. It was a wonderful book with great illustrations that really helped my students look into the events of the Titanic.

polar the titanic bear .......2005-03-09

the name of this book is polar the titanic bear.It was a very,very good book. IT IS A TRUE STORY.I is about a stuffed bear that is "alive" and has a very good connection with his master.His master's family was a very rich family,so they traveled alot.The two were on the titanic,& this book has real pictures of the titanic & his family.(masters family)

A book with so much to offer!.......2003-02-26

This book has much to offer, for young readers and for adults. It is a wonderful glimpse into history, told from the perspective of a Steiff polar bear, who is very much a part of the life of young Douglas Spedden. His family's travels and his young life unfold in a beautiful text that is illustrated with sensitive illustrations and historical photographs. The Speddens traveled on the ill-fated Titanic. The incredible drama of that event unfolds in the most personal narrative. The magnficent beauty of the ship is conveyed as the family enjoys its commodious luxury. The drama of its sinking is compelling as well as touching in the describtion of the heartbreaking separation of Polar from young Douglas. This is how a young child would remember such an event. Fortunately, Polar is found and reunited with his friend.

The story behind the story is as wondeful as the book itself. Leighton H. Coleman III found this wonderful manuscript in his grandfather's barn. It was written by his cousin, Daisy Spedden. How brilliant of a mother to convert a traumatizing event into a story for her little boy! Her tender insight, the wonder of discovery and the perfect blending of history and narrative--ocean liners, wonderful bears--all of these components make this a perfect children's book that is both educational and entertaining (for parents, too!). I have given scores of copies to my friends with children and to my many adult friends who are fascinated by ocean liners and the Titanic. The book is well-crafted with much to offer.

Polar the Titanic Bear.......2002-11-07

I liked the story because when Polar was lost he was reunited with his owner at the end of the story. The person that read me the story said that this story was true because the granddaughter of Polar's owner found this story in her attic and wrote a book about it.

Average customer rating:

WOW! GREAT BOOK!
Cuddling Teddy Roosevelt?!
Teddy Love!
Priceless Response
A Must Have Book

The Legend of the Teddy Bear
Frank Murphy , Frank Murphy , and Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen
Manufacturer: Sleeping Bear Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1585360139

Book Description

Illustrated by Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen

While nearly everyone has a memory of their own favorite tattered teddy bear, the details of the day President Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear have been lost to time. Now, nearly 100 years later, the legend that has grown around that fateful encounter will captivate you in this delightful tale.

Gijsbert van Frankenhuyzen brings his magical touch to another great American legend with illustratons for the origins of America's favorite stuffed animal and how it got its name. Author Frank Murphy shares the history and lucky timing of two candy store entrepreneurs who took the story of President Theodore Roosevelt's warm-hearted gesture in refusing to shoot a cornered bear and turned it into a legend of the toy world. Relive the memory of your own timeless, tattered "Teddy's" bear with The Legend of the Teddy Bear.

Customer Reviews:

WOW! GREAT BOOK! .......2004-11-22

In this fabulous book, it tells you the remarkable story about how the first teddy bears were made. Not only is the story exellent, but it has fabulous illustrations! GREAT JOB MR. MURPHY! i give this book an A+++++++++++++++.
-Stephanie,
Connecticut

Cuddling Teddy Roosevelt?!.......2002-11-02

Cuddling Teddy Roosevelt is kinda strange...but cuddling a soft bear is better. Who would've known that the teddy bear was named after a president!
In this children's picture book, children will be amazed that they know a bit of history after they read this beautifully written/illustrated book.
~Erin
Age 11

Teddy Love!.......2001-06-11

This book appeals to all teddy bear lovers- young and old! It is a great way to share history with children. My kindergarten class throughly enjoyed it cover to cover! A must for anyone who ever had / or has a teddy bear!!

Priceless Response.......2001-01-14

I didn't read the book. I gave it as a birthday gift to my niece who is a teddy bear enthusiast. The rating I gave was based upon her overwhelming response to the book.

She was so taken with the story that she excitedly wrote a letter to the author. To his credit, the author responded with a handwritten letter that, along with the book, became a show-and-tell project for her 2nd grade class. She talks about the whole thing with stars in her eyes. It's truly priceless.

I give 5 stars to both the book and the author.

A Must Have Book.......2000-12-02

The Legend of the Teddy Bear is a "must have" book for every home. It's a beautifully illustrated story that all children will enjoy while actually learning a piece of history. Imagine a child in your life explaining the story to an adult who doesn't know how the teddy bear got his name! This book belongs on all bookshelves, it will captivate children and adults alike. Looking forward to reading more from Frank Murphy!

The Historical Teddy Bear (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

Average customer rating:

The Historical Teddy Bear (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Dee Hockenberry
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Teddy Bears | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 076431999X

The Teddy Bear Men 2nd Edition: Theodore Roosevelt & Clifford Berryman

Average customer rating:

The Teddy Bear Men: Theodore Roosevelt & Clifford Berryman
A MUST HAVE for adult teddy bear collectors

The Teddy Bear Men 2nd Edition: Theodore Roosevelt & Clifford Berryman
Linda Mullins
Manufacturer: Hobby House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0875886310

Book Description

The two most important names in teddy bear history, President Theodore Roosevelt and cartoonist Clifford Berryman, are brought to light through the wealth of Teddy Bear collectibles and mementos. Commemorate the 100th anniversary of the teddy bear with this, one of the few, books on the subject!

Customer Reviews:

The Teddy Bear Men: Theodore Roosevelt & Clifford Berryman.......2002-03-21

Here it is. Everything you wanted to know about the cartoon that started the teddy bear craze 100 years ago and more. Linda's research is incredible and her writing style is very warm and personal, sort of like teddy bears. The book is also packed with illustrations in both color and black and white. I especially liked reading the history of Berryman, and how the cartoon of Roosevelt saving the bear came to be, about the two cartoons depicting the famous event 100 years ago, and about how Roosevelt did not actually spare the life of the bear tied to a tree, just refused to allow it to be shot. Any arctophile worth his or her salt should have this book in their collection! Bravo on a fine volume, Linda!

A MUST HAVE for adult teddy bear collectors.......2002-02-11

As an adult collector of teddy bears, I have read many summaries regarding the 1902 Presidential bear hunting trip and the Clifford Berryman cartoon that began America's love with the newly created "teddy bear". Almost every book for adult collectors has some version of this story in its introduction. I found Linda Mullins' The Teddy Bear Men to be a superior and detailed account of the real story. Mullins wisely included the highlights from the November 1902 accounts from The Washington Post, which clearly recounted how and why a bear ended up being tied and presented to President Theodore Roosevelt for him to shoot. Washington Post cartoonist, Clifford Berryman, then portrayed this incident in a cartoon, which may be familiar to many collectors. The cartoon bear that evolved from this initial cartoon became Berryman's artist symbol ("dingbat") and linked the teddy bear (both the Berryman cartoon and the toy versions) to President Roosevelt's political career. This book is a well researched documentation of Clifford Berryman, Theodore Roosevelt, and of the significant contribution they made to the rise of the first teddy bears. It is presented in a reader friendly manner, with a well written text, short chapters, and many photos and drawings on each page. I found this book to be both intelligent and enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Bearly Historical (Milner Craft Series)
Robynn El
Manufacturer: Sally Milner Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Cross-Stitch | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1863512470

Book Description

Here are the Beartles, Beareo and Juliet, Scarlett O'Beara: stitch your favorite real and fictional heroes into cleverly constructed bears. The fun begins with faces you sew into quilt designs. Then clothe them with distinctive costumes and pick settings from the Wild West to Hollywood--or try your own playful combinations. You'll find lots of unusual features, including how to employ hanging threads, beads, and backstitched backgrounds, as well as how to mix and match borders to change the appearance of any character.

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Dressing the Historical Teddy Bear
Sheila Lile
Manufacturer: Hobby House Pr Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 087588332X

Average customer rating:

Keeper of the Delaware Dolls
Lynette Perry , and Manny Skolnick
Manufacturer: Bison Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

Rich in images and gently told, Keeper of the Delaware Dolls is the story of a Delaware Indian woman, Lynette Perry, and the remarkable life she has led in rural Oklahoma throughout the twentieth century. As Perry reflects, hers is a life "lived to old rhythms played by a country fiddle and an Indian drum," a fluid merging of square dances and Delaware stomp dances. Through her eyes, readers are afforded a rare glimpse of how the world of the Delawares has persisted and remained meaningful into the modern era.

A recurring theme in Perry’s life has been the making and keeping of dolls, a practice joining her to her female Delaware ancestors. Her great-grandmother Wahoney (Ma Wah Taise) was a doll keeper who died at the age of 108 in 1909. Believing the Delawares’ old world to have slipped away, Wahoney asked that her dolls be buried with her. Unlike her great-grandmother, however, Perry feels that the abiding force of traditional Delaware culture has returned to her, time and again, throughout her long life. In an effort to connect to her Native past, she has revived the doll-making craft.

Average customer rating:

Dressing the Historical Teddy Bear
Lile
Manufacturer: see notes for publisher info
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OMT1OU

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