Art of the Carousel

Charlotte Dinger's Art of the Carousel is a must have for any enthusiasts carousel book collection. This book features chapters about all the major carousel artists/carvers and great photographic examples of each carvers style. There is also a chapter about restoring and collecting these magnificant animals. This book is very similar to "Painted Ponies" by William Manns/Marianne Stevens. Included is a census of operating carousels. Since the book was written in the mid 1980s, many of the carousels that are listed in the census have been long gone. For an updated censue check the National Carousel Association.

ART OF THE CAROUSEL, lavishly illustrated in full color with over 400 photographs, is a complete guide for collectors, museums and galleries, as well as a delightful book for those who simply enjoy the beauty and nostalgia of the carousel. The author traces the development of carousel art by describing style variations and identifiable features of carousel animals produced by the major American carving companies. Important considerations in evaluating carousel figures are defined, as well as characteristics that distinguish European and Mexican animals from the more valued carvings. In addition, the book includes descriptions and illustrations of restoration techniques, practical advice on buying, shipping, and insuring carousel animals, and a census of operating carousels in the United States and Canada.

There are two books that any carousel collector or would-be collector must have. Dinger's "Art of the Carousel" and Manns' "Painted Ponies". These are simply the most complete of the carousel reference books. Bruce W. Zubee - Webmaster - [URL]

The book Art of the Carousel is the best I've read. It gives a full history and it is beautifully illustrated. I showed it to a co-worker and she had to have one to put on their coffee table for all to view. You won't be sorry!

This book is just a fun with the education about the carousels! This'll tell you much about the carousels ! Charlotte is a great author, and has a good sense of understanding people's psycology. You'll have fun with this book !