Dolls and Dolls' Houses

From the book jacket: Toy collecting is an interest that cuts right across the social spectrum, and has devotees ranging in affluence from millionaires to schoolchildren. The first collectors of dolls were usually women but there are now many male collectors, while dolls' houses and their refurbishing often form an enjoyable project that absorbs a whole family. In this book the general development of the subject is discussed; but as the majority of collectors buy items made in the 19th century it is the interest of these that forms the content of the main chapters. Fabric dolls have recently become highly collectable, and here the work of the Chad Valley company is discussed at some length, as this information is not available in any other book. And there are few books on dolls' houses that adequately illustrate individual rooms and items of furniture; it is hoped that this gap is also filled. The photographs were especially selected to supply as much useful information as possible. The author draws on her experience of the market to provide valuable advice for the beginner, who should be saved from making expensive mistakes. She also provides a richly informative and beautifully illustrated book for collectors and beginners alike.