Books and Reference Materials

Gary and Louise recommend the following list of books. They have found these books to be most helpful in learning about antique doll reproduction and collecting.

ALL BOOKS LISTED HERE ARE AVAILABLE THROUGH SOWATZKA'S DOLLS.

Contact Gary for information on how to order these fine books.


Click image for larger view

Madame Alexander 2006 Collectors Dolls Price Guide 31 "
Linda Crowsey
Each year Linda Crowsey updates values and listings and adds new color photographs to produce a completely revised book. The alphabetical listings include nearly every Madame Alexander doll, and the newest store special - issues from Belk & Legget Department Stores, Madame Alexander Doll Club Convention dolls and those exclusive to members only, Neiman-Marcus dolls, QVC/Home Shopping Network exclusive, United Federation of Doll Clubs, and many more. All of the Alexander favorites remain, with updated prices given for the classic Cissy, Little Women, Wendy, Scarlett O'Hara, Alexander-Kins, and Ballerina dolls, plus hundreds more. The sizes, dates, outfits, and current values given for every doll listed, as well as the representative sampling of sharp color photographs, assist the collector in identification. This book is sure to continue to be one of our most popular doll titles.$14.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Madame Alexander 2006 Collectors Dolls Price Guide 32 "
Linda Crowsey
Each year Linda Crowsey updates values and listings and adds new color photographs to produce a completely revised book. The alphabetical listings include nearly every Madame Alexander doll, and the newest store special - issues from Belk & Legget Department Stores, Madame Alexander Doll Club Convention dolls and those exclusive to members only, Neiman-Marcus dolls, QVC/Home Shopping Network exclusive, United Federation of Doll Clubs, and many more. All of the Alexander favorites remain, with updated prices given for the classic Cissy, Little Women, Wendy, Scarlett O'Hara, Alexander-Kins, and Ballerina dolls, plus hundreds more. The sizes, dates, outfits, and current values given for every doll listed, as well as the representative sampling of sharp color photographs, assist the collector in identification. This book is sure to continue to be one of our most popular doll titles.$14.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Arranbee Dolls "The Dolls That Sell on Sight"
Suzanne L. DeMiller and Dennis J. Brevik
This book includes the majority of the known Arranbee dolls from 1922 through 1959, all under one cover, and in many cases accompanied by an original advertisement. Over 650 color photographs, and illustrations, including brochures and body construction details, are included in this book. 2004 values.   $24.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Collectors Guide to Horsman Dolls 1865-1950
Don Jensen
This is the first book on the market to tell the fascinating Horsman story, Partly history and partly an intriguing tale of an ambitious entrepreneur and his son. It is the ultimate reference for Horsman doll collectors, with descriptive listing and over 400 full-colored photographs, vintage catalog pages, and advertising pictures of commonly found and remarkably rare dolls. 2002 values.  $29.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Collectors Encyclopedia of American Composition Dolls 1900-1950, Vol 11
Ursula R. Mertz
Ursula Mertz's first volume on composition dolls was received with great enthusiasm, and interest by doll collectors, and quickly sold. The second volume presents hundreds of clear photos and new research in this field. Marionettes and puppets are new features in this volume. Composition doll collecting as it relates to the internet is also a new section covered in this book, as well as questions most often asked by collectors. A biography of Harriet Flanders, creator of the Little Cherub, is included. 2004 values.  $29.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Collectors Guide to Ideal Dolls, Third Edition
Judith Izen
Ideal's blockbuster dolls include Shirley Temple, Toni, Betsy Wetsy, Miss Revlon, Patti PlayPal, Thumbelina, Tammy, Crissy, and many more. This third edition will help you distinguish between the more common dolls and those worth thousands of dollars. Hundreds of full-colored photos of each doll Ideal produced from 1907 onward and their outfits included. With the addition of new photos and up to date information, and values, this book is highly readable reference guide, providing sweeping coverage of every known doll produced by this amazing company. Doll historian, and toy industry researcher, Judith Izen, writes it. 2005 values.  $24.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

American Character Dolls
Judith Izen
Sweet Sue, Betsy McCall, Tiny Tears, Little Ricky, Whimsies, Toni, Toddles, and Tressy, the most popular dolls from the American Character Doll Company of New York, are featured in this collector guide. Over 1,000 full-colored photos cover the entire line of over 100 dolls produced from composition to vinyl. Dolls and their fashions are depicted, with captions listing the year the doll was produced, marks, description, and current collector values. A brief history of the company is included, as well as a helpful index. 2006 values.  $24.95

Back to list


Click image for larger view

Collectors Encyclopedia of Vogue Dolls, Second Edition
Judith Izen and Carol Stover
This new edition features 200 additional photos, for a total of 1600 shots, along with updated information and collector values. Besides the famous Ginny and her many outfits, there are special sections devoted to Jill, Ginnette, Jan, Jeff, Baby Dear, Brikette, Toodles, Wee Imp, Li'l Imp, and all the other Vogue dolls ever made, along with their outfits and accessories. This fantastic book also covers the design and behind-the-scene stories of the Vogue dolls. 2005 values.   $29.95

Back to list

Want to order one of these books? 
Email us or give us a call at (715) 277-4591
Store Hours: Call for Appointment
Let us know you saw it on Sowatzka.com!!!

Return to Gary's Tips on Collecting      Return to Sowatzka homepage