Talking Toys of the 20th Century: Collector's Identification & Value Guide

Rating:
Summary: Excellent reference from the Chatty Cathy authors!
Review: Another wonderful, informative book from Kathy and Don Lewis, the authors of "Chatty Cathy Dolls." It's wonderful to see a real guide, using photos from collectors which depict items in played with to mint condition, which is realistic for older dolls and toys. How often are we lucky enough to find mint condition collectible playthings? Highly recommend!

Rating:
Summary: An outstanding collector's identification and value guide.
Review: Kathy and Don Lewis' Talking Toys Of The 20th Century provide an outstanding collector's identification and value guide, using small color photos to provide clear pictures of not only the toys, but the boxes which house them. An organization by toy publisher makes them quick to locate.

Rating:
Summary: Not a very good source
Review: When one looks for a collectors guide they are looking for an informed source. A truly good "guide" will show an item in it's mint, original state. This way one can tell if the item they own is in Mint, Good, or Poor condition. It is unfortunate that Ms. Eisenstein and others make excuses for the untidy and ragged condition of some of the dolls and toys in this book, and for the sorry state of the photography. It tells me that the authors did not feel that it was their job to find really great examples of things that are not that hard to find... It takes hard work and imagination for this, and I'm afraid these things are lacking.