THE DOLL [DELUXE EDITION]

New York: Harry N. Abrams, 1977. "Since the dawn of time, dolls have been cherished by children, worshipped by primitive people, invoked as magical weapons for good and evil. This extraordinary book reveals the many aspects of the doll through the superb photography of H. Landshoff, and the text and commentary of Carl Fox, former director of Museum shops for the Smithsonian Institution and the Brooklyn Museum, and a long-time collector himself. Both text and pictures capture the enchantment of these miniature 'people.' Almost two hundred full-page plates show dolls from many cultures and eras. In his free-flowing, informal introductory essay, Carl Fox ranges over the history and meaning of dolls around the world, and examines the collector's mania as well. Thus he captures the spirit of his subject, provides a wealth of historical and technical information, and gives the reader a revealing glimpse into the workings of one collector's mind. This is a book to delight child and adult, collector and historian, a glowing testiomony to the companions of childhood and the scope of human craftsmanship and imagination." There was a plain cloth-bound edition, this copy is from the DELUXE EDITION IN RED VELVET. Embossed bright gilt lettering to the cover and spine, blue endsheets, 343 pp., 191 illustrations, including 70 in full color. Many of the color plates are tipped-in, some are fold-out. Fine in a fine dustjacket with protective mylar cover. With the publisher' card laid in. . First Edition. Hard Cover. Fine/Fine. 4to - over 9¾" - 12" tall.