Having started collecting in the pre-internet era, I nearly always open one of my reference books rather than a website. So I will start with some key reference books, and in a later post I will list some of the many websites to research your doll or outfit.
Sibyl de Wein and Joan Ashabraner
Collector's Encyclopedia of Barbie Dolls
Published by Collector Books (1984)
One of the oldest in this list and still one of the best for identifying dolls. It has lists of markings, and dolls issued in chronological order, including some European issues.
The second volume by Sibyl de Wein covers the years 1977-1979.
An excellent reference book for identifying dolls from 1959 to 1995 is Marcie Mellilo's "Ultimate Barbie Doll Book". It has a detailed description of each doll, with a close-up to show the facial screening which is vital in identifying dolls of the 80s and 90s.
For identifying outfits from the 60s and 70s, there is no better reference than the three volumes by Sarah Sink Eames:
Barbie Fashion: The Complete History of the Wardrobes of Barbie Doll, Her Friends and her Family
Vol. 1: 1959-1967
Vol. 2: 1968-1974
Vol. 3: 1975-1979
I have nearly worn out the pages of my 3 Sarah Eames books, and they are hardly ever back on the shelves, as they live right near where I am sorting outfit pieces. Covering vintage, mod and 70s through to the Superstar era, each item in an outfit including all accessories, is pictured. Many of the European issued-outfits are included. Amazing resource.
Joe Blitman
Barbie & Her Mod, Mod, Mod, Mod, World of Fashion
Francie & Her Mod, Mod, Mod World of Fashion
Joe Blitman produced two excellent resources for the mod collector, one for Barbie and one for Francie, the mod princess. They feature lots of fabric variations, and fabulous set-ups and photography by Kevin Mulligan.
Two books by Hillary Shilkitus James cover the dolls, clothes and accessories.
The Complete and Unauthorized Guide to Vintage Barbie Dolls: With Barbie & Skipper Fashions and the Whole Family of Barbie Dolls
Very good compact resource with all of the family dolls in the vintage/mod era.
It's All About the Accessories
Invaluable resource to look up outfits and work out which accessories, shoes etc go with which outfits. Ever wondered how many pairs of black open-toe shoes you need? or tried to identify a stray sock or stocking? Look no further, this will tell you.
Skipper: Barbie Doll's Little Sister- Identification & Value Guide
Trina Cottingham, Scott Arend, Karla Hemingway
A must-have for Skipper collectors, covering every aspect of Skipper, Skooter, Ricky and the younger set: Tutti, Todd, Chris and Carla.
For more specialised areas of interest, there are books dedicated to nearly every aspect of Barbie collecting.
Barbie: Structures and Furniture
Marl Davidson (Hobby House Press)
Covers all the furniture and structures from 1959 to 1975, showing all the items which were included with each.
Barbie in Japan – Keiko Kimura Shibano
(Murat/Caviale Inc, Kenosha Wisconsin)
If you are fascinated by the rare Japanese Exclusive (JE) dolls and fashions, this book was the first and in many ways the best on this topic. It was designed and edited by Karen Caviale, the famous editor of Barbie Bazaar magazine, in which articles on these rarities had been published. The exquisite photography is by Barry Sturgill, whose work had also featured in Barbie Bazaar.
Japan Barbie
Yasuhiro Sekiguchi Collection
This book consists largely of great photographs of Japanese Exclusives, and includes their stock number where known. The text is entirely in Japanese, which is unfortunate for me as I cannot read any Japanese and so I miss out on useful information. However the photos alone are a great reference source.
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