COLLECTING

This is a detailed history of dolls in Australia, from the European settlement in 1788 until after World War II, when dolls were mass-produced. More than a catalog of dolls, the book provides fascinating glimpses of the lives of the dolls’ original owners. From the exquisite works of art produced by nineteenth-century European factories to humble peg and rag dolls, Rait traces changing patterns of Australian childhood. Providing detailed descriptions of the dolls themselves, the text is generously supplemented with handsome full-colour plates.

• ix, 245 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cm.
• Includes index.
• Bibliography: p. 239-241.
• Dolls — Australia — History
• Dollmakers — Australia — History
• (Light edge wear to jacket.)