Susan Brewer Libri

This is the first book to be published on the popular area of British dolls of the 1960s which explores what’s worth collecting and why and focuses on outside events such as the growth of the pop scene and how dolls were aimed at the newly created ‘teenagers’, not just children. These toy and pop dolls are now very collectable, partly because of the nostalgia element as many of the collectors would have grown up with them or desiring them and appeals to other types of collectors e.g. social historians, fashion and pop collectors.The book focuses on the doll manufacturers, including must-buy dolls, what to spot when buying dolls, how to avoid buying fakes, safe cleaning and includes a directory of doll hospitals and specialist museums. The first book, British Dolls of the 1950s was also written by Susan Brewer.

Photos, descriptions, and fascinating history for dedicated doll collectors. In the 1950s, a new material—plastic—revolutionized the doll trade and made dolls affordable for people of all classes. This book focuses specifically on British dolls of that decade, offering not only useful information for collectors but a glimpse into the history and culture that surrounded these cherished toys. Along with photos and descriptions, this unique guide  

Exploring the fascinating world of autographs, this book showcases beautifully-illustrated autograph books from the past, where ordinary people exchanged thoughtful poems and illustrations. It highlights both celebrity signatures and collectible autographs, featuring hundreds of verses and reflective messages, alongside humorous entries collected from various albums over the years. Susan Brewer, a collectables expert, provides insights into the sentimental and historical significance of these personal mementos.

This is the first study of its kind, focusing on toys made for girls, including the spin-off accessories and comics. Renowned toy expert Susan Brewer explores the world of toys, divided into sections to encompass dolls, cuddly toys and ‘families (e.g. Sylvanian Forest and Fisher Price’s Little People), amongst others. She includes brief biographies of some of the best known firms, such as Mattel, Pedigree and Fisher Price but the main focus is on the toys themselves, many of which readers will remember from their own childhood. Includes fascinating factboxes with quirky facts – did you know. Angela Rippon created the best-selling Victoria Plum toys based on a plum tree in her back garden - she has written the foreword for this book.