*I received an e-arc of this book from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Barbie by Robin Gerber
Pub Date: Apr 16 2024

A really cute coffee table-style book detailing the history of Barbie dolls, from the creation of Barbie dolls through Margot Robbie's portrayal in the Barbie movie from last summer. The photos are gorgeous, though the text was a bit difficult to read on an e-reader (as I was doing) and will likely flow better in a physical book. Nonetheless, this is an enjoyable addition to the collection of anyone who enjoys Barbie.

Such an interesting book to see the history of Barbie. I loved the timeframes and how its written. A glimpse through childhood.

I was a Barbie fan from way back in the day but even as a long time fan there was a lot I didn’t know. The pictures alone made this book amazing but finding out about the creator and all she went thru to bring us all Barbie was incredible.

Robin Gerber's “Barbie” offers a fascinating deep dive into the history and cultural significance of one of the world's most iconic toys. The book is as much a biography of Ruth Handler, Barbie's creator, as it is a chronicle of the doll herself. Gerber does an excellent job of portraying Ruth's vision and tenacity in a male-dominated business world, making her a compelling figure to follow.

One of the book’s greatest strengths is its detailed exploration of Ruth Handler’s life and the challenges she faced in bringing Barbie to market. Gerber skillfully captures the entrepreneurial spirit that drove Ruth to innovate, even when faced with skepticism and criticism. The book also offers a well-researched look at the broader cultural context, examining how Barbie has influenced and been influenced by societal changes over the decades.

Gerber strikes a good balance between celebrating Barbie’s impact and acknowledging the controversies surrounding the doll, particularly regarding body image and gender roles. This balanced perspective allows readers to appreciate Barbie’s place in history while also considering the complex legacy she leaves behind.

While the book is thorough and informative, it occasionally feels a bit dense, particularly in sections that delve into the intricacies of business decisions and corporate history. These parts, though important, can slow down the narrative for those more interested in the cultural aspects of Barbie’s story.

Overall, “Barbie” by Robin Gerber is a well-crafted and insightful book that offers a nuanced look at an enduring cultural icon. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in the history of toys, entrepreneurship, or the evolution of women’s roles in society. Though it might be a bit heavy at times, it’s a rewarding read that sheds light on the fascinating story behind the doll that has captured the imaginations of generations.

It was a really interesting read! I’ve been a big fan of Barbie from a very young age, so getting to know her full story was really nice! My inner child was jumping on one foot!

I have so much fan reading this book. I learn things of the barbie history that a did not know. The pictures are amazing.

Given the resurgence in popularity that Barbie has had, this is absolutely the perfect time for this book. I loved that this book not only touched on Barbie's particular history but also Ruth Gerber's. Gerber is a fascinating figure, and the way that she changed the toy industry needs to be more widely discussed. I know that many people will assume that Barbie and anyone associated with her/it would be frivolous, but this story has heart and guts. A must-read for anyone who grew up with Barbie or who is interested in women's history!

This history of Barbie details how the doll came to be and its influence on pop culture. It includes photos of the original Barbie and images of how the doll evolved over time and became the global icon it is today.

Barbie played a major role in my childhood. I have incredibly fond memories of her. My grandmother would make my Barbies and I matching outfits. Every month when my dad paid child support my Grandma would take me to K-mart and let me pick out a Barbie. She would also randomly purchase Barbies and Barbie accessories for me. I played with Barbie for countless hours. When I went to visit my dad I would take two suitcases. One for me and one for Barbie. The Barbie suitcase was filled to the brim with Barbies and her accessories. Barbie was my friend and my confident.

I had a smallish window in my bedroom that was similar to department store windows that displayed mannequins. Every month I created a display for my Barbies. Each month had a different theme and filled me with joy. This book, Barbie pulled me back into my childhood and made many happy memories resurface.

A brilliant book which I feel will offer so much across generations of people who love Barbie. I enjoyed the history and the pictures are as revealing as a peek inside a secret of the past. Barbie is part of life for so many children and throughout childhood to adulthood Barbie is there. I will proudly display with book on my shelf.
Thank you Netgalley for an opportunity to totally immerse in this book!

Who doesn't like Barbie?!! Before the movie sparked new interest in this doll that has been around for decades this novel explores her history. The doll, the different careers she represented and how this gave little girls the belief that they could do anything! If you ever owned a Barbie you MUST read this book!!!

4.5 stars.
This book is presented using a good balance between beautiful images and informative text.
It is a nice book for collectors, those interested in toy history, children and Barbie enthusiasts.

I wish it were longer.

This was such a great read. As someone that loved playing with Barbie’s as a child this was such an interesting read. I loved all the pictures, history, and insight. After watching (and loving) the Barbie movie this was nice to read after.

Obviously, Barbie is having a moment, and this handsomely illustrated coffee table book happily delves into the history and cultural significance of the fashion doll, whilst keeping more than a beady eye on its corporate overseers. And that's fine, I was not exactly looking for a critical takedown of the product, and its happy to safely have at its only villains the toy industry of 65 years ago that pooh-poohed the idea of a fashion doll. And whilst the driver of all of the innovation in the doll is clearly marketing and sales, it is a canny brand that does appear to have rolled with the times better than most. Partially because once it had cleared that early hurdle of getting the sales, then it wasn't that risky to fit the same basic doll in an astronaut or beekeeping costume.

The photos are half the fun here, and certainly, the historical chapter has a whole bunch of fun with blueprints and early prototypes, and for such a quintessentially American product, Gerber handles the "Made In Japan" aspect of it with a lightness of touch. And whilst it might load down Ruth Handler's legacy with a bit more than she originally planned (prosthetic leg Barbie really shifts from some of the original plans), the conception of a doll where a child can play at being an adult is surprisingly robust. This presents Barbie as a very broad church, and while it doesn't linger too much on the collector side, it is adamant about Barbie being for anyone who wants her (and can pay for one?)

It's not all plain sailing, the early chapter on the Barbie Shero range does seem to be just a roll call of exceptional women who have had Barbies made of them, and for all of the Barbies that get full pages here, the decidedly un-monobrowed Frida Khalo seems nothing to be proud of. But this is probably the right kind of book Barbie deserves, there is more than enough history to dive into, but we mainly want the pictures, and lots of interesting tidbits (Twiggy being the first celebrity Barbie, Barbie first being President in 1995 and the existence of Barbie's British friend Stacey).

A very interesting look into Barbie and her creator, Ruth Handler. Many gorgeous photos, drawings and sketches. I’m not a Barbie *fan* by any means but it’s definitely a very iconic toy, and very nostalgic for me. It’s interesting to see how Barbie has reflected the ideas of different time periods. It’s a fun and readable book!

Seeing Barbie through the years and learning about her history is a great way to see the changes in our culture. The photos and timeline were great. Barbie has managed to evolve with the times, whether it’s her variety of careers, or her physical changes to be more inclusive, she remains a fashion icon! This book made me want to get out my Barbies and play with them again.

Very informative and so fun to learn about! Now I need a video essay about this topic lol.

As consumers we don't realize how much goes behind the scenes and often take products at face value. I was the same way when thinking about Barbie, even after watching the recent movie. This book goes into the different elements of history of the Barbie doll, like the design, the creator's motive, difficulties in production, along with a bunch of other fun facts!

There's lots of photos accompanying easy to read information, so the book flew by without me noticing. Very well structured and it feels well researched. The information within does feel curated, since there's no explanation of common criticisms, but that could easily be another book.

* Thanks to the publisher via Netgalley for a copy!

I really enjoyed this book. It was really informative and I learned things that I didn’t already know!

Very colourful and impression history behind “Barbie”, I love the detailed information throughout the book. Picked up some facts that I’ve never heard of before. Would be a fantastic gift for a barbie fan.

"Barbie: Her Inspiration, History, and Legacy" by Robin Gerber offers a fun journey through the iconic doll's evolution, impact, and enduring legacy. In this concise yet comprehensive exploration, Gerber provides readers with a fascinating glimpse into the world of Barbie, tracing her origins from a simple toy to a cultural phenomenon

One of the book's strengths is its exploration of Barbie's evolution as a cultural icon. Gerber deftly navigates the doll's transformation from a fashion model to a symbol of female empowerment, showing the many roles Barbie has had throughout her life. From astronaut to CEO, Barbie has served as a source of inspiration and empowerment for generations of children, breaking boundaries and challenging stereotypes along the way.

Moreover, Gerber offers readers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process behind Barbie's design and marketing. Through interviews with designers, executives, and collectors, she sheds light on the meticulous attention to detail and innovation that have characterized the Barbie brand since its inception. This insider perspective adds depth and authenticity to Gerber's narrative, providing readers with a greater appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind the iconic doll.

This book is an incredible tribute to one of the most beloved and enduring icons of popular culture. Gerber's thoughtful analysis and engaging storytelling make this book a fun read for anyone interested in the history and cultural significance of Barbie. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a curious newcomer, Gerber's book offers a comprehensive and compelling exploration of Barbie's multifaceted legacy.