A THOROUGHLY GROWN-UP LOOK AT A TWENTIETH-CENTURY MUSE OF OUTSTANDING PROPORTIONS To some she's a collectible, to others she's trash. In The Barbie Chronicles, twenty-three writers join together to scrutinize Barbie's forty years of hateful, lovely disastrous, glorious influence on us all. No other tiny shoulders have ever, had to carry the weight of such affection and derision and no other book has ever paid this notorious little place of plastic her due. Whether you adore her or abhor her, The Barbie Chronicles will have you looking at her in ways you never imagined.

On the occasion of her 40th birthday, the complete story of Barbie, featuring an inspired collection of essays by Jane Smiley, Erica Jong, Anna Quindlen, Carol Shields, Meg Wolitzer, and a host of other Barbie-watchers. 8-page photo insert.

A beautifully illustrated picture book about Barbie--the most famous doll in the world--and her visionary creator, Ruth Handler. Ruth Handler wanted to create a doll that would inspire little girls to use their huge imaginations and big dreams about their futures. When told it wasn't possible, Ruth Handler proved them wrong by creating the most famous doll ever. This beautiful picture book will inspire children ages 3 to 7 to believe that anything is possible-especially with Barbie!

A look at how Barbie became an icon and the impact that she has had on our culture.

"This is an academic look at the contribution of popular culture to the loss if innocence in today's children."--Publisher.