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Colorful paper dolls that sold everything from coffee to cathartics, from tea to thread, from cocoa to corsets. These dolls were the playthings of generations of children from the 1890s to the First World War.

These wonderful examples of advertising art include fanciful characters from the imagination of artists like Palmer Cox. Dolls dressed in the national costumes of the many immigrants to the United States had a special appeal to everyone. Dolls depicting characters from favorite nursery rhymes and folk tales were issued by many advertisers; these dolls filled the playtime hours of many. Dolls appealing to our patriotism take on the form of Uncle Sam, soldiers, and sailors. Dolls also appeared as Americans at work and play. Human characteristics were even ascribed to animals of all kinds to give children an opportunity to dress them up in colorful costumes. It is difficult to find a segment of society not represented by a paper doll!

Whether you're a collector or someone simply interested in the charm and culture of turn-of-the-century America, this book is sure to make a good addition to your library.

508 color photos