Smithsonian The Dolls House Faith Bradford 1965 Publication 4641 Book

Official Smithsonian The Dolls House by Faith Bradford 1965 This exceptional book is the official Smithsonian Institution publication known as The Dolls House, authored by Faith Bradford and released in 1965 as Publication 4641. As a brand-focused item from the prestigious Smithsonian, it embodies the institution's commitment to preserving and sharing American heritage through detailed documentation of cultural artifacts like this remarkable dollhouse exhibit. The Smithsonian brand is synonymous with quality, education, and historical accuracy, making this book a must-have for those who appreciate authentic institutional publications rather than generic reprints. Faith Bradford's expertise shines through in every page as she guides readers into the world of the Doll family around 1905. The book features detailed descriptions and photographs of the meticulously crafted miniature home, highlighting the craftsmanship that went into creating this three-story masterpiece. From the moment you open the cover, you are transported to a bygone era where every detail, from the furniture to the smallest accessory, tells a story of American domestic life in exquisite scale. The content is rich with information about the family members, including Peter Doll, the head of the household at approximately thirty-five years old, and his wife Rose at thirty-one, along with their ten happy children. The staff is also prominently featured, with profiles of dedicated servants like the chambermaid Christina Young who keeps every room spotless and the cook Martha Roots who excels at roasts and pastries. These narratives bring the dollhouse to life, showing how the household operated with efficiency, warmth, and a touch of humor that makes the stories engaging for readers of all ages. Pets play a significant role in the story, with vivid descriptions of Spot the loyal hound waiting in the library, Maydew the clever springer spaniel, Teddy the bulldog with a ferocious look but gentle nature, and the international white rats including Henri from France, Marco from Italy, Sum from China, and Dorado from Mexico. The cats Lady Grey and Mrs. Peerie add further charm, along with mentions of other small creatures like a pollywog. The book includes black and white portraits of these inhabitants and vibrant color photographs of the rooms, including the formal parlor with its Victorian furniture and chess set, the guest room featuring Grandmother Doll's crocheted bedspread, and the guest bathroom with its period zinc tubs in wooden cases. A standout feature is the large fold-out illustration that provides a comprehensive cross-section view of the entire dollhouse, revealing all floors, the attic filled with treasures, the bustling kitchen, coordinated color schemes, heating registers, and even the nursery with its hanging fish tank. This visual aid allows readers to appreciate the incredible scale and detail that make this exhibit so special and unique among museum displays. The Smithsonian's involvement ensures that the information is accurate and based directly on the actual exhibit, giving buyers complete confidence in the authenticity and educational value of the content presented. In terms of condition, this used book is in very good overall condition for its sixty-year age. The pages are clean and fully readable with no tears, creases, or missing sections. There is only minor wear along the cover edges and spine from normal handling, slight yellowing to the page edges consistent with a 1965 publication, and one small brown stain on an interior text page that does not affect readability or the surrounding content. These gentle signs of age add authentic vintage character without compromising the integrity of the text or the beauty of the photographs. Owning this official Smithsonian publication means having a direct and tangible connection to one of the most beloved and meticulously documented exhibits in American museum history. It is ideal for those who value branded, institutional documentation over secondary or unofficial sources. The warm, accessible tone of Faith Bradford's writing makes it enjoyable for families and casual readers, while the detailed photography and historical insights appeal strongly to serious collectors of miniatures, dollhouse builders, and enthusiasts of early twentieth-century American social history alike. This book serves as both an educational resource and a beautiful keepsake that celebrates the artistry and imagination behind miniature making at its finest. Whether you are actively building or furnishing your own dollhouse, teaching children about historical domestic life, or simply fascinated by the intricate world of scaled-down treasures, this book provides endless inspiration and reference material. The Smithsonian brand guarantees a level of quality, accuracy, and production value that sets it apart from other vintage books available on the market today. Adding this to your personal library allows you to enjoy the charming stories and stunning visuals that have captivated generations of visitors to the Smithsonian for decades. The 1965 publication date adds to its collectible status, as it was created during a period of growing national interest in miniatures and museum education programs. Faith Bradford's work is widely regarded as a classic in the field of dollhouse literature, and original copies of this Smithsonian publication are becoming increasingly sought after by discerning collectors who recognize its lasting importance in documenting the Doll house exhibit in its original form before any later changes or restorations took place. With its perfect combination of engaging narrative, high-quality photography, and unquestionable official provenance from the Smithsonian Institution, this book stands out as a premier example of mid-twentieth-century institutional publishing excellence. It is a true testament to the dedication of the Smithsonian to public education, cultural preservation, and making history accessible and enjoyable for everyone. For brand-conscious collectors and historians, this is the definitive item to own and treasure for years to come.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Very good — Very good condition for age. Clean readable pages with no tears or missing content. Light edge wear on cover and spine, slight yellowing to page edges, one small brown stain on interior text page. — Defects: ['Minor wear and creasing along cover edges and spine', 'Small brown stain on one interior text page', 'Slight yellowing to page edges consistent with age']

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.