Since Barbie's introduction in 1959, her impact on baby boomers has been revolutionary. Far from being a toy designed by men to enslave women, she was a toy invented by women to teach women what-- for better or worse-- was expected of them. In telling Barbie's fascinating story, cultural critic and investigative journalist M. G. Lord, herself a first-generation Barbie owner, has written a provocative, zany, occasionally shocking book that will change how you look at the doll and the world.

""Lord shrewdly uses the evolution of Barbie as a touchstone to chart the evolution of our modern culture.""-- People

""Fascinating ... compelling .... A seriously wry, thoroughly researched and totally enlightened look at the doll that most of us either love or love to hate.""-- Newsday

""Scathing, hilarious ... consistently informative and amusing.""-- San Francisco Chronicle

""Its mix of social history, psychoanalytical insights, and the Mattel marketing schemes that evoke them is told with wit, curiosity, and wry photos.""-- Los Angeles Times Book Review

""Terrific .... A book that was dying to be written .... A crisp, often witty love story of American pop culture.""-- The Boston Globe

""The author's enthusiasm is infectious and she writes with considerable wit .... Her subject inspires passion.""-- The New York Times