Dolls Etcetera: The Ruth E. Funk Private Collection

Celebrating the wonderful world of dolls, this coffee-table book displays the impressively diverse assemblage of Ruth E. Funk, a beloved American artist and doll enthusiast. It pays homage to doll-making and the unique character of each hand-crafted creation, whether a humble rag doll, a wooden peg doll, or a high-fashion French collectible. While Ruth’s eclectic collection does include a number of priceless treasures, it would not be complete without her most cherished ethnic pieces: simply constructed yet absolutely fascinating national dolls that proudly display the costumes and culture of their homelands. Her more than 500 dolls—antique, vintage, and modern—are photographically featured and described in terms of nationality, materiality, size, and significance. The approachable book includes the story of the author’s personal doll collecting journey as well as collector tips and resources, making it an exceptional source of inspiration for doll lovers of all ages.

Ruth E. Funk is an accomplished artist and crafter, the author of Cloth and Culture, and the former director of education at the Albany Institute of History and Art. She lives in Melbourne, Florida. Dominic Agostini is a freelance photographer who specializes in lifestyle and portrait photography. He lives in Satellite Beach, Florida.