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Famous African-American Women Paper Dolls
From their beginnings in this country as slaves and chattels, through years of struggle for freedom, respect, and equal opportunity, African-American women have traveled a long and difficult road. This full-color paper doll collection pays tribute to that struggle and reflects the role of black women in American society.
Included are 16 costumed dolls — each with one additional costume — depicting such notable African-American women as Phillis Wheatley, an early American poet; Sojourner Truth, preacher and abolitionist; educator Mary McLeod Bethune; twentieth-century novelist Zora Neale Hurston; tennis player Althea Gibson; Rosa Parks, the "mother" of the civil rights movement; opera star Leontyne Price; writer, poet, and actress Maya Angelou; and eight other distinguished Pauline Cushman; "Madam" C. J. Walker, Patricia Roberts Harris, Shirley Chisholm, Mae C. Jemison, Barbara Jordan, Judith Jamison, and Toni Morrison.
Carefully researched and accurately illustrated, these figures will provide paper doll enthusiasts with hours of inspirational entertainment as well as giving students of history an opportunity to learn about the lives and careers of a number of America's most distinguished African-American women.
Included are 16 costumed dolls — each with one additional costume — depicting such notable African-American women as Phillis Wheatley, an early American poet; Sojourner Truth, preacher and abolitionist; educator Mary McLeod Bethune; twentieth-century novelist Zora Neale Hurston; tennis player Althea Gibson; Rosa Parks, the "mother" of the civil rights movement; opera star Leontyne Price; writer, poet, and actress Maya Angelou; and eight other distinguished Pauline Cushman; "Madam" C. J. Walker, Patricia Roberts Harris, Shirley Chisholm, Mae C. Jemison, Barbara Jordan, Judith Jamison, and Toni Morrison.
Carefully researched and accurately illustrated, these figures will provide paper doll enthusiasts with hours of inspirational entertainment as well as giving students of history an opportunity to learn about the lives and careers of a number of America's most distinguished African-American women.
32 pages, Paperback
First published February 16, 1994
11 people want to read
About the author
Tom Tierney
399 books17 followersTom Tierney was a prolific creator of paper doll books. He was trained as an artist and worked as an illustrator for department stores before turning to paper dolls in the 1970s.
"Meticulously drawn and colored, and annotated with historical information, Mr. Tierney’s paper-doll books are not just for children — and some are not for children at all. His aim, he often said, was to contribute to the visual literature of costume history," noted his New York Times obituary.
"Pope John Paul II, shown a copy of Mr. Tierney’s book about him by a visitor to the Vatican, blessed it and asked where he might get one of his own."
"Meticulously drawn and colored, and annotated with historical information, Mr. Tierney’s paper-doll books are not just for children — and some are not for children at all. His aim, he often said, was to contribute to the visual literature of costume history," noted his New York Times obituary.
"Pope John Paul II, shown a copy of Mr. Tierney’s book about him by a visitor to the Vatican, blessed it and asked where he might get one of his own."
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 27, 2022
From Phillis Wheatly (1753?-1784) to Mae C. Jemison, M.D.(and astronaut, (1961 - ) there are 16 paper dolls with one additional fashion for each one. This was published in 1994 and designed by Tom Tierney a very well know paper doll artist.
Although we think of paper doll as children's toys, many people collect them. I intend these to be used as a Library display next Juneteenth. Before then I'll enlarge the print history of each of these women of achievement for the display. Maybe make it more readable for children.
I didn't give it a 5 star probably because most of the figures have the same model stance, which has always been used. I'd like to see if paper dolls today have evolved away from the Model to a more natural woman. Actually, Mary McLeod Bethume and Madam C.J. Walker are not "skinny models, and Bethume wear "sensible shoes."
Although we think of paper doll as children's toys, many people collect them. I intend these to be used as a Library display next Juneteenth. Before then I'll enlarge the print history of each of these women of achievement for the display. Maybe make it more readable for children.
I didn't give it a 5 star probably because most of the figures have the same model stance, which has always been used. I'd like to see if paper dolls today have evolved away from the Model to a more natural woman. Actually, Mary McLeod Bethume and Madam C.J. Walker are not "skinny models, and Bethume wear "sensible shoes."
July 6, 2020
Absolutely wonderful collection of famous African-American women, with concise bios. A wonderfully broad collection of women (though IMO Ida B. Wells-Barnett would have made a great addition, since there wasn't anyone else from her fashion era included) from Mae Jemison to Phyllis Wheatley to Shirley Chisholm to Zora Neale Hurston. More life is in these faces than Tierney usually includes in his fashion plates, making these women come alive.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews