Diana Princess of Wales Paper Doll by Tom Tierney (1997, Paperback)

I love this book because Tom Tierney has documented some of Diana's most fabulous gowns that were auctioned in 1997 by the British firm Christie's.

I'm not a paperdoll fan in particular--I find them rather two dimensional and flat for my taste--but I appreciate the research and talent this book required. Not only are the gowns finely drawn, they are done in such a way as to match Diana's contemporary hairstyle to the outfits. The book is a splendid reference for the gowns that are included and that is where its weak point comes in. Unfortuately, fewer than half the lots featured in the auction made it into this book.

I have personally written to Mr. Tierney asking if a part II will be done to rectify this and received a reply from his daughter to the effect that the project was finished as originally published.

I decided to buy one myself because I collect Princess Diana dolls, and this book is another form of doll, albeit drawn on paper. While I much prefer three dimensional dolls with hair and fabric clothing, I recommend it very highly for anyone interested in paper dolls or even regular dolls. The drawings can be used by dressmakers to recreate Diana's gowns in miniature and can be used by doll collectors to make accessory choices.

Because of the missing gowns, I felt that I couldn't rate this item as Excellent, only Good.