Since her introduction in 1959, Barbies impact has been revolutionary. Far from being a toy designed by men to oppress women, she was a toy invented by women to teach women what was expected of them, for better or for worse. Whether tarred-and-glittered as antifeminist puffery or celebrated as a feminist icon (or, at any rate, an important cultural touchstone in understanding feminism) Barbie has undeniably influenced generations of girls.

In Forever Barbie, cultural critic, investigative journalist, and first-generation Barbie owner M. G. Lord uncovers the surprising story behind Barbies smash success. Revealing her low origins as Bild Lilli, a risque doll for adults sold as a gag gift in postwar Germany, Forever Barbie traces Barbies development and transformation, through countless makeovers and career changes, into an international pop culture icon and now traditional toy. Though not every doll in the line has been a hitwith pregnant Midge and Growing up Skipper among the more intriguing disastersBarbies endurance, Lord writes, speaks as much to Mattels successful marketing as it does to our societys overall ambivalence toward femininity.

With new accessories, including a preface on the latest developments in the Barbieverse, Forever Barbie will make you think of Americas most celebrated plastic doll in ways you never have before (Susan Faludi).