The Birth of Barbie
The book begins with a vivid portrayal of post-World War II America, where the burgeoning toy industry was primarily focused on dolls that portrayed infants or young children. Ruth Handler, a visionary entrepreneur and co-founder of Mattel, saw a gap in the market for a doll that could serve as a teenage fashion model. Ruth’s belief that girls wanted to play with dolls that represented their dreams and aspirations rather than just babies would eventually lead to the creation of Barbie.
The Handler Family Story
The narrative explores Ruth Handler’s background and upbringing, emphasizing her entrepreneurial spirit and the values instilled in her by her family. Growing up in a Jewish immigrant family, Ruth learned the importance of hard work and innovation from her parents, who ran a hardware store in Denver. These early experiences would shape her future career and her approach to creating Barbie.