Booklist
Reviewed by Barbara Jacobs, American Library Association, 2003.

Anyone who's ever enjoyed seeing or playing with a series of wooden nesting dolls--matryoshki in Russian--will gravitate instinctively to Ertl and Hibberd's lavishly illustrated tome. In it, several myths are quickly debunked: first, that these dolls were born in the Motherland (they emigrated from Japan); and second, that all are made from a single piece of wood (actually, one linden tree trunk yields about four or five blanks). The authors continue to reveal the world of matryoshki, including designs, manufacturing, themes, production centers, artists, and purchase of this native toy. The color photographs alone are worth the price, aiding a true appreciation of the art, whether readers admire the elegantly decorated Cinderella dolls or a wonderfully comic Bill Clinton and "family." Includes a useful glossary of English and Russian terms.

Russian Life
Reviewed by Paul Richardson, September/October 2003

...The secret of how a linden tree is turned into a perfectly-fit doll is in fact revealed in simple, easy-to-understand diagrams and photos. The exacting process for finishing and painting the blanks is also shown, and Ertl and Hibberd offer insightful portraits of the lives of both matryoshka artists and merchandisers.

Throughout, the volume is marvelously illustrated with examples of sets portraying everything from politicians to saints, pictures of craftsmen at work and the towns in which they live and labor.

This book is clearly a labor of love for the authors and it comes off masterfully, giving us a most complete portrait of this important art form. –PR

Library Journal
Therese Duzinkiewicz Baker, Western Kentucky Univ. Libs., Bowling Green Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

Now thoroughly identified with Russia, the wooden nesting doll (matryoshka) was actually introduced into Russia from Japan in the late 19th century. Since its early use as a child's toy, this doll became a source of creative-and sometimes political-expression, as well as a sought-after souvenir and export. Ertl, an importer of Russian crafts, and Hibberd, a longtime advertising executive who spent three years in Russia, offer an illustrated overview of matryoshki that includes 330 color photographs. First is a history of the dolls, typically carved by village craftsmen and -women, and step-by-step explanations of technique. While five pieces are standard, some matryoshki are made of only three pieces, while expensive collectors' dolls may have as many as 40 to 50. All the types and varieties of folk, narrative, traditional, and political themes expressed in the painting of the dolls are treated. Also included are helpful tips for collecting, as readers planning to visit Russia might want to include matryoshka-hunting in their travels after reading this unique book. Recommended for all comprehensive decorative arts and Russian culture collections.

Buyer Reviews from Amazon.com

The Heart of Mother Russia
Reviewed by a reader from Litchfield County, Connecticut, September, 2003

This magnificently designed volume captures the heart of Mother Russia -- and captured my heart as well. Beautifully photographed and written in a lively, readable style. The dolls speak wisely about the history of this great, sad land, and I learned a lot about Russia. It's the perfect gift for anyone interested in Russia or, more broadly, in dolls and how they reflect their times.

Comprehensive with Heart and Soul
Reviewed by Merryl Pringle, Australia, September 6, 2003

It is correct to call this book a definitive history of Matryoshki, but that is not all it is. I would classify it as a genealogy, whereby Rett Ertl cleverly gives the historical skeleton, but clothes his history with the soul of the people and the artists. The illustrations ae superb, the setting out a joy, and the paper and presentation an experience in itself. The chapter on a number of the current artists allows the reader to learn more of this genealogy, and understand more fully the Art of the Russian Matryoshka.

Russian Nesting Dolls Beautifully Explained
Reviewed by Tanya T Fry, Frederick, MD United States, August 22, 2003

This beautiful book is the most complete explaination of the art of Russian Nesting Dolls (Matryoshka) ever written. The history of the nesting doll is explained in detail with many beautiful photographs of dolls made long ago. The process of creating these wonderful dolls is thoroughly outlined and once again the photos show every aspect of their creation. The different geographical regions of the former Soviet Union and the different dolls produced there were also discussed. Individual artists were highlighted with their dolls as were many dolls from private collections. The different types of nesting dolls were described and pictured. The photographs were detailed and colorful and expertly showed the splendid artwork painted on each doll. This book is long overdue for all Matryoshka collectors. All others would also learn from and enjoy this wonderful book.