The fascination with miniature objects continues to grow. One of the most popular forms of "life in miniature" throughout the ages has been the doll's house, which appeals to a great variety of people, including architects, collectors, children, historians, and antiquarians. A doll's house is a miniature representation of its place and time, and this fascinating account of dolls' houses and miniature furnishings covers four centuries and many countries: Holland, Germany, France, England, the United States. Additional information on examples of Scandinavian, Italian, Swiss, and Japanese houses is provided. World famous dolls' houses described at length include Queen Mary's doll house, complete in every detail down to miniature bottles of real champagne in the wine cellar; Colleen Moore's spectacular castle with its diamond chandelier and gold (monogrammed! ) forks and knives; Titania's Palace which has been called "a museum-in-little of Italian art"; the Stettheimer doll house with its unique art gallery of miniature originals by famous modern artists. --P. [4] of cover.