This book is the first experience of its kind in book publishing. The history and origin of various types of dolls, the best artists-creators of dolls of the past and present, technologies and materials for making dolls, famous manufacturers, museums and galleries - everything related to artistic authors, antique, magic and ritual, theatrical and collectible dolls (including BJD or "hinges") of the whole world - all this is reflected and described in detail in the articles of the encyclopedia. An amazing, "parallel" puppet world opens before the reader, with its secrets, artistic discoveries and revelations, prospects. Particular attention is paid to a new genre of art - an art doll.