Book Description

"This splendidly written, richly illustrated book is unlike any ever written about origami" — Martin Gardner "Filled with provocative ideas and unexpected connections . . . truly inspirational." — Milton Glaser In this extraordinary book, Peter Engel, one of the America's most celebrated origami artists, explores the secrets of Japanese paperfolding and explains how to create complex animals and objects from simple squares of paper. The book begins with a clear and concise introduction to the terminology and basic techniques of paperfolding. Then, in a fact-filled exposition of origami's history and theory — including an extraordinary interview with Japan's legendary master, Akira Yoshizawa — the author, a writer and architect, explores origami's links with mathematics, art, philosophy, and nature. Challenging paperfolders to turn a "mute, geometric shape into a recognizable figure," the author provides clear, step-by-step instructions for 24 delightful projects of his own creations. His designs of simple fish and birds are easy to make. Others, including mammals and insects, use original techniques and pose a greater challenge. Among the models you'll learn to construct are an angelfish, hummingbird, penguin, giraffe, kangaroo, centipede, alligator, reindeer, elephant, butterfly, and knight on horseback. A photograph depicts each completed item. This absorbing book, with its contemporary approach to an ancient art form, will captivate paperfolders with hours of creative entertainment and provocative reading.