Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #77078 in Books
• Published on: 1995-09-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 160 pages

Customer Reviews

Mathematics as Art
I can't think of a better example of something that is both mathematically complex and aesthetically pleasing, than the designs in Robert J Lang's book, Origami Insects & their Kin.

The photographs of the completed models are as intricate and beautiful as their subjects, and also serve to demonstrate that with practice and a lot of patience it really is possible to fold them.

I have owned this book for almost two years and can fold a small number of the insects. They all take a considerable ammount of time and although it can be crushing when, having worked on a model for an hour or so, something goes irretrievabley wrong, there is a beauty and poetry to the folding
that makes you want to try again. I am constantly amazed when, as I attempt what looks like a very difficult fold, the paper falls smoothly into place, without a hitch.
Other folds will have you tearing out your hair. There are new techniques to be mastered, but these only serve to hold your attention. Sometimes when I make these models, even though most of the time, I am folding along well-defined lines and angles, the movement of the paper in my hands makes it almost feel as though I am sculpting.

Of the models, I have managed to complete
I only found the orb weaver (a spider) slightly disappointing, but I've yet to see a good origami spider, made with a square sheet of paper.

The Beetles and bugs are exceptional, The Stag Beetle and the Hercules beetle, in particular, although I am constantly having to explain to people what the latter is.

The Scarab beetle is best made with a thick, good quality paper. I use paper from an artists sketch pad, which stands up well to the stresses and strains of folding and gives the carapace, which is three-dimensional, a more solid feel.
The ants are also three dimensional and are my favourite models.

Although it does look slightly artificial, the scorpion (the final design in the book and the one with the biggest number of steps to complete)is a great milestone if you can finish it.

The grasshopper is a good model to start out with, as it is not too difficult.

This book is a remarkable achievement, not only for the reasons I have already mentioned but also because advanced origami has reached a stage in its development, where it can only be folded by a few very talented individuals and is often very difficult to diagram.
Robert Lang has produced a selection of very innovative models, which while extremely complex are within the abilities of the experienced paper-folder.

To be honest, with this book, which I return to again and again, I get more pleasure out of my attempts than the end results.

Origami art and craft at its best. Worth every penny.
Think you're good at origami? You've folded your way quite nicely, thank you, through the books from Robert Harbin's era? Then have a go at this. But be warned, it's not for the feint-hearted or the beginner. I still don't know how anyone thinks these designs up, but they do, and they're amazing. To get six legs AND antennae without tearing the paper is both amazing AND the challenge. Be prepared for folds you've never encountered before, to be baffled by what the instructions say (not because they're faulty - just not what you've seen before), and then to be so proud of yourself for getting the finished product.
There are quite a few models in this book. I've managed five in the last year, having done origami, off and on, for over 30 years. There are models in here that I still can't do, and am completely stuck on. This, for me, is brilliant. It means that I have challenges for a long time to come and that this was money very well spent.

What a book it is!
Amazing, fantastic, unbelievable, incredible,.. all these words are NOT enough to describe this book. I have folded paper for nearly 20 years, but this book is totally beyond my ken. During the folding procedures, I must learn some new technics! Every model here needs a lot of patience and practice. Every model here is nearly a classic. This book is never for beginners, but for challengers and connoisseurs. Fold more and Publish more, please, Mr.Lang! I am waiting for your next book.