Home > Book Reviews > The Origami Bible
The Origami Bible
By Nick Robinson
Published: 2004 by North Light Books
Pages: 144
Binding: Paperback
Language: English
ISBN: 1581805179
Buy from: Amazon.com
| Skill Level : | From simple to complex |
|---|---|
| Clear diagrams? | Yes |
| Tinted diagrams (to show 2 sides of paper)? | Yes |
| Photos of completed models? | Yes |
|
Is there indication to the model size resulting from size of starting paper? |
No |
| Are the models "Pure" origami (From square - no cuts)? | Some are from non-square shapes |
Overall Impression
Nick Robinson is known for his simple, yet extremely clever designs.
This book features many of these models, as well as a few contributions
from others. While the name "Bible" is a bit of a stretch, the book still
has a long "Short History of Origami" article by David Lister, a very comprehensive section introducing the
basic folds and techniques, and exposes the folder to the various genres of origami with examples of practical,
representational and abstract creations. The folder is also introduced to the wet folding technique, with
instructions accompanied by step-photos for the 3D steps.
Another feature I like about this book are the "Cheat sheets"
included as fold-outs flaps on the front and back covers.
These sheets are a quick reference to all symbols and bases used.
A minor problem I have with the layout is the separation of drawn diagrams
from the explanatory text, displayed on a facing page. Other than that,
the layout is beautiful, with every model coming with a full color picture, the author's notes about the
design, and "creative challenges" stimulating the folder to solve design puzzles.
The book ends with a small gallery of models from international creators.
The Models
| Model | Creator | Notes | Photo (click for larger image) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Octagonal crown | Nick Robinson | From 4 squares | |
| 90-45 degree Set Square | Nick Robinson | a 45-90 degrees triangle from a rectangle | |
| A4 star | Various | a Star of David from A4 rectangle | |
| Multiform fish | Various | Nice and simple | |
| Horse's head (a) | David Brill | Simple | |
| Tree | Nick Robinson | Nice color-change | |
| Silver half-cube | Nick Robinson | From a rectangle | |
| Tadpole | Nick Robinson | Nice | |
| Sheep | Nick Robinson | Somewhat abstract. Very nice | |
| Tree bear | Nick Robinson |
Very clever. From 3 squares. Also published in Origami Tanteidan 11th convention book |
|
| Mountains | Nick Robinson | 2 variations |
|
| Locked glider | Nick Robinson | From a rectangle | |
| Butterfly | Nick Robinson | From a rectangle |
|
| Popcorn/Chip bag | Nick Robinson | Simple | |
| Wallet | Nick Robinson | Very nice | |
| Daisy's envelope | Nick Robinson | From a rectangle | |
| Paulo's dish | Nick Robinson | ||
| CD cover | Nick Robinson | Very useful - from a rectangle | |
| Container | Nick Robinson | ||
| Star dish | Francis Ow | Very nice. From a hexagon | |
| Gone fishing | Nick Robinson | A hunting scene expressed with paper | |
| Escher fish tessellation | Nick Robinson | Nice | |
| Kite | Nick Robinson | Nice | |
| A4 Rhombic unit | Nick Robinson | From A rectangles. Very good. | |
| Flower form | Nick Robinson | Simple | |
| Arrow tessellation | Nick Robinson | Very nice | |
| Elephant head | Nick Robinson | Simple | |
| Baby bird | Nick Robinson | Nice. Also published in Origami Tanteidan 11th convention book |
|
| Horse's head (b) | David Brill | Very nice. From a triangle |
 Folded by Herman Mariano |
| Toad | Nick Robinson | Nice | |
| Concorde | Nick Robinson | Excellent | |
| Mushroom | Nick Robinson | Excellent - from a rectangle |
|
| Green man | Nick Robinson | Excellent |
 Folded by Herman Mariano |
| Skeletal dodecahedron | Robert Neale | From 30 squares |
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