The Complete Book of Origami: Step-by-Step Instructions in Over 1000 Diagrams/37 Original Models

by Robert J. Lang, Robin Macey (Photographer)

Create nearly 40 striking paper figures with clear, step-by-step instructions and helpful diagrams. Features simple to advanced objects: cube, parrot, rabbit, seagull, cuckoo clock, rocket, mouse, elephant, violinist, Viking ship, and many more.

Genres: Origami, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Crafts

160 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1989

Reviews

[Sheherazahde]

This is not a "complete book of origami" it is a handbook for advanced students. A complete book would include the classic bases and traditional models. This book contains only original models and these models are not easy. Lang issues several warnings at the beginning: you must read the instructions as well as look at the pictures; you must start at the beginning and work your way up to the harder models.

Lang warns the reader that he does not repeat detailed instructions. If he told you once he won't tell you again. Unless you are very skilled already, don't try any model until you have *mastered* all the previous models.

Lang adheres to the standard of using a single piece of paper for each model and not using any cuts or slits. But he uses several different shapes of paper. He gives ratios for rectangles such as 1:1.294 (8.5"x11) and and 1:2.360 (a dollar bill). But he doesn't give recommended sizes. Some of these models should be attempted with larger sheets than others but he gives no clue as to recommended sheet size.

Most of these models are three dimensional and will not fold flat without being crushed and destroyed. They are also more rounded and smooshed than traditional Japanese origami. Sometimes the instruction is just to pull on a part and "form new creases as necessary". Lang prefers the more "realistic" rounded shapes characteristic of Western origami to the sharper crisper patterns of Japanese models.

There is a mistake on page 12, in the Swan pattern. Illustrations 15 and 16 should be switched.

This is not a book for beginners or casual paper folders. This is a book for serious hobbyists who want to improve their skills.

[Reed]

This is the book that sparked a lifelong love of origami for me, which has taken me across the world. It begins with some of the simplest models I've ever done, and ends up with a semi-working cuckoo clock that uses a sheet of paper as long as a room. To me, this book has been a marker of my origami ability and understanding of directions for models. One of my top origami book picks.

[John Ross]

I first had this book when I was a teenager over 25 years ago

As a teen, without modern digital distractions, this book became a way to survive those isolated family trips and other activities I wanted out of. I would either practice one of the models I hadn’t successfully made or make a few I had memorized and just allow that distraction to kill time.
Eventually I made everything in the book at least once. Unlike most origami books this one has a variety of paper sizes (instead of just the square) and it makes it hard to find the 1:4.47 rectangle needed for the Viking longship.
Picked it up again because I have two kids now that might get something out of playing with their hands the next time they are forced away from electronics.

[lablababla]

This book isn't for someone new into the world of origami. It's for people (like a hobbyist) who already have enough knowledge of the folds and want to improve their skills.
So, if you're a beginner,
I suggest you first read other books with easier models and detailed instructions, and come back to this later.
^ᴗ^

[Steven Doran]

Yeah, it’s like the Chopin Études of paper folding. You can’t get the lyricism without the technique; you can’t get the technique without understanding a model’s expressive qualities. Lang gave lots of his designs Opus numbers. This book makes a good case for why. (5* if I hadn’t flubbed so many of the designs tried).

[Emanuel]

This book is great for getting into more complex origami. The first few models really only seem to be there to teach one the basic techniques and give one a feeling of success / a taste of origami.
It's definitely worth it to work through the models in the given order, at least until more complex ones like the deer to pick up all necessary skills along the way.

[Coker Samuel]

this is very good

[Austin Rocks]

This book is realy good . The way the art is folded is realy cool . This book is realy good for people how LOVE TO MAKE ORIGAM!!! but if you are just starting origami i would say to use a lower level . I hope you can make it up to this level GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[Adam]

Good instructional guide on basic folds, as well as models to build. Some of the models were a little too difficult for me, but still a fun book.

[Nicholas]

lots of stuff

[Theresa]

The Complete Book of Origami: Step-by Step Instructions in Over 1000 Diagrams
Lang, Robert J.
great instruction book for very detailed origami designs

[Yuval]

lova it

[Tri Le]

Good book on origami. I ended up not making many of the more complicated models, but it was easy to follow and use. It was a nice progression of difficulty as the book goes along.