Origami to Astonish and Amuse, by Jeremy Shafer

I own around three dozen origami books -- modest by comparison with some enthusiasts. I sometimes forget which book a model is in.

That is unlikely to happen with this one. The projects in Origami to Astonish and Amuse are united, not by subject matter or difficulty level, but by a creative and wacky point of view.

If you are already a fan of Jeremy Shafer, perhaps from the Bay Area Rapid Folders newsletter, his live unicycle, juggling and flaming origami performances, or his website, you know what I mean. If not, the website is a good place to see if the style suits you, and offers a preview of the book.

But, you say, you want the Paradox World lowdown? This is an outstanding origami book. Diagrams are clear, attractive, and well annotated. The choice of models offers a little of every difficulty level, and treats experienced folders to models new not only in execution, but in subject matter. Consider the Unfortunate Suitor, a flattened man on the sole of a high heeled shoe. Or a variety of Flashers, models collapsed along labyrinthine lines, and spinning open to reveal the center when pulled on.

Another unusual and inspiring feature is the boxed "Thoughts behind the folds" comments near many of the models. These notes tell a little about the genesis of the models, and frequently include challenges to use the technique to create other models of your own.

With plenty of diagrams, many of them challenging, Origami to Astonish and Amuse provides plenty of bang for the buck.

My only qualification is that this might offer too steep a learning curve as your first origami book. Working through a more traditional book or one designed for beginners first may reduce frustration. Dozens of the hundreds of origami books out there cover more or less the same territory. This one makes its own territory, and I appreciate this book's addition of humor-filled and challenging country to the origami continent.