The Origami Forum

Well, I have been looking around and now since Christmas is coming up I can finally justify splurging and buying a new book.

I have three on my list and would greatly appreciate help narrowing down what would be more appropriate for me cause these three books are of the more expensive variety.

ORIGAMI DESIGN SECRETS SECOND EDITION
ORIGAMI 5: FIFTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF ORIGAMI, SCIENCE, MATH & EDUCATION
ORIGAMI 4: FOURTH INTERNATIONAL MEETING OF ORIGAMI, SCIENCE, MATH & EDUCATION
FOLDING PAPER: THE INFINITE POSSIBILITIES OF ORIGAMI

I already own Origami Design Secrets the first one and absolutely love it. I read it like a novel and enjoy it every time. It's gotten super ratty though and pages are falling out, notes mark the margins and I was considering moving on to a new book.

At first I was all over getting the second edition. Having a new shiny upgraded one definateley appealed to my interests but then I saw ORIGAMI 4 and ORIGAMI 5 and now have a dilemma on my hands.

If anyone has any recommendations as whether I should stick with what I know or try out a new flavor please reply. I have never been good at spending my money and this decision is killing me.

Right now I'm leaning towards ORIGAMI 5. Mainly because after reading the description "A compilation of papers exploring the connections between origami and art, education, science, math, and technology." it honestly sounds like a lot of fun to read and I'm itching to get my fingers on a copy. But would ORIGAMI 4 be a more appropriate start?

Thanks for the help guys, I really appreciate it. And if you don't own Origami Design Secrets 1st or 2nd edition I would HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend it. My friends think I'm weird but they just don't understand.

Obviously this is my opinion, but my reasoning may help:
I think it depends on your age and education - how much math, physics, calculus do you understand and enjoy reading.

If you understood ODS 1, I think you'll enjoy ODS 2 b/c it goes further in Origami, altho I think it has less math... however you already grasp the math fro ODS 1.

Academic papers tend to be a bit drier, altho ranging for varying audiences, some may be out of range of all but the experts.

Having said that, I suggest that you email a request directly to Robert Lang, since he was involved with all 3. Altho he is very busy, he is also very helpful - however ... I don't expect him to help you with a decision or to give you an 'opinion.' But, He can probably send you more information and maybe point you to more comparisons about the three books to help with your decision. Sara Adams may also be able to help from a different perspective, if she is knowledgeable about Origami 4 & 5. I'd suggest that you send them a short idea of your knowledge of Origami and design, as well as you level of knowledge/interest in calculus and differential geometry, etc.

I will admit that the math is beyond me and much of the later chapters go over my head. But I would say that OS1 has helped me get farther along with origami than any other book. I personally call myself an high-intermediate on a modest origami skill gauger. My first book was Origami Insects and after several years of trial and error I finally folded all the models in that book. When I could fold them all from memory is when I branched out. Over time I find I enjoy simpler clever models more and focus more on enjoyable folding sequences rather than mind bending complexity. But for all intents and purposes I love it all.

But just so everyone who has pondered my problem knows. I have decided to just man up and dip into my coffers of gold and purchase OS2 and Origami 5 for my Christmas present. I looked at how much I have enjoyed Lang's other publications(Origami Insects I&II and Origami Under the Sea) and have decided that the potential fun far out ways the cost.

Thanks very much for the suggestions and your opinion Hank. Me writing this all down has helped me greatly and I am getting giddy just thinking about my new books. I'm going to nerd out soooo hard on Christmas. Wish me luck!

Glad to Help. Good Luck. Be sure to keep posting pictures...