Genuine Origami: 43 Mathematically-Based Models, From Simple to Complex Paperback – November 1, 2008

Not only does this book have a great array of models, it includes the theories and principles behind them, which is something that most books of this nature lack. Each model if focused around understanding a particular technique, ranging from the most fundamental to advanced. Another thing I like about this book is rather than just exposing the reader/folder to one type of origami, there are models for different types so you can learn about multi-piece, 3 dimensional, modular, tessellation, and even teabag folding. There is also a model for each of the Chinese zodiac which I found to be really cool. The diagrams are all very clear and easy to follow showing 2 toned paper (as most origami paper is), which tends to be a fundamental problem among origami books. I'd also like to point out that Genuine Origami caters to all levels. A beginner can pick this up to learn the basics and get started with some really neat models and still be learning from it much later. I would say I'm fairly intermediate and I still have quite a bit to absorb from this book, and I still enjoy the simple models as well.

This is an almost flawless origami text. The author knows his subject well and includes references to the history of the techniques he's teaching. The symbols used throughout the book are neatly catalogued and explained at the beginning of the book, and at the same time methodically "unpacked" as one goes from the simple models at the beginning toward complex at the end. He shows an understanding and respect for pure forms (no cutting, single-color vs. inside-out etc.) but at the same time doesn't get hung up in the dogma. It's great for any level from beginner to advanced. A note to beginners: every set of origami instructions, even the ones in this book, will seem obtuse & mind-boggling when you first work through them. But trust me, Maekawa is perfectly consistent throughout this book so if you stick with it you will get used to his notation and be an expert before you have done even half of the models. My only gripe might be that at times the English translation is just a tiny bit awkward, but far from enough to deduct a star: it's always very clear on a technical level.

This book is great for persons interested in knowing more of origami than folding from diagrams.It is based on diagrams, but they are used to present more challenging concepts, to increase autonomy of folder and also introduce design of origami based on CPs.The quality of paper and photos is very good and it is a good book to be used as motivation or to increase curiosity. I don't find it adequate as a complete reference of complex origamis, but a nice companion text.

This is definitely not a book for people just getting started -- even the very first "simple fold" might require a bit more patience and understanding than a beginner could handle.But for someone who is "intermediate" -- this book perfectly helps you transition towards the more advanced mechanics.The papillon, the T-rex, and the horse are my favorite models of the book.You can get away with the first half of the book using standard 6" kami paper but you'll probably want bigger and thinner paper for the advanced models.The most complete origami book I've seen yet -- highly recommended.

This book is AMAZING! I’ve had it on my “wish list” for ages because I love Maekawa-san’s rabbit. After borrowing Genuine Origami from an online library, I knew I would need far longer than 3 weeks to accomplish this book. So I decided I must own a copy. First, I have a CAUTION. The title says “simple to complex.” Simple does not mean easy. The giraffe which looks almost rudimentary was my most difficult model in the fundamental section. It has a sink fold, an asymmetrical inside reverse fold, and two tuck folds that are so tiny I needed tweezers. I folded SEVEN giraffes before I had one that is presentable. The point isn’t to fold a giraffe. Rather it is to present a model which allows you to focus on one or two specific techniques or principles so you can hone those skills. This book isn’t for the novice folder. If you are still trying to master inside and outside reverse folds, you aren’t ready for this book. If you are familiar with folds like rabbit ear, petal, squash, and sink, you might be ready to give it a try. Even if you don’t want a mouse, start from the first model. Maekawa-san refers to Genuine Origami as a textbook. Start from the beginning. That said, before I started the book, I did fold the rabbit, which is an intermediate model. However, I first tried the rabbit four years ago. After pouring over the diagrams and watching several YouTube tutorial videos, I got as far as the head before I gave up. Recently I decided to give it another go. After watching more YouTube videos, I was able to fold a decent rabbit. If I had worked through the book from the beginning, I wouldn’t have needed four years. Also even though Maekawa-san indicates using 15 cm paper for the first models, I started with 17.6cm and even 24cm paper.

In the beginning of the book, there's a legend for all the symbols and meanings for the arrow types, so pay attention if you see an arrow with a black or white triangle at the tip. Plus, in case you don't know, valley folds create a V-shape, where the crease lines are dashed dotted lines that wouldn't be seen after the fold, while mountain folds are solid and dotted lines where the line of the instructed fold would still be visible after folding (like bending your finger, the wrinkle inside the skin are valley folds, and the knuckles are mountain folds). I was able to make every diagram except the one that required a tea bag, but I would highly recommend this book if you like making animals and a few dinosaurs.