I first picked up a copy of Papermaking for Basketry (Press de LaPlantz, 1988) at Twinrocker, in Brookston, Indiana. I was a papermaker, I had made baskets, and I had done some experimenting with the merger of both; so I bought the book. Paging quickly through this first edition of the work, I saw some of the same kinds of things that I had tried, some interesting photographs, instructions for processing botanical fibers, and helpful how-to photos. Back home, the semester began and teaching took precedence over my paper experimentation. I pulled the book out again later, when teaching papermaking students about making botanical paper from local fibers. It was a useful resource for the beginning paper students and I continued to make it available to them. Three years later, a copy of Papermaking for Basketry and Other Crafts appeared in the mail. This updated version of the earlier work, now published by Lark Books, has an easier to read layout, high quality photographs, and a title which more aptly describes what the book is really about: papermaking. It is about experimenting with paper in its relationship to the structural form of the basket. More importantly, it is about making paper in one's own home or studio without a lot of expensive equipment or prior experience. The book is not so complicated that it would scare off someone who has never worked with paper before. At the same time, it contains useful material for the experienced papermaker. The reader could use this as a beginning text, experiment, see the range of approaches and examples shown, and come up with some intriguing objects. I find Papermaking for Basketry and Other Crafts appealing because of the descriptions by the artists about their working processes. Each artist not only gives technical information about papermaking, but also offers insights into her own creative process and how she has come to use paper in her work. Some of the artists, such as Marilyn Wold and Sue Smith, have a technical and historical interest in paper and papermaking, while others simply buy the pulp or linter and go from there with the creative work. The book encourages the reader to experiment, because it does not present a religious adherence or dogmatic approach to the papermaking process. Even though many of the artists use esoteric phrases like "rapport with the fibers," "spirit of each individual material," "an earlier spiritual time," and "in touch with yourself and nature," to talk about their work, the phrase "have fun," used in the introduction, seems to best typify the attitude of the book. The introduction also refers to "workshop" and "inspiration" as goals of the editor. The collection of articles and instructions by the seventeen featured artists truly work like a workshop. These artists do not each show a single correct way to work with paper. Rather, they offer a series of techniques and approaches, creating an atmosphere which says "play, experiment, have fun, and find your own unique way." Each artist provides enough information to complete a project or explore an idea. The book inspires by encouraging experimentation with both concepts and materials. Most of the artists emphasize the importance of the safe use of materials, studio documentation, respect for the environment, and protection of endangered plant species. I appreciate this as an educator and also as one who was never cautioned about any of these issues as a student and young artist, and who has seen the results of not being attentive to them. The photographs in the book are interesting and varied. The quality of form and color in some of the creative work shown, particularly the color prints in the Portfolio section, elevate the work beyond artsy-craftsy. Some of the larger scale images of work currently being shown in galleries might push the reader-papermaker one more step in terms of possibilities. One suggestion for the next edition would be to include some work by men; I became overly conscious of the fact that all of the artists were women. This in itself was not limiting, but it forced me to ask, "Who else is left out? What other kind of work is being done?" Papermaking for Basketry and Other Crafts presents an exciting way for the beginner to start an exploration of papermaking. It is a book that will be picked up and used at various stages of this search for information on processes, techniques, supplies, sources, and ideas. The improvements in the Lark Books edition make it more attractive, easier to use, and available to more readers.   Rebecca Alm

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