Rating: 
Summary: Excellent. AAA, The best to hit the shelves yet!!!
Review: Excellent. A must own for every Mehndi Artist, beginner or Professional. I have been in the Beauty business for the past 18 years and my third year doing Mehndi. This is the book that I have been waiting for. It contains everything from recipes to traditions throughout the ages, even giving you lists of wholesellers in your area. If this does not explain it~Then you should just give it up! But with this guide, you will be in absolute Mehndi Heaven-PEACE. James D. Lamberth Jr. San Diego, CA JLamberthj@aol.com
Rating: 
Summary: Nearly Best on the Market for Mehndi
Review: I have purchased nearly every book in English on the subject of mehndi and found this book to be the best for "showing" actual mehndi which anyone can produce given a little effort. The Art of Mehndi is very short on history. It makes a transition into the "modern" infatuation with it and bindis and other Indian cultural signafiers. Though the text may be limited at times and information just as limited, it does present incredible pictures of mehndi on numerous models and numerous styles. The best book for seeing actual designs on people and not flat 2-D designs. Well worth the money compared to other mehndi books on the market. If you want history in depth grab a copy of "Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" by Loretta Roome it contains all the indepth history of mehndi and a good chapter on symbolism.
Rating:
Summary: Nearly Best on the Market for Mehndi
Review: I have purchased nearly every book in English on the subject of mehndi and found this book to be the best for "showing" actual mehndi which anyone can produce given a little effort. The Art of Mehndi is very short on history. It makes a transition into the "modern" infatuation with it and bindis and other Indian cultural signafiers. Though the text may be limited at times and information just as limited, it does present incredible pictures of mehndi on numerous models and numerous styles. The best book for seeing actual designs on people and not flat 2-D designs. Well worth the money compared to other mehndi books on the market. If you want history in depth grab a copy of "Mehndi : The Timeless Art of Henna Painting" by Loretta Roome it contains all the indepth history of mehndi and a good chapter on symbolism.
Rating:
Summary: Great pictures
Review: I loved all the pictures in this book. I got some good ideas for designs but I could have done without the bindi section.
Rating:
Summary: very informative
Review: Ms. Batra knows what she's talking about. I tried her Mehndi recipe and it has worked the best. The mehndi turns out to be a nice rich red colour. Very traditional of Indian Mehndi. Her designs and patterns are amazing. A lot of thought went into this book. I strongly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: The most color photos in one book!
Review: Oh, yeah! Don't let too many of your friends look at this book or it might mysteriously dissappear! For those wanting henna designs for personal use or business, this book is ALWAYS the one people are drawn to. If you take it with you on too many henna appointments, it WILL get worn out. The photos are fabulous, and the designs are neat and clean. Not to say that they are all simple, NO! There are some really frilly Indian hardcore designs, that if you are a beginner, will look like an impossibility. BUT, the methods and techniques described in this book give anyone a clear knowledge of the application of henna, it's only the practice you need to do the really crazy designs! Many celebrity and model photos, as well as some great ideas for using mehndi designs with body paint for more instant gratification.
Rating:
Summary: Rock stars and coffee tables
Review: Pros: This book is beautifully constructed and will impress anyone interested in mehndi, especially those looking for images of famous current personas who currently adorn the work of prolific artists like Batra. Furthermore, Ms. Batra gives detailed step-by-step instructions in drawing a variety of different mehndi designs - you don't find this step by step stuff in too many books. Cons: While this books works well on the coffee table and for the ineperienced artist who wants to learn how to draw henna and understand the technique of application, it doesn't give you too many historical details about henna or insight into the symbolism. The book falls into the trap of being too modern, too sugar-coated, and too Hollywood-oriented -- beautiful stars sport henna in all of its pictures, as if the author wants you to notice the people than the art they are wearing. Despite these shortcomings, this book has a distinct purpose to cater to people interested in mehndi in its popular form, and it succeeds quite well. As I mentioned before, the pictures and the construction are both beautiful. Also, Sumitra's designs gave me ideas for my own.
Rating:
Summary: A MUST HAVE FOR BOTH HENNA PAINTING PROFESSIONAL OR BEGINNER
Review: The first thing that knocked me out about Sumita Batra's book is all the colorful gorgeous photos throughout the whole book! The Art of Mehndi is easy to read and very thorough in explaining the history of Mehndi as well as how to apply it. There are also wonderful patterns & designs from simple to the complicated that you can do yourself! The "icing on the cake" was all the photos and info on the stars such as Madonna whom have been turned on to henna body painting. This book is definately A MUST HAVE for either someone just starting out learning the art of Mehndi as well as professionals who have been painting for years. It's very inspiring! Makes you want to mix up a batch right away and get to work creating beautiful body art!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant - Beautiful and full of good instructions and info
Review: This book is full of beautiful designs and step-by-step instructions. Whether it's your first encounter with the art of mehndi, or you're a pro in the field, this book will inspire you to make your own designs. It also explains all the traditions and concepts behind mehndis, and has VERY good instuctions on using and creating henna.
Rating:
Summary: excellent book
Review: This is a great book. There are plenty of illustrations to copy or practice with. She mentions celebrities that have had mehndi, and provides pictures of them. The recipes are good. We use the "quickie" recipe, and my tattoos come out rich and dark. Give it a try if you want to add to your design collection. (My book has a different cover.)
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