The New Flower Arranger: Contemporary Approaches to Floral Design

Rating:
Summary: not so contemporary and poorly printed
Review: I was attracted to the book by the reviews I read on the Amazon. Then I received the book and was confused to see a completely different cover than the on the picture (is it a different edition?). That could explain why I found poor quality printing instead of great pictures. The colors are poor and differ between pictures of the same composition in different stages of the project.
As to the title, de gustibus non est disputandum, but for me word "contemporary" means something different, and adding lots of raffia does not make a flower arrangement look contemporary.
The last thing, refers to the author rather than to this very book. Together with "A New Flower..." I ordered "The Complete Book of Garlands..." by the same author. The quality of the print is better but lots of projects are copied from "A New Flower...". That is disappointing, taking into consideration the fact that the garlands book was created 4 years after the New Arranger, what seems a long time to come up with new ideas (especially for someone who is described as "one of the most innovative young floral designers" - from the back flap).

Rating:
Summary: Step-by-step floral design for the novice
Review: This book is wonderfully written with clear instructions on making beautiful arrangements with dried and fresh flowers. It lists everything needed and explains the tricks and tools of the trade. The photography is also quite exquisite and it is a book that one should have in their library. Excellent!

Rating:
Summary: This covers traditional and contemporary designs
Review: This is one of best books out! I am a professional floral designer and this covers everything from traditional to contemporary plus identifies plant materials.Has ideas for holidays, silks, dried arrangements and other general ocassions. I wanted to have my students, since I also teach florist and design workshops buy it. I have a large collection and this is my favorite. It's great.