This book consists of over 140 pages of pure inspiration, with every page having at least one photograph or illustration (but usually more) to help you on your way. The author will guide you from the ancient beginnings of papier mache, through nearly two thousand years of artistic and technical development - I found this really interesting - its not as dry as it sounds! Then she focusses on specific techniques, including but surpassing pulping and layering - this will amaze all the people out there whose first thought when papier mache is mentioned is to cover a balloon with bits of newspaper! The sheer diversity of what can be achieved with paper and wallpaper paste is staggering, the author suggests using handmade papers (not as expensive as you may imagine), calligraphy, bits of fabric or metal as well as inks, dyes and paints. Throughout the book, she draws on a wide range of contemporary artists in this field and shows what can be acheived - its really inspiring - there are also step-by-step guides to numerous projects ranging from boxes to bowls, jugs to jewellery, even as far as functional furniture and abstract sculpture. Whether you are interested in art for art's sake, or in purely functional items, this book will take you a long way. Although aimed at adults, the pictures are well worth showing to children - it sets a really high standard. Along with Susan Moxley, Juliet Bawden has written 'Papier Mache', which is aimed at 3-7 year olds. It is a practical guide to introducing young children to this craft, with suitably bold illustrations and clear instructions. If you are interested in making papier mache accessable to your children I would recommend this title, which has the added bonus of a very competitive price tag.