John Clayton Boeken

This book is a complete guide to the many different ways of arranging flowers. It is the most comprehensive book in its field, expressing the attitudes of several leading arrangers instead of only one. The history of flower arranging, the basic principles of floral design, and both the formal and informal approaches to arranging flowers are explained in detail. Equally fascinating are Ikebana -- the ancient art of Japanese flower arranging -- and the popular subject of floral competitions. Basic equipment, methods of preparing and caring for cut flowers, and drying and preserving flowers for arrangements are also discussed and illustrated.

As lovely a book as any we've seen from this admirable, newish West Coast publisher. A history of one of the world's fine specialty department stores, its focus is on oriental and classical western art and crafts, the buyers, the objects, the family. A very tasteful (and respectful) treatment (we do not find mention of the anaesthetic union with Macmillan Publishing). Annotation copyright Book News, Inc. Portland, Or.