Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Than Chronicle Books, only rare publishers do better color work. This 10x10" work reinforces that judgement. By Nature's Design, an Exploratorium (San Francisco) book, depicts sticks and stones, fronds and meanders in exquisite detail (taking too close a look for one who admires landscapes) in some 120 pages of photos by William Neal. The text is very simple--could be written for the young. Fine coffee table book. Paper edition (0329-5), $18.95. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

School Library Journal Review

YA-A unique book that can be appreciated on many different levels. Murphy begins with the hypothesis that all humans find solace in patterns-in life and in the natural world. He asserts that symmetry in nature brings the world into focus and attempts to use scientific principles to define these design formations. The extraordinary-quality photographs are divided among six chapters with each section prefaced by a fairly concise, scholarly explanation of the theories, both geometrical and mathematical, demonstrated in the pictures. If nothing else, it is a beautiful browsing book. Art and photography students are sure to have their creativity stimulated by the photos, which range from panoramas to zoom shots of minute details. The repetitive designs found throughout are worthy of study. The afterword includes a discussion of camera types, lenses, and film used. While certainly not light reading, By Nature's Design will be of interest to YAs with a feeling for theoretical thinking.-Nancy Filbey, R.E. Lee High School, Springfield, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.