This is a well-made, authoritative history of Russian royal jewelry which examines and expands far beyond the famous Fabergé eggs. As with all the various artists, whose works are featured in the many chapters within, the book focuses on non-egg works by Fabergé. The book is in a large format of over 350 pages, with profuse full-page- and inset-color photography. There are many black and white historical photos alongside them as well. The chapters are divided primarily by time period, and from there, by individual artist, e.g., chapter 26, The “Fate of the Russian Crown Jewels.”

It is difficult to describe how beautiful the artworks, tableware, precious cases, and jewelry presented here are. Suffice to say that the Fabergé eggs were far from singular in their craftsmanship, artistic scope, beauty, richness, and their lavish and colorful detail. The book is quite thorough, very well written, and one is able to research specific works/artists, or breeze through the text comfortably and with no small entertainment value. The book is designed, printed, and bound in top-notch fashion, befitting the fine craftsmanship of the jewelry itself. This book is, in itself, a treasure.

This lovely coffee table style book offers a thorough retrospective of the career and artworks of Russian painter Olga Suvorova. Her unique style is rooted in Renaissance art, yet uses modern techniques, focusing on lavish detail, vivid color, and a surrealists’ perspective. There are lavish photos and engaging descriptions of her life, studies, and remarkable progress through her professional career. She quotes her father, who wisely Study and complete all tasks, and the quantity will change to quality, and you will find your own unique style.”

Originally painting with a more subtle approach and palette, sometimes with a subtle Chagall influence, in her studies of Russian life and nature. She seems to have quickly veered off into a more decorative style. Her impressionistic portraiture came to be dominated by floral backgrounds with remarkable use — and control of — competing colors and details. One is reminded of Mondrian’s early works of nature, until the twisted banches of trees came to dominate the works, until he simplified them into the simple geometric patterns he is known for. Here, though, she moves from subtle simplicity into extraordinary detail. Her mature works are each a treasure to behold — as richly detailed as the gowns, robes, and angel wings they portray.

My favorite works include her Love Triangle paintings, and the Music and Dance series. All are portrayed in this beautiful, well-designed, and high quality book. Her works are gorgeous and wonderful, with their vivid vision of the beauties and details of a rich and wonderful life, combining history, fantasy, and the most joyful expression in painting I’ve every scene.

So many clever project in this delightful book! The projects use a wide variety of techniques and approaches to make colorful and engaging home decor items, as centerpieces on a table top, or for hanging on the wall. The book’s chapters include an introduction, kitchen appropriate designs, several for the living room, baby bedroom, parent’s bedroom, and “the garden.” My favorite is the shellfish board which shows you how to make three-dimensional shrimp, crabs, lemon and lime slices, alongside sprigs of “parsley” — all arranged on a cutting board.

The papercrafts are generally realistic yet pleasantly simplified in style. Very well done and super creative. Matisse would have been amazed! The crafts are fun to do, and not too difficult, yet the final effects are truly delightful. The book is very well designed with lovely photos in full color, throughout. The clear directions provide helpful explanations that go step-by-step, and diagrams that explain things which might otherwise be hard to visualize. The several photos of each project really help to complete each project successfully. Amazing, wonderful paper crafts!