The Art and Soul of Glass Beads by Susan Ray and Richard Pearce                        ISBN 0-87349-565-9, Softbound, 144 pgs., full color, $24.99 U.S., 2003, Krause Publications, 700 East State Street, Iola, Wisconsin 54990-0001, www.krause.com, International:  715-445-2214 , USA:  888-457-2873

This book should have a warning placed prominently on the front cover "Caution, looking through this book may be hazardous for your pocketbook."  I challenge anyone to look at the photos in this book without at least fantasizing about becoming a glass bead artist.  The photographs of gorgeous, funny, whimsical beads certainly stimulate any acquisitive tendencies in my personality make-up.

Don't be misled.  This is not a bead making "how- to" book. The bead making instructions are interesting but cursory.  In fact, the authors refer the reader to more comprehensive instruction books that would include detailed glass information and safety instructions.

Fourteen bead artists share their vision, inspiration and some methodology. Each story features essentially an interview with the artist.  The artists are quite forthcoming in describing their inner creative process and relative life invents.  Many photos of their work are included.  Each story concludes with instructions for a project that would best showcase their particular beads.

The photography of the beads is gorgeous and evokes almost a tactile sensation.  I consistently had the urge to pick up the beads and turn them in the light.  The artists were carefully selected to represent many different kinds and styles of beads.  There is something to appeal to everyone and it is difficult for me to pick favorites.  The styles range from the clever glass charms of Jill Lane Shank and the amusing, tiny figures and teapots of Leigh Funk to amazing "inside-out" colored borosilicate glass beads and critters by Chad Pitts.  The beads by Chad Pitts and Susan Ray have an inner light that glows with evocative iridescent cores. Susan Ray also designs awesome multi layered beads with lamp worker David Jurgens. Their Moretti glass beads draw the eye into many layers of shapes and latticework.  You would never stop "seeing" these beads even if you looked at them daily. They are impossible to memorize.

It isn't possible to adequately describe how beautiful, informative and inspirational this book is.   But then it's being reviewed by one who never met a bead that she didn't like.  These are the best of the best!

Review by Diana Norris