ISBN 0-9646077-2-7, Softcover, spiralbound,44 pages, $ . plus $2.50 shipping, Beautiful Beads, 115 Hennepin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55401, phone 612-333-0170, Fax 612-333-8122

This is Fitzgerald's latest book in her contemporary beadwork series. About the Author tells us a little about Diane Fitzgerald, her bead related activities and background. About this Book is an explanation about the creation of the book, appreciation for Zulu Beaders and recommendations for other related books. Fitzgerald continues to give credit to her sources for beading technique ideas.

Zulus and Their Beadwork starts with an introduction of Zulu culture in relation to beads, including a map indicating where Zululand is located. She explains particular characteristics of Zulu work and lists them by methods of construction. Page 11 gets you started with thread, beads, needles, threading needles, lighting and dishes. The Ins and Outs of Knots are explained along with diagrams and how to tie on new thread. Zulu Chains include eight different techniques: Spearhead Chain, Square Tube, Tri-Leg Chain, Ladder, Zig-Zag Chain, Two-Bead Covered Cord, Flowerette Chain and Laceleaf Chain. Each technique has large diagrams and clear step-by-step instructions for completion and there are helpful hints for each technique. The Zulu Ladder is also called the Quadruple Helix by Virginia Blakelock in her Bad Bad Beads book and this is noted in Fitzgerald's book.

There is a bibliography on page 39 which includes some websites, a listing on page 43 of all Fitzgerald's books and blank pages at the back for notes. Several black and white images of the beadwork using these techniques and a few images of Zulu beadwork are included. The Flowerette Chain was the first technique to catch my attention. This is a three dimensional chain that looks like little vegetation spiraling around. This chain would look great in strands of three in three different complementary colors, or the technique could be incorporated in with other beading techniques. The Spearhead Chain looks ruffley to me and the Laceleaf Chain does look like bead lace. The Tri-Leg Chain is a technique I have not seen before. You make a three part form and then add onto it and build up a chain of these tri-forms. I will have to try this one. The Zulu Square Tube makes me think of the beginning of mandalas and is also inviting.

This is a book I believe beginners can handle and advanced beaders will want for techniques they have not seen before and as a reference. I will definitely use it as a reference and eventually get around to trying those techniques I have not seen before.