Rating: 
Summary: A well designed book
Review: A few years ago, I had a dragon painted on my arm in henna, and after seeing this book in a shop, I thought it'd be interesting to learn more about it, and perhaps give it a go myself. I've not given it a go yet, as henna plants are difficult to locate in this small town, but I feel it's given me a fair background to start with. The book begins with a short history lesson on the origin and uses of the plant and artform. Maps, pictures of the plant and practical applications are interspersed throughout the history and cultural lesson. Indeed, the book is profusly illustrated with many wonderous designs all over the body, focusing mainly on the hands and feet, but there are many designs shown on the arms, chest, belly and back, ranging from very simplistic to extremely complex, both modern and traditional designs from various cultures which use henna art religious and celebratory occasions. Easy to follow instructions are given on harvesting and preparing the plant for use in an easy to make recipie for the paste used to dye the skin, as wells as detailed explinations and diagrams for creation of an applicator, though a store-bought one with a metal tip is recommended, especially for finer, more detailed designs. There are even excercises and techniques listed to help you along before you begin, and over 30 designs and symbols (some with short descriptions of their meaning) with instructions on how to proceed to create some of the beautiful designs illustrated, and application and creation techniques. I would have appreciated a more detailed explaination for the symbols and how they're used in the given culture, but the descriptions are short and superficial. At the rear of the book, there are a few studios listed in the States where you can have henna applied, as well as a short bibliography and some design books suggested for reference, as well as an index and short author biography. A well designed book, I love the pictures, as natural henna only comes in a few shades of brown or red, the black and white pictures don't take away much. If you're interested in giving mehndi a go, this book could give you an excellent start.
Rating: 
Summary: Another MUST have Heena Book.....
Review: Although I already have the spectacular book Mehndi: The Timeless Art of Henna Painting by Loretta Roome, Carine Fabius' MEHNDI is another must have book. She explains where heena is practiced and where it is not. She gives history of its use and even explains the meanings of many symbols and how they should be used (for those who want to be sensitive to various sacred elements). What I find absolutely WONDERFUL about Ms.Fabius' approach is that she has MORE than 25 pages dedicated to helping one create a myriad of designs. This feature along with professional tips and other great content is what prompts me to give MEHNDI a five star rating. It is very evident this book was not thrown together to make a quick buck. On the contrary, on every page one can get the sense that Ms.Fabius has a passion for Heena, and I thank her for sharing her knowledge
Rating: 
Summary: For a good over veiw
Review: For anyone who has experimented in henna before this book just reteaches the basics. It has a very good and helpful section on the history of henna, some things I'd never read before. For anyone who has had little exposure to henna this is a great book to start with. For those who are looking for more complex design ideas there are more helpful books. Again the basic helpful tips are a good place to start.
Rating:
Summary: The Best By Far!!!
Review: I have just finished this most amazing book! Out of all of the literature about this mystical practice, this book covers EVERYTHING you could possibly want or need to know about Mehndi. I will be using the techniques and patterns enclosed for years to come. Also, purchase and read the other Mehndi book by Loretta Roome-A MUST for Mehndi Specialists!! James Lamberth Jr. JLamberthj@aol.com E-Mail me with any other informtion on Mehndi you may have!!
Rating:
Summary: great book!
Review: I loved the book. It gave you step by step instructions and simple exercises to create your own designd.
Rating: 
Summary: not worth the money
Review: I ordered this book from the writer at her shop in LA, I live less than 30 miles from there , was treated rudely and didnt recieve the book for over 2 weeks. Loretta Roomes book is much more thorough in its research, and explanations. Its full of the grace that mehndi art should be.
Rating:
Summary: Great beginner book
Review: I recommend this as a first book for any beginner Mehndi reader. This book allows you to decide how far you want to go with Mehndi. The book is quick and easy to read with the bare minimum of history. There are cautions and tips for beginners and general descriptions of several methods of application and types of henna. After reading this, I'm ready to proceed to more detailed Mehndi books with historical facts and symbolic meanings.
Rating: 
Summary: Information ranges from out of date to plain wrong.
Review: I was extremely disappointed with this book. The information about historical origins and traditions is sometimes correct, but only sometimes. The art is awful. I would expect this sort of design work from someone who was trying henna for the first time, not a self-proclaimed expert. The worst part for me, however, is the recipe given. For most of the world, the ingredients listed will actually hinder the dye's ability to stain. At first I wondered why someone would print something designed to fail- then I remembered that the author also sells pre-measured henna kits for those that can't mix their own successfully. Coincidence?
You can get better information, recipes, art pictures, and supplies for free on the Internet. Why pay for bad advice?
Rating:
Summary: Insightful and surprising
Review: It gave good historical information. I was surprised by the some of the information as far as the original uses and medicinal properties. the wook was easy to follow and is an easy reference and guide. Reading it made me want to try every example and test my skills in free hand artistry.
Rating:
Summary: great little book
Review: This book has good information for those who want to learn about mehndi. The pictures and illustrations are clear. We haven't tried their version of the recipe (for the paste). I think this is a great book for any level mehndi artist.
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