The Origami Forum

I'm searching for references to the idea of "purist" principles of origami. In which publications have such ideas been referenced or proposed? Where are significant discussions (not---just---heated debate) about the idea?

Other than some articles by David Lister on the BOS site...in "To Glue or Not to Glue" -- http://www.britishorigami.info/academic/lister/glue.php -- Lister cites Robert Harbin's _Paper Magic_ as the earliest source for a few principles.

I'm just beginning my search in earnest about this topic...so any pointers are very welcome!

I know Jeremy Shafer talks about purism in his book Origami to Astonish and Amuse (page 17). In it he also references John Montroll's book Origami Sculptures.

I can help out with this

Originally, origami was a slow process with very few models cropping up over hundreds of years.

There was no concept of "pure" origami, each fold was a process of error and discovery. You could fold from irregular sized papers (even rhumbi!) and even incorporate cuts to obtain your desired shape. There weren't any real tools to figure things out.

It was not untill the west got wind of origami that the following conversations most likely took place (aaand that each of us had to face at one point or another), at least that's how I imagine it:

West: Yeah, you made a cut, that's cheating.
Origamist: You have no idea what I am doing, much less how I am doing it.
West: Well I know that cutting it is much less impressive.
Origamist: Look, here's a flapping bird and a bouquet of flowers, happy?
West: The bird and frog are cool, but the flower isn't made from a square.
Origamist: So?
West: So it's easier because you already have part of your shape in the paper. Also you have to cut it to get that shape.
Origamist: URGH fine! If I show you how to do it, will you be quiet?

Then Robert J. Lang was born and the world rejoiced.

Aaaand that's pretty much the entire history of origami.

If you want references, Origami Design Secrets has a GREAT intro.
Also, if you can get ahold of it, LaFosse's Advanced Origami has a couple of paragraphs on the subject. Even if it doesn't go in depth on the subject, you should still get it. It's a great book.