Silver Wire Fusing by Liz Jones is published by Interweave Press ($22.95 US/$27.95 CAN) and covers a unique method for soldering that requires no flux or solder of any kind. The technique is referred to as "fusing" because the metal is fused together as it is heated either with a torch or kiln. This method is done with fine silver wire, not sterling.
Along with covering many of the basic supplies and tools you need to get started fusing, the author gives a good amount of detail about how to use the torch, a small hand-held butane torch which is available in most hardware stores.

I thought the torch information was explained well and beginners would have a good basis for becoming comfortable with the torch work required for this type of jewelry making. I would have liked a little more technical information about how fusing works because I've only soldered with metals like sterling and copper before, but as far as how-to fuse, the information in the front part of the book is good. I like how she starts off with techniques such as making balled head pins and then later incorporates these into simple jewelry projects.

There are 22 jewelry projects which include full-color photographs of the process. They all focus around using fused link sections, and then these are shaped and/or combined sometimes with bead as well. The "Cha Cha Earrings" project, the first in the book, look very easy but have lots of possible variations, so you could get a great deal of mileage out of just that one project.

Though the book targets the beginner jewelry maker, considering the growing popularity of link style jewelry, chain maille, and metal clay (which turns into fine silver after firing), I think there's a lot of potential for more advanced jewelry makers when it comes to the fusing techniques covered in this book.