22 best praying mantis kung fu books and videos to learn forms

Although I have a problem with learning martial arts from a book or offline sources without an experienced teacher, however I will recommend some fancy books and videos for learning mantis style, but take in your account that it may be a starting point or a help with real classes but not an independent source of education.

Seven-Star Praying Mantis Kung Fu (9627284114, 978-9627284116)
A Book written by Leung Ting WingTsun system, permanent president and 10th level Master of Comprehension (MOC) of the International Wingtsun Association.
Most recommended good reference for praying mantis northern kung fu, readable and thorough enough for a basic overview of all the major techniques and powers of the 7 stars system
The techniques within the book are all easily learned and executable with a partner with some work
Book contents:
All theories, techniques, stories as well as many skill added within this book, so that any learner can get an excellent reference for mantis kung fu style.
Author was a wing chun master so that the wooden dummy techniques will be very accurate and useful.
Book contains wooden man form which is the best form for beginners to learn mantis system
An interpretation to every idiom inserted in this book make it easy and facilitated to be read.

Praying Mantis Kung Fu by Un Ho Bun
(0901764094)
a tiny book published in 1974 , smaller than A5 I think and 96 pages
Begin with a short history section then some hand positions and stances illustrated by about 48 pictures
End with application for some basic mantis skills
tang lang form from is obviuosly explained in this book
Dis-advantages include short descriptions which make it difficult to be educated for beginners, also small size make the picture seems worse so that you may be see the author wearing black in front of a dark background and cannot recognize postures of stances.

The Complete Guide to Northern Praying Mantis Kung Fu by Stuart A. Olson
Better source for Praying Mantis fundamentals as commons stances, footwork, and kicks by more than 200 HQ image. I think it is the one you need, because it is include step by step explanation of moves and stance of the praying mantis kung fu forms.

Spear Hand (Praying Mantis Kung-Fu Series, Vol 1) by Paul Eng
It is a series written by Sifu Paul Eng, contains clear photos and adequate written explanations, in addition to an reproduction for chinese typing.

Another valuable resource to learn praying mantis kung fu:
Most recent books:
Keeping the Praying Mantis: Mantodean Captive Biology, Reproduction, and Husbandry by Orin McMonigle
Sneaker The Praying Mantis: Watch Me And Learn! A Kids Book About The Praying Mantis by Maura Kempa
Hattori Hachi: the Revenge of Praying Mantis by Jane Prowse (1 Jul 2012)
18 Buddha Hands: Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu by Roger D. Hagood, Charles Alan Clemens and Jack Man Louie (8 Aug 2012)
7 Star Praying Mantis Gung Fu Legacy Series Vol. 1: 4 Roads Swift Striking (Sei Lou Bung Da) by Sifu Yehudah BenLewi (23 Apr 2012)
Pingshan Mantis Celebration: Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu by Roger D. Hagood and Charles Alan Clemens (8 Aug 2012)
China Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu Survey: Volumes 2, 3, 4 by Roger D. Hagood and Patrick Wright (25 Oct 2012)
Fundamentals of Southern Praying Mantis Volume One: 1 by David Welther (17 Sep 2012)
SOM Bo Gin Two Man Form: Southern Praying Mantis Kung Fu by Roger D. Hagood, Charles Alan Clemens and Louie Jack Man (11 Nov 2012)
How To Care For Your Praying Mantis (Your first...series) by Russell Willis (1 Aug 2008)
Chu Gar Gao: Southern Praying Mantis Kungfu by Roger D. Hagood, Charles Alan Clemens and Cheng Wan (1 Sep 2012)

Some old references and books:
Praying Mantis book by André Brink
A book by Neil Ripski on the Eight Shadow Mantis Boxing early 2005

YouTube Videos by Jon Funk , it is a high quality videos explain the movements of 7*'s Mantis system.
Videos on youtube called Discovering China - Shanxi Style Praying Mantis Kung Fu

I hope I was honest with that information to give you easy way to learn a style of northern fighting styles in ancient china praying mantis as it is a good fighting style, but take care when perform skills, ask help of a friend to learn with you and may be used to play a role of opponent by both of you.