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John Naka's books are not beginner's books. They are for down the road when basics are covered. The books were actually begun as handouts for Naka's students and simply bound together to make the first book. The information can be seen as a bit scattershot, if you don't understand where they're coming from. For instance, they contain outdated soil info and care instructions are for trees being grown in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Using those instructions in other locations can lead to some difficulties.

I would not invest the $40 plus dollars the Naka books cost nowadays, when there are less expensive and more useful publications available. The Sunset book is half what the Naka books go for.

The most recent Sunset bonsai edition is probably the best out there for the basics as well as some more intermediate stuff. The last edition was totally rewritten with up to date info by some of the most knowledgeable bonsaiists working now.

I started collecting bonsai books as a sideline a decade ago. I own almost 200 of them. Doesn't make me an expert, but it has given me some perspective on what's good and what ain't.

3-May-2007	#15
rockm bonsaiTALK ArchMaster Join Date: Oct-2003 Location: Fairfax, Va Country: USA USDA Zone: 7 AHS Heat Zone: ? Posts: 4,561	John Naka's books are not beginner's books. They are for down the road when basics are covered. The books were actually begun as handouts for Naka's students and simply bound together to make the first book. The information can be seen as a bit scattershot, if you don't understand where they're coming from. For instance, they contain outdated soil info and care instructions are for trees being grown in SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA. Using those instructions in other locations can lead to some difficulties. I would not invest the $40 plus dollars the Naka books cost nowadays, when there are less expensive and more useful publications available. The Sunset book is half what the Naka books go for. The most recent Sunset bonsai edition is probably the best out there for the basics as well as some more intermediate stuff. The last edition was totally rewritten with up to date info by some of the most knowledgeable bonsaiists working now. I started collecting bonsai books as a sideline a decade ago. I own almost 200 of them. Doesn't make me an expert, but it has given me some perspective on what's good and what ain't.