"Artistic Sunset"

bonsaial1

Anyone seen the new book from Sunset publisher's on Bonsai?


Title: Bonsai by Susan Lang & Sunset Editors
Paperback: 128 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.28 x 10.78 x 8.24
Publisher: Sunset Pub Co; (January 2003)
ISBN: 0376030461

Let me tell you this is one great book. The book is totaly revamped from the bottom up. The book uses words like 'art, artistic, artistic sensibility, artistic unity, etc.' The book is chock full of all the things that make bonsai enjoyable, artistic design, display, techniques, etc.

For instance, the book includes a section called ' An ancient art, Evolution of an art, Design considerations, Applying design principles.'

In Ancient art, it is broken down like this: ' What is bonsai, No ordinary potted plant, A creative journey.'

In Evolution of an art, it is broken down like this: 'Chinese beginnings, From China to Japan, To the Western world, Bonsai Today.'

Design Considerations, it is broken down like this: Developing an eye, The appearance of age, Artistic unity, balance and proportion, line and form.'

Applying Design principles, is broken down like this: Trunk, Branches, Foliage, Roots, Aspect; front/back, Container.
( I must state that these aspects were arranged in order of importance. They made note that the no single element is more important than the other, but that the trunk and branches set the mood and style of the tree, and there fore become more dominate, I concur fully.)

The photo's are taken from The USA National Arboretum, Pacific Rim Collection, GSBF Collection: north/south, William Valavanis, Dave DeGroot, Ed Trout Collections. The trees are superb and finally look like Bonsai.

It has a wonderful zone map in the back with discriptions of all 45 zones plus some I never even heard of, ( coconut palm zone, Alaska slope zone, etc.)

The plant list is comprehensive as well as listing a great photo of each plant, something that was lacking in the past issues, or not very well done.

The writing is superb and reads extra fast. I read the whole book while driving home tonight, (almost slammed in the back of a Lexus).

Your going to like this one, they outdid themselves and should be commended. Don't let this one slip away, at 14.95 it's the bargain of the century.

Bonsai-al, Book reviewer

Attached Images

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pdbbonsai

Yes!

I liked it so much I bought it. I agree 100% with what your critique of it is.

And ya cant beat the price.....!!!!


Paul

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It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

BonsaiTalk is one good place. (me)

bonsaial1

I wish!

You know...All the arguments about artistry in bonsai, all the anwers are in this book. I swear this book was written after reading some of the fights we have had right here on this forum, and they decided to end them by writing the Bible. They even go so far as to write about the 'Rules', and how they can't be used to make artistic bonsai. I think Dandy Rootage has been trying to say that for about two years here. hmmmm, maybe I should give him a little more respect...nahhh!

Al K.

__________________
I been kidding the last seven years.
no.... really!

pdbbonsai

BTO has a critique (free) on the homepage as well you can read that HERE IF YA WANT TOO IT IS FREEEEEEEEEE

I guess there is common ground!!



Paul

__________________
It is essential to experience all the times and moods of one good place. (Thomas Merton)

BonsaiTalk is one good place. (me)

Mountain

Thanks for the recommendation of a GREAT book.

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Grow Dammit.