Best Beginner Book....

bonsaikc

I would also recommend Peter Chan's Bonsai Masterclass.

I cannot say that I would recommend many other books, however, because most of the books published cover the same material or are so hopelessly dated that they are more of a hindrance than a help. I won't mention any revered names because I don't want to say too much.

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PatArizona

I've seen both Koreshoff's and Coussins' books recently at Barnes and Noble.

Like to add...for a beginners first book, don't forget SUNSET'S BONSAI...be sure it's the 2003 edition.

I know, I know...SUNSET, yada, yada, yada...

However...the 2003 edition is far superior to ALL the previous editions...combined.

For a beginner, why not start with something like this...inexpensive ($14.95), 125 pages, contributors like Dennis Makishima, David DeGroot, Doris Froning, Mas Imazuma, Hideko Metaxas, Ed Trout, Jack Wilke...

When a beginner has read this book, she has a snapshot of what bonsai is all about. It's not an "everything" book, but it can contribute to a good start, and the beginner is better prepared to search for other books.

If you are a beginner, have a look at this one...it MAY be the best bet for your first bonsai book.

Pat

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THE ONLY WAY: Always remember, and don't ever forget, that whatever you read here is not cast in concrete... the intent of any advice is to help. In no way should you feel that I’m saying that my way is the only way…heaven forbid! I've seen far too much of the "my way or the highway" attitude in bonsai as well as in other areas of life.

anttal63

hi jb i am somebody who is a beginner been going for 2-1/2 years now. i own many beginner, intermediate and advanced books. 6 months ago i came across john naka 1 & 2. i wish it had have been sooner. my trees would be even better for it and i could have put more money towards trees rather than half the crap out there. i cannot stress this point enough. videos will go along way as well.

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Larry

Hi ant,i'd love to find some Naka,i wonder if i could get my library to order it in?

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rockm

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.

knitfreak

Are there any books that you guys would recommend that cover styling in depth? I am interested to learn more about the rules, how to look at bonsai, how to know which branches should be kept and which shouldn't, that sort of thing. I feel pretty confident about all of the "gardening" aspects of the hobby, it's more the stylistic side I need extra help on.

JohnAP

Updated information is always appreciated. I'll check it out. Concerning "rules" of bonsai....I thought Brett (sp?) at evergreengardenworks did a fine job, but I can't find the link at the moment.

tree bender

THE BONSAI HANDBOOK IS A GOOD STARTER

http://books.google.com/books?id=eg...t=title#PPP1,M1

rockm

Craing Coussins' "Bonsai School" is an excellent in-depth, hands on book on bonsai design and concepts.

http://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-School...s/dp/1402703686