Bonsai School by Craig Cousins

Thomas_J.

I was recently given the opportunity to do a book review on Craig Cousins book "Bonsai School". Now to be honest with you, I'm not one for bonsai books since to me, if you've seen one you've seen them all. That's really not how it is of course, but that's my thought perception. This book however made me eat my words I must admit. His chapter on the history of bonsai is as much as anyone would need to know, and the pictures and illustrations throughout the book couldn't get much better. In my opinion, this book would rate right behind Nakas Techniques I&II. But again, that's just my opinion. I think this would be an excellent book for beginners, and there's probably a few things some old timers could learn also.


With that said, I thought I would run a poll to see how some of you thought of the book, if of course you have bought it,and to see how some of you thought about bonsai book buying in general.

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Thomas J.

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Bart Thomas(deceased)

I particularly like the way he uses different "instructors" in different sections.

It varies the texture and gives us the opportunities to see how noted experts for different species deal with their trees.

Treebeard

I have the book, and some glaring typographical errors aside I think it is one of the best books I have. Several of the case studies I had seen before in the old "art of Bonsai" magazine, but no matter.

Regards,

Chris.

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"Do not be hasty, that is my motto"
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Bart Thomas(deceased)

Don't have the book in front of me, as I'm in Washington with all the "rock stars" of bonsai (or at least most of them!)

I work with a garden that's open to the public that has a small bonsai collection, including a bald cypress in a nursery pot. I lent the book to the boss so that he could see step by step what was going to have to happen to it in the article by Gary Marchal (or was it Guy Guidry).

That was very useful! He was fascinated!

Emperor Fish

Let's see what the next book looks like. You may have seen the same title before by another author. The history section is very good.

Regards,

Fish.

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marija hajdic

I like step-by-step pictures in articles, with other bonsai masters.

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Regards, Marija
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Lesley

I've had my copy for awhile and like Treebeard, I like the case studies and consider it a great addition to my bonsai library. I have re-read it a number of times and it's proving to be a good resource. The studies at the end add variety and they are well done! Lesley

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Ladybug