book recommendation and review

diatribe

HEY. I got some extra cash and I am going to get a few more bonsai books, I would appreciate any reviews and recommendations.

Thanks.

Peace,
Diatribe.

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Jay

Good evening,
I think you should go to 'Bonsai Books, Magazines & Video' section of the forum, there are several post there that will give you the names of worthwhile books.

Jay

__________________
A Bonsai student living with his trees at N 44.37 W 77.49...
Think before you act... then think again... no good comes from rushing

Newt

I like Harry Thomlinson's writing, easy to read/understand. Jerry Meislik's book on ficus is great. Amy Liang's book is nice, a little over my head in some places but the pics are great. Of course Naka's books a great although some of the stuff is out of date the styling section is great. I have also read Craig Cousin and Herb Gustifson's stuff, both good. Really I have yet to read one that I didn't like, don't always agree with everthing but hey opinions are like...

Newt

waltr

If I had to keep only one set of books they would be John Naka's. A must.
walt

sirikit

Not in any particular order

Bonsai Landscapes
by Peter Adams, Bill Jordan

on amazon. go to the used & new. as of now there's a book liquidator selling the book for $9.79 + sh.

I found the book to be very inspiring. includes great pictures. a detailed care guide; more detailed than most.

Bonsai Techniques 1 & 2
John Naka.
Don't pay the book collector prices, look for it at bonsai stores who still sell them at the regular prices.

Cesar

rockm

The answer depends on what you're looking to get from the books. "Entry level" books that explain the basics of what bonsai is, how it works, etc. are pretty much interchangeable, although there are definitely good ones and bad ones.

Beyond entry level, more specialized books (like John Naka's--which really aren't beginners' books) can provide alot of interesting reading. Books like Nick Lenz' Bonsai from the Wild (out of print, but still available if you look), Wee Yu Sun's Artistic Potted Plants (recently reprinted through a Hong Kong Bank), and Bonsai School by Craig Cousins (one of the best newer books out there, and still not real expensive IMO), offer various fascinating perspectives on a variety of things obnsai. Bonsai Styles of the World by Charles Ceronio has also been reprinted and gives some perspective on old, as well as emerging, bonsai styles. This book is pretty thougth provoking. Also one or two Kokufu picture albums also offer value by provinding imagery that can be used in your bonsai efforts. These can be purchased on Ebay or other places on the web. THey are pricey $50 or more...

Aaron_K

I'm relatively new to the subject of Bonsai and have read a few books in the 18 months since I started. The two I would recommend that I have learnt the most from are by Peter Chan, especially his second book "Bonsai Masterclass".

It covers all the basic growing and cultivation techniques in good detail and with nice illustrations and photographs, as well as the more advanced training and styling side of the art.

You could try looking for Bonsai literature on ebay, as you will be able to acquire them at a fraction of the recommended retail cost. Alternatively, you could try Abebooks. Here you will find a mass of 2nd hand books in excellent condition at almost unbelievably low prices.

I wanted to order from the site, but the bookshop that had the title I wanted, didn't export to the UK. Have a look - you have nothing to lose, and could end up with two or three books, for the price of buying one in a store.

Regards,

Aaron

diatribe

thank you all for your imput. I own koreshoff's book and really enjoy it, I am currently reading naka's books, looking for more on that level. again thank you for your thoughts keep em coming.


Peace,
Diatribe.