Book Review: The Secret Techniques of Bonsai

007

I just got throug reading the new book by Masakuni Kawasumi II called The Secrets Techniques of Bonsai, and I thought I'd share a bit about the book.

A few basics first . . . I paid $29.00 for the book which is hardcover. It has 111 pages divided into 15 short (sometimes only one page) chapters. There are numerous color photos as well as detailed black and white tutorials with captions. The topics covered in the chaptes basically include the usual topics (i.e. repotting, seasonal care, etc.).

I did learn a bit from this book as there are some interesting ways of doing things presented in the text which I was unaware of previously. The detailed instructions for some of the techniques was also quite nice. Also, since the passing of Masakuni II, his son Masakuni III has finished the book. Masakuni III is a "Certified Tree Doctor" and adds some insight here and there which is also nice.

There is one drawback to this book though in my opinion. I felt at many points through the reading that the book was a sales pitch for their tools instead of an instructional book. For example, they discuss a technique which "requires" the use of a tool which only Masakuni makes . . .

All in all, I think this is a good book . . . I did learn from it and it was easy to read and well written. I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

__________________

Advertisement