Books For Specific Species

raskolnikov

I recently bought, and very much enjoyed, Peter Adams' book titled Bonsai with Japanese Maples. I feel that it gave me some tips and insights that most general bonsai books don't have space to discuss. I really am grateful to have found it, as Trident Maples are a species I have a strong desire to master.

I would like to ask if anyone knows of books like his that focus on other species, such as elms or junipers. I do get useful information from this site, but it would be good to have something very detailed.

Thanks!

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Gisbourne

Jerry Meislik wrote a book on ficus, you can buy it through his website and other retailers. http://www.bonsaihunk.us/

Stone Lantern publishes species-specific books on junipers, japanese pines, and satsuki. I believe the first two are compilations of articles from Bonsai Today. http://www.stonelantern.com/

waltr

That is correct. If you don't have the older issues of Bonsai Today these two (junipers, Japanese White & Black pines) are good books.

mcpesq817

Having read a bunch of your standard books earlier in the year (Naka's books, Lewis' Bonsai Survival Manual, the Gustafson book, etc.), I bought a bunch of species specific books recently:

-- Pines book from Stone Lantern

-- Juniper book from Stone Lantern

-- Azalea book from Stone Lantern

-- Steve Pilaczik's pamphlet on japanese black pines

-- Adams' book on japanese maples

-- Adams' book on flowering bonsai

-- Adam's book on deciduous and conifers


The Stone Lantern books and Pilaczik's pamphlet on black pines are pretty good, though I don't think they are as cut and dry as they could be on the subjects they cover. Adams' books are excellent. Right now I'm reading "The Art of Natural Bonsai" by Dave Joyce, which so far has been really fantastic. Most books seem generally to cover the same material, but I really like the Adams and Joyce books because they show case studies with historical pictures to give you an idea of the development of a bonsai over time. As a beginner, I have found that to be very helpful.