Book Description
Breaks down key information on cultivating bonsai into 101 easy-to-grasp tips and gives quick answers to all your questions.
Harry Tomlinson is one of Europe's leading bonsai artists and instructors. He has exhibited and judged bonsai all over the world. He is also the author of several books including DK's The Complete Book of Bonsai.
Customer Reviews:
Big Book in a Small Package.......2007-08-10
Excellent Bonsai book, I was amazed at the wealth of information in this book. It is better than many books 5x it's size and 10x it's weight. Very practical, it even comes with some species specific tips. Excellent illustrations. Not everything in Bonsai has to be expensive... this proves it! Highly recommended.
Introductory Book.......2007-07-10
This is a great book just to let you know exactly what you are getting into. It shares a little bit of knowledge in many areas of bonsai. for 5 bucks, you cant lose
A great reference and beginner book.......2007-04-27
This is an excellent book, with step-by-step instructions and descriptive pictures. It covers many topics from bonsai history, to starting your own bonsai from scratch, to maintaining it.
TIP: If you buy this book, don't buy The Complete Book of Bonsai. I bought both, and was disappointed to see they are the same book, only this one is an abridged version of The Complete Book of Bonsai. They are published in the US by Abbeville Press and in London by DK.
It's a tip-book.......2006-12-18
This book provides most of the basic knowledge that you'll need to know. Sometimes you'll ask yourself a question that's a little more in-depth than this book spans, so just remember it's a tip-book and not a full fledged encyclopedia. For the price this is a very good book, the pictures are great and the tips are well thought out and span much of the bonsai hobby. Near the end of the book there are even suggested species for different types of bonsai styles. The tips are easy to remember and categorized well.
Very good ready reference.......2005-10-08
Very good handy reference for someone more or less familiar with bomsai techniques. Highly recommended.
Book Description
In The Secret Techniques of Bonsai, the author of the groundbreaking Bonsai with American Trees teams up with his son to offer not only the basics of creating perfect bonsai, but also secret techniques they've developed over years of careful work and observation. For example, readers will learn such tricks as: - Making a cutting for a new bonsai in winter, while the plant still stores its winter nutrients, then wrapping and freezing the cutting until sprint, at which time it can be planted and will thrive; - Trimming branches in such as way as to eliminate swelling and scars; - The proper use of tools to perfect bonsai work; - And much, much more. The Kawasumis provide detailed, easy-to-follow information about growing bonsai from seedlings or beginner plants; expert advice on shaping, pruning, training, grafting and repotting the trees; and new techniques for using tools. And although the Kawasumi family is world-renowned for their bonsai tool design, their instructions allow gardeners to improvise with other readily-accessible bonsai, gardening or even simple workshop tools. Step-by-step photographs accompany the text. Masakumi Kawasumi III, the first qualified tree doctor for bonsai in Japan, contributes his unique insights to make this an invaluable resource for beginners and experiences enthusiasts alike.
Book Description
The essential practical guide to a classic art.
Customer Reviews:
Growing Bonsai: A practical encyclopedia...........2007-09-21
On the surface this book seems to have 600 photos of trees but it repeats toward the back many of the same trees over and over. Also I hope you can read what appears to be Dutch because the first 19 pages are in that language and then the rest of the book is English! Definately a book for the dilatante or coffee table casual reader.
Beautiful as well as essential.......2007-01-07
This is a visually beautiful book that is even more valuable for its contents. A must have if you want to be inspired by beautifully photographed examples of classic trees, along with guidelines for how to begin to create trees in those style. You need to have this book if for no other reason than for the inspiration that it offers.
Book Description
No one knows when Hòn Non Bô., or Vietnamese miniature landscape art, began, but creating a scenic landscape in miniature has been a special pastime for Vietnamese people for hundreds of years. The duplication of nature in an artfully reduced scale is now appreciated by many Westerners as well. Lít Phan and Buller's unique new book is a comprehensive and exciting introduction to this elaborate natural art form that is akin to—but different in essential ways from—the more familiar art of bonsai.
The book begins with an introduction to the scenic highlights of the landscape and unique geography of Vietnam. Subsequent chapters provide historical details on cultural and philosophical traditions of Hòn Non Bô., followed by in-depth information of both an aesthetic and practical nature on how to create elegant and meaningful examples of miniature landscapes. The detailed text is complemented by fine color photos documenting the creative process and providing excellent samples of finished work. Both inspirational and practical, this handsome book is sure to introduce many new devotees to the art of Hòn Non Bô.
Customer Reviews:
The book that we have been waiting for.......2002-09-14
The amount of work that has gone into this excellent book shows clearly in the clear writing and great images throughout. Not everything is Bonsai now, we are learning about other cultures, and their path to what we find is a mutual interest. This is not a book about Vietnamese Bonsai at all but a book about creating landscape in miniature. Popular for many centuries but little know outside its home, Hon Non Bo is exciting in concept and immensely pleasurable in developing. Not difficult as an art form but does need this book to explain to you how to get started and how to develop your understanding of this ancient art. I enjoyed the book and found myself reaching for it a number of times this year. I recommended it to all my classes, friends and students.
Produced by one of the worlds leading Horticultural publishers, Timber Press, the guiding hand of the editor is apparent in the demand for concise and clear explanation throughout the book that reflects the quality of the rest of their excellent publications. The task was very well achieved by Lew Buller who developed and wrote the book over many years with one of Americas leading exponents in this art, Lit van Phan.
You really do need this on your bookshelf although I have a feeling it will rarely stay there.
Customer Reviews:
Probably the best "working" bonsai book.......2006-10-29
In case you were wondering, the author, John Naka, was considered one of the top 5 bonsai artists of the late 20th and early 21st centuries (John died recently in 2004). The display pavillion of the National Bonsai Collection in the National Arboretum in Washington D.C. is named after him, and he is considered the "founding father" of American Bonsai. For many Americans, John humanized the art of Bonsai, and opened a window to what is for many people a new art form and a new culture.
As other reviewers have stated, this is not a book for people who are looking for glossy photos of finished bonsai (there are plenty of those elsewhere). Instead, this book is written for practitioners of the art of bonsai - it could be considered a compilation of John's working notes from his lifetime of experience and the numerous workshops and classes he gave. Much of the text feels like you are listening to a bonsai master talk to a class instead of reading a text book, and many (if not all) of the hand-drawn illustrations are by John personally. The text is very clear and easy to understand, and the complexities of bonsai are slowly revealed through the quantity of the content provided instead of the complexity.
Pros: Easy to understand. Great illustrations that illustrate step-by-step techniques. Depth of content.
Cons: Low print quality (low quality black & white photos) - this is a workbook and NOT a coffee table book but it leaves you wishing that there was another version out there with color photos and highly quality paper.
I would highly recommend this book, and its companion (Bonsai Techniques II) for any bonsai enthusiast. If you are lucky, you can get one of the few that John personally signed.
These used prices are nuts!.......2003-11-04
This book is effectively in print -- the latest printing was 2002 -- and you can still get new copies from bonsaimonk.com or bonsai-bci.com/books.htm, among others. I'm sure eventually amazon will get some copies with the next printing -- they've been coming out every two to three years. Until then, don't pay $50 for this book used. And yes, as another reviewer said, he does sign almost every copy -- so don't pay extra for the collectibles!
And yes, it is a terrific piece of work -- like being walked through a hands-on class by a tutor who demonstrates all the possible mistakes along the way by showing, not telling. Very pleasing to the eye as well, for a micro-publisher's book.--Shayana Kadidal
The bonsai bible.......2002-03-14
Accept first off if you buy this book, there are very few pretty pictures. This is not a coffee table book. There are however many detailed diagrams and tons of information that any serious bonsai artist should have. Naka de-mystifies the art of bonsai and gives clear cut diagrams that are easy to understand and (even more important) easy to apply to your own trees.
If you want a picture book of bonsai this is not for you, if you grow bonsai you should buy this book. In fact if you only buy one book on bonsai, buy this one.
bonsai technique 1.......2000-12-04
One of the two best books on bonsai that I have ever owned. No bonsai artist should be without it. Mr. Naka does a great job of explaining the different basic techques that can be used in creating great bonsai. A job well done.
BONSAI MADE SIMPLE.......2000-07-26
Bonsai, the art of dwarfing trees, was at one time a specialized hobby for only a few. In recent years it has become popular and you can find these miniature trees in florist shops as well as in Home Depot. Regretably, these small trees have a short lifespan when taken home by the owner. In most cases, the owner hasn't a clue as how to take care of the tree for a lifetime enjoyment.
Ignorance is not bliss for bonsai. John Yoshio Naka removes all ignorance by providing the first time bonsai owner with a one step guide on techniques of caring, shaping, dwarfing and feeding these trees. Using pictures and simple diagrams you are shown the step by step techniques on how to dwarf a tree. Notes are also provided on the monthly care of the tree. Advice is also given to make adjustments in the care of your bonsai depending on your geographical region. This text is perfect for amateurs and those who are thinking abouting starting a bonsai collection. Its simplicity is highly user friendly. If you follow the instructions as given, you will achieve a lifetime enjoyment of bonsai.
Book Description
Bonsai Life Histories is a detailed absorbing insight into the transformation of original plant material into exquisite bonsai trees. These 50 dramatic stories show how one bonsai expert has created "something out of nothing," recording the life histories of over 50 trees, both in photographs and descriptions that reveal the rewarding process of tending bonsai to maturity.
This instructive and useful book also includes information on:
origins of bonsai
getting started
what makes a good/bad bonsai
bonsai style
styling, pruning, refinement
tools, repotting, watering, feeding
training techniques
finding suitable plants
seasonal planner
guide to pruning and maintenance tasks through the year
bonsai in the garden
displaying bonsai
exhibiting bonsai
pests and diseases
glossary of terms
Bonsai expert Martin Treasure reveals a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge and demonstrates his technique in bringing out the personalities of individual trees. Even non-enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stories.
Customer Reviews:
Really Great Book.......2003-02-28
This is possibly the best and most inspiring bonsai book that I've ever had the pleasure of reading - and I've seen plenty!
It is an instruction book which shows in great detail by example how superb bonsai specimens are acheivable, with just a little patience. My trees are already looking better as a result of reading this!
Loads of great chapters complete this book, together with some really super colour pictures.
Truly Exceptional Bonsai Book.......2002-10-16
I just read Bonsai Life Histories and it is the answer to every bonsai enthusiasts dreams. It is truly exceptional. I have been looking for a book to span most of the bonsai experience spectrum and this fits the bill - and so so much more.
I own and operate a small bonsai retail store/nursery/studio and I teach classes for novices and more experienced growers here at the studio and am often asked for book recommendations. This one is at the top of the list. Even with my 14 years experience in bonsai, I found it very refreshing, as it teaches by example, rather than just instructing.
The author is both a skilled bonsai practitioner and an astute writer. Most books are blessed with one or the other (and a few have neither!). I appreciate this book and thoroughly recommend it.
The pictures speak a thousand words.......2002-07-19
If you are a student of bonsai and looking for basing information, then this is not a book for beginners. However, if you want to see how bonsai trees are styled and develop over time, then this will provide you with a lot of information. The pictures of the trees in development over the years are worth the price of the book.
What an inspirational book!.......2002-05-02
The way in which the author has produced exceptional bonsai from material that is easily obtainable by us all, made for captivating reading. Very helpful too, is the way in which the author has made the book easy to read and understand.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in bonsai, whether their collection is large or small, and they are novices or experienced enthusiasts.
What a great book!.......2002-04-08
I needed something to give me inspiration and confidence to renew my interest and enthusiasm for my bonsai collection. This book has provided me with both - and much more besides - and made me realize that I can improve and enhance my trees by following what the author has achieved. I am sure I will read the book over and over again whenever my enthusiasm is waning.
I disagree with the review below - Douglas Ross - the large number of case histories are all unique and packed full of incredibly useful information, including techniques that I've never seen detailed anywhere! The origin of the bonsai histories is really varied, including seed, cuttings, air-layers, trees collected from the wild and gardens, nursery stock and old specimen trees - grown in a variety of styles. Only a handful of these have been grown in the ground - and I found this method of speeding up development fascinating. Afterall, this is what they do in Japan, except they don't record the histories in such vivid detail! I will certainly be doing this in the future, and hopefully save myself years.
Thank you Martin Treasure for persuading me that I can do it - and I will!!
Book Description
This simple guide for first-time bonsai growers, with easy instructions and more than 200 full-color photos and drawings, covers selecting a hardy specimen; the essentials of pruning, wiring, and aging; and keeping your bonsai healthy. Learn the many styles of bonsai shaping, important tree forms, forest groupings, and more.
Customer Reviews:
Just the basics.......2005-05-12
This book is great for beginners. It is explains different styles and has illustrations as well as descriptions. The techniques it uses are valid. My only concern was that this book tends to over simplify things. Taking cuttings is one example. The book suggests that this is the best way to get stock. Anyone that has ever tried to take cuttings realizes the falacy in that.
Bonsai Basics.......2001-11-16
As a bonsai enthusiast (NOT master!), I have been designing bonsai for several years, and have acquired a few dozen books on the subject. Personally, I was unimpressed with this book. While it had some valid information, I noticed incorrect techniques photographed (trees with wire cutting in to the bark, or having wire scars). I didn't find the book particularly helpful.
Authoritative, yet condescending, and culturally uninformed.......1997-05-09
Surprisingly enough, this book was written by two Westerners, for Westerners. Upon reading this book, one wonders why Orientals are praised in numerous passages as metaphysical "self-questing" masters, (Yoda?)and in as many places, Europeans and Westerners are referred to as catagorically "ignorant." Once one moves beyond these condescending and culturally myopic statements, the book contains much useful information. By the way, Bonsai is an art that is dying out in Japan, and there are few, if any, young people who care anything about it, much less respect it as an art form. Having lived all over Japan during the ten years that I was there, I am of the opinion that young Japanese people are as ignorant of their own culture as the authors claim Americans and Europeans are. And actually, the Americans and Europeans that I came into contact with knew more about Japanese history, customs and culture than the Japanese themselves. Might I suggest sticking to the topic of Bonsai and leaving your reversed cultural biases out of print
Customer Reviews:
Not a great source of information.......2007-02-20
I expected much more out of this book. I bought '101 Essential Tips: Bonsai' at Border's for $5 and got much more pertinent information for my Juniper.
Lifeless as a dead tree........2004-07-02
Photos are uninspiring, if not misleading. All the trees pictured resemble twigs thrown between undefined rocks with no thought to shape, movement, intent or design.
Content wise, misdirection and vagueness are the only quality offered. The reader will learn very little, and what they may learn isn't correct.
You will find much better, thorough, and true information online visiting Bonsai Forums.
Walk away from the monitor. Do NOT buy this book.
To quote the author..........1999-11-29
"Forming the shape of a bonsai can be a very individual subject and therefore it is very difficult for me to convey my ideas to you."
While the author is undoubtedly a talented bonsai gardener, and may well be a good teacher 'at the elbow', his informal jargon may leave the reader puzzled, and his concept of 'dimensional drawings' for tree planning is still unclear, despite numerous example drawings.
Customer Reviews:
Wisdom of the Ages.......2007-01-25
Techniques I & II are absolute Must Haves in EVERY Library of those even contemplating Bonsai. John Naka was a Brilliant Man, and I am happy to say I learned much from Him, about Bonsai and about Life. Two things He taught me .....
The Master is One who learns from every source, especially from his Student.
Everyone knows when the Student is ready, the Teacher will appear, but few reMember ..... when the Teacher is ready, the Student will appear.
Hai!
The Bonsai Bible(s)!!!.......2004-04-08
If you want the mystery taken out of Bonsai; YOU NEED THESE BOOKS!! Both of his books are known worldwide as the "Bible" for Bonsai. Just to let you know that NOT ALL HIS BOOKS ARE SIGNED!!!
A lot are though. I have two sets myself; one signed, and one not signed. I read and reference out of the ones not signed. I have been creating and selling Bonsai for 8 years, and this book still blows my mind when I read it EVERY WINTER and reference it several times a month!! Great stuff!!!
The book is excelent........2002-10-11
Buyer beware. I would just like to point out that the prices are way out of the ball park. I purchased the same book for half price from an online bonsai store.....
I've seen on here that that promote the book as collectable because he signed the book. He signed every book. Don't fall for it.
BONSAI TECHNIQUE 2.......2000-12-04
This is the second of two great books by John Y. Naka. This book breaks the tree down, and goes into greater detail about each section of the tree. Then it gets into pots and how to display your bonsai. Both these books are worth the price, and if your into bonsai you need both his book.
A must have for every bonsai enthusiast........1997-08-16
A must have. This book along with Bonsai techniques I by John Yoshio Naka is one that will always be reference by the beginner or advance Bonsai enthusiast
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The Complete Book of Bonsai
Bonsai Survival Manual: Tree-by-Tree Guide to Buying, Maintaining, and Problem Solving
Brussel's Golden Gate Ficus Indoor Bonsai Tree
Bonsai (Rd Home Handbooks)
Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing
