Bonsai books for the beginner...where to start

[krittas]

With so many books on the market these days i was wondering what would be the best books for someone new to the world of bonsai....perhaps we could get a list of books that are good for the beginners that dont lead them astray.....perhaps tittles that refer to exotic, aussie natives etc...
Are there any locally written books that cover both these subjects...

[Pup]

There are two by Vita and Dorothy Koreshoff
You to Can Grow Bonsai in Australia. by Boolarong publishing.
Also BONSAI with Australian Native plants. There are many more good ones but, I read both of these at the start of my affliction.
They did more than help. Also both clubs in WA have excellent libraries where you can borrow if you are a member.
Hope this of help also if you go through Bonsai in the media here there are some others recomended. Pup

PS I believe both of these books are available at Lee,s Bonsai world and at Bonsai Emporium.

[Bretts]

Don't forget your local public libary!

[krittas]

pup.... i will be joining the bonsai workshop as it is a hands on thing and monday nights meetings are too hard for me to get to....

Soltan...have tried the library but there actually is nothing at my local so are looking for something that i can keep for future ...i do have some books all ready but they are all from people who seem to be in the northern hemisphere....Family have bought me alot of bonsai books so i get quite abit of info from these but was looking for something a little close to home.....
some books i have...

the begginers guide to bonsai....Ken Norman
the bonsai school....Craig Coussin
bonsai workshop.......Herb.L.Gustafson
The art of natural bonsai.....dave joyce
pocket encyclopedia of bonsai.....Harry tomlinson

I have a few but believe you can never have to many....no matter what it is....LOL

[Dave54]

Hi,
Don't forget "Bonsai Ramblings" see feedback and reviews in this forum.
Great locally written book at a bargain price. What a steal.......but I'm biased, I'm the Author !!!!
cheers
dave

[Grant Bowie]

I think the best book ever was John Nakas Bonsai Techniques 1 and then BT2.

The sketches and pics were very clear and the text simple. The advice on Black Pines still holds up after 35 years and his local climate (slightly inland Los Angeles) was similar to what we experience on the whole east coast of Australia, from Melbourne to Brisbane but without too much humidity. Just adjust for your latitude with fertilising.

Not sure who stocks this book but it is still out there.

[Leigh Taafe]

I am with you on that one Grant. I always recommend my students hunt them out. Sometimes you can find them on eBay. I have heard Ray sells them (not cheap though). You can get them on http://www.dallasbonsai.com , but it is hard to get through to them to pay for it and get the right delivery, dont attempt to buy online with them it wont work.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Pup]

They can still be bought though BCI Book Boutique. Techs 1 is us $30-00 and techs 2 is us $ 40 -00. Any member of BCI , Bonsai Clubs International can buy them.
All prices are plus postage.
Also you can order or make enquire at BCIbizness@cox.net
Or you can write to BCI book Boutique, PO Box 8445, Metairie La 70011-8445, USA Fax 504-834-2298.
Checks ( cheques ) and International money orders are made payable to Bonsai Clubs International in US dollars
International orders are subject to shipping and Insurance.
They will give you a quote on insurance and shipping by email or Fax. Insurance is part of the purchase.

These books were not quoted as beginners books by me because I feel that they are a bit more than that.
They come highly recommended for a GOOD book in this case books. Just a note on the price it has just risen after 30+ years on the market, both by us $5-00
I hope this helps any body wishing to purchase them.
Be careful of when they quote it is personally signed. As a lot of the books of the 80s were but they were Ronioed so it was a bit like mass production.
I have seen them on Ebay. very happy with mine. Pup

[Leigh Taafe]

Yeah - dont pay a premium for a signed copy. It wont be worth any more in the long run.

Cheers,
Leigh.

[Bretts]

I haven't got the Naka books yet. Deborah Koreshoff's book Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy has often been compared to the Naka books and it has always been a close match from what I have heard . I love that a book as good as Deborah's uses local season information as well as the northern hemispher seasons. More authors and magazines should do this as they sell internationaly. Some say it is the best ever produced wich should make ull us Aussies proud.
So I am suprised that Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy is not mentioned as well next to Naka's.

[Pup]

You will no doubt notice the question was beginners.
I am fortunate enough to have both John Y Naka's and Deborah Koreshoffs books.
I also recommend both highly.
However I do not consider them for beginners just starting.
That is why I recommended the Books by Deborah's parents You to can grow Bonsai in Australia.

Krittas will have available to him when he joins our club a comprehensive library.
Again I recommend you get a library of your own, it is invaluable. JMHO Pup

[Bretts]

Yep it seems this thread has diverged a bit. I only thought to mention it after the Naka books where mentioned.

[Grant Bowie]

I consider the Naka books, especially number 1, good beginners, middlers and whatever the next stage is.

The text is very simple and the sketches clear and not complicated but you get more out of it as you go along each year.

Here endeth the sermon.

Grant

[Ash Barns]

G'day Krittas I would recommend the Bonsai Survival Manual by Colin Lewis as a terrific book for beginners and intermediate enthusiasts. Another handy little publication is Bonsai Art and Technique by Jennifer Wilkinson which has a section on Australian Natives.

Ash

[krittas]

thanks heaps guys...to be honest it doesnt matter if they are for begginers or not they all will provide differant bits of knowledge to the beginner like myself...I think having some of the more experienced guys mention books such as John Naka's books will just help to point those in the same situation as me on were you may want to end up......"remember i am a dung beetle and hope to one day be a grasshopper like alot of you"...Master status is not even worth thinking about.....lol