Good books?

[luan]

Could someone please recommend a contemporaneous book on bonsai keeping? Something that covers everything from the very basics to intermediate levels. Lots of diagrams and examples would be good.

Two books I'm thinking about buying are:

1. Shohin Bonsai by Morten Albek (because I like shohins)
2. The Complete Book of Bonsai by Harry Tomlinson

Cheers,

L

[Pearso]

Hi,

I've never read the two books you are refering too but i quite like 'Bonsai Care Manual' by Colin Lewis. It has some great step by step guides and a tree directory in the back which is really helpful.

With that said i also have John Yoshio Naka's books Bonsai techniques 1 & 2, these book are fantastic, they cover all the techniques of styling and shaping the second volume is a little more advanced but in my opinion these books are great reference material.

Enjoy the reading, Glen

[Willows _FUD]

While this book is definately not what you're after, the photos of Bonsai contained within are simply awe inspiring.

Four Seasons of Bonsai By Kyuzo Murata

[Pup]

Deborah Koreshoffs book

Bonsai its Art, Science, History, and Philosophy. Is also another good one along with John Naka's.
Any thing by Peter Chan, the Bonsai Book by Dan Barton. These books might be hard to find. Although evil-bay has them now and again.
Morten Albecks book is a good one.

[Pearso]

While we are discussing books can i add another question into the mix, Has anyone read the books,

• Junipers: Growing & Styling Juniper Bonsai (Bonsai Today Masters') by Wayne Schoech
• Bonsai Today Masters' Series: Pines, Growing & Styling Japanese Black & White Pines featuring Masahiko Kimura, Takashita Yosiaki & Many Others by Michael Persiano, & Staff Wayne Schoech

If so are they any good?

Ta, Glen

[kcpoole]

Harrys that you mentioned is very good. Highly recomend
And Peter Adams Maples if you are plannig to grow you own stock

[Jester]

The Bonsai Encyclopedia by Harry Tomlinson. It has a bit of everything for the beginner. Root Pruning, Grafting, Air Layering, Propagation, How to do root over rock, group plantings, Bonsai Tools, Repotting, Pests and Diseases, Foliage Pruning Techniques ,wiring, the clip and grow method with many excellent photos of various Bonsai Species. This is the first book I ever bought and when you consider what it covers, dollar for dollar, it is excellent value. Costs between $25 and $32

[Pup]

While we are discussing books can i add another question into the mix, Has anyone read the books,

• Junipers: Growing & Styling Juniper Bonsai (Bonsai Today Masters') by Wayne Schoech
• Bonsai Today Masters' Series: Pines, Growing & Styling Japanese Black & White Pines featuring Masahiko Kimura, Takashita Yosiaki & Many Others by Michael Persiano, & Staff Wayne Schoech

If so are they any good?

Ta, Glen

These books are a compilation of the Magazine Bonsai Today articles. Edited by wayne and a few others. I have all copies of Bonsai Today, so I do not need to buy them. However seeing as Bonsai Today is no longer published I would consider them worth while buying.
Just my opinion for what its worth Pup

[aaron_tas]

if you get inspired by wikkid transformations then both of kimura's books (the bonsai art of kimura 1&2) are a must see

if you are more likely to be turned on by satsuki, then you need a bit of floral treasures of japan by alexander kennedy...

[Mojo Moyogi]

Deborah Koreshoffs book and anything by Peter D Adams

MM

[luan]

Thanks everyone. I will be sure to pick up some of the suggested books.

[john tapner]

I've collected almost as many books as I have pots. Most of the good books are still in print and available from bonsai nurseries. Ray Nesci has a good book stand. Anything hard to find then look at http://www.bookfinder.com . I have picked up some good books, not necessarily bonsai but other things that interest me, over the last few years. Most of the books on this site are second hand and generally in good condition,

John T

[MelaQuin]

I rate a bonsai book by the photos of 'bonsai' and I have seldom found a real styled bonsai in a Tomlinson book. Okay so he can get tiny leaves on an oak. but can he style??

My tops would be John Naka's 'Bonsai Techniques #1' and if you can afford it, #2 as well
Charles Ceronio 'Bonsai Styles of the World'.

Join a bonsai club and borrow from their library. Most bonsai clubs have a library. Roadtest first and then buy.