Product Description
With plants' increasing availability at supermarkets and garden centers, the ancient art of bonsai is now accessible to anyone. This care manual explores bonsai history and details all of the techniques necessary to keep a bonsai alive and thriving. This complete guide includes the history and creation of bonsaialong with step-by-step illustrations and 150 color photographs, giving readers the confidence to buy, feed, and trim these miniature trees into impressive displays in their home or garden. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Pristine Condition
I have purchased used books in the past but none as pristine as this. For a version printed in 1972 and no longer available at bookstores it was perfect! The seller had my order to me in a timely manner and the wrapping on the order was just right as to not harm the book itself - I purchased this item to give as a gift so it made the experience even greater when I opened the package. Thanks for the great service and like-new condition.

Very informative
This is a great book for any bonsai grower. I've been using it for about a year and I find myself going back to it for more information. Definitely worth $2.

Great how-to
I am a veteran bonsai enthusiast and have been using this book for many years.It is also a good beginner's guide with clear instructions as well as color and black and white illustrations.

Aerial roots on fig trees.
This is a general book on bonsai, covering both temperate and tropical species. It is the only published book I know of that gives detailed instructions on how to grow aerial roots on tropical fig trees kept as bonsai. This book has only black and white photographs, and most of them are not very artistic. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (7)

mollie's review
Very well written.Good information in the book and all the gorgeous pictures makes it a great book.

Bonsai Review
A review of this book is somewhat difficult.Mainly, I enjoyed it, if anything, for the book's bonsai photo series.All photos are glossy, although most of the showcased bonsai are are not full or half page images.The quality of print, mostly, makes up for this, but there are many shots of trees that are difficult to examine in detail due to their small(picture)size.
The information Craig provides on inorganic/organic soil mixtures, and types of various fired clay used by the Japanese, such as Akadama, Kanuma, Kiryu, are helpful, and mainly accurate, e.g. Akadama is used for feeder root development, Kanuma is used for acid loving bonsai, and Kiryu is good for conifers.PH levels are included for each, as different varietals demand different PH levels from the acidic to the alkaline.
Craig also goes into repotting basics, watering, and, in great detail, nutrient requirements for bonsai.In this, he does a thorough job.He also touches on fertlizing, the influx and remedy for pests, and pruning briefly.He goes into more detail with technical wiring and branch ramification, although in this, it is obvious that he is not a proficient technician.
Craig touches on the various classical styles of bonsai, such as literati, han kengai, informal upright, etc. and offers personal insights on alternatives to raffia(which in his case is vet tape)and tools; from hand tools to power tools e.g. scorps and Arbortech power chisels, pro grinders, and mini grinders.He also describes the makings of shari, jin, uro, and provides step by step pictorials on how to achieve the aforementioned.
This book also goes into great detail about Penjing, which means landscape scenery in Chinese(which may or may not involve bonsai)in contrast to 'Penzai' which the Japanese term 'Bonsai' is derived from mispronounciation.He also goes into brief detail about Suiseki, which is stone appreciation, as well as manufacturing hand-made daizas or display stands molded to the set of the stone.
Again, briefly, he touches on tokonoma, which are alcoves that display a single bonsai with accompaniments(such as herb accents and scrolls)as well as various types of ancient alcoves, such as Tsukeshoin, and hondoko.Suffice it to say that Craig is prolific by way of scope if not always in detail.
The great thing about this book is that he travels from Africa to Utah, and seemingly every place in between, to show us bonsai that others have created.Some of these bonsai are beautiful and well crafted indeed.
However, what I didn't like about this book, is the fact that nearly everyone is a 'master' to Craig.This was hardly the case.Kunio Kobayashi is a master, yes.John Naka is a master, yes.Masahiko Kimura is a master, yes.But 99% of all those Craig considers to be 'masters' are intermediate technicians at best.That said, just by reading this book, you get the sense that Craig is a sincerely humble enthusiast.Because of this, it makes the book seem more...friendly and fun to read.
The bottom line is this:Craig's knowledge on the care, needs, and maintenance of bonsai is masterful.However, Craig is not a master technician.99% of his finished projects are at their very best, the work of a novice-intermediate technician.You'll realize this when you see his work.This is not to put Craig down, because he seems like a very nice person, and since I have never met him, you can see that by the above statement, this book is truly friendly, fun, and full of knowledge...just not a master bonsai stylist/technician's knowledge.
Having read the book long ago in its entirety, I still refer back to it from time to time, honestly, for the photos.Craig will take you around the world, and you will have a great traveling companion in him.I recommend this book for beginners to intermediate level enthusiasts.The quality of the binding and photos alone is worth the purchase price.However, for master bonsai technicians, this book is not for you.But for the rest of us, it's a great find.

Title misleading
I was hoping for more from the book and was disappointed. There is a lot of general information. I have mostly deciduous trees and there wasn't that much information on it. I had to return the book.
For advanced level, I recommend the Bonsai with Japanese Maples. It gives way more detail and how to information. Thanx!

great book
This book is intimidating for a student of bonsai because the information is advanced and the trees are difficult to achieve.This information, though, is also inspiring and wonderful to learn about!

Excellent book on bonsai.
This book gives good points on bonsai plants.It is good for the beginner and the advanced grower as well.I enjoyed it and found it to be not only interesting but very informative as well.
... Read more

Product Description
Saikei is the art of the living landscape. A form of bonsai, it uses miniature trees, rocks, soil and vegetation to form replicas of gardens and the natural world. This book instructs on how to create a striking miniature landscape or Japanese garden. Illustrations and examples of saikei guide the reader through the various stages of landscaping. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A book that opens up ones own personal creativity in Saikei
This is a must book for people interested in creating a personalised landscape on a pot. Never have i come across a book that allowed me to lookat rocks in a different manner and arranging them so that there is balanceand harmony. The author has managed to explain in simple terms and clearinstructions on how to see a rock and arrange it in such a way that itbecomes alive. There is more to it than just rocks...plants, pebbles, mossare all use to make scenaries that you wish you could be inside it. Theauthor also shares his imagination with each of his creation. He shows usas well in step wise manner how he builds his creation. Best of all thehobby is not expansive and can be appreciated by all people.

Nice introduction to the art of Saikei
This is a nicely illustrated introduction to bonsai landscapes known as Saikei.Discussion of the different basic concepts of perspective and form is clear and enjoyable.This is a great guide to expand your enthusiasm for bonsai related art ... Read more

Product Description
Bonsai are miniature trees grown in pots. The aim of bonsai culture is to develop a tiny tree that has all the elements of a large tree growing in a natural setting. This look is achieved, principally, by branch and root pruning and shaping, but other factors are also important. The texture of the trunk, its look of age, the moss and the under plantings in the container — all contribute to the illusion of a miniature tree as it is seen in nature.

A presentable bonsai can be created in a few seasons. Cultivating these miniature potted trees is both an intriguing hobby, and a means of adapting a wide range of plants to specialized and decorative uses. Bonsai require daily watering during their growing season, and, because the plants are rooted in shallow pots, careful pruning.

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Product Description
The complete guide to a classic art with essential techniques, step by step projects and over 800 photographs ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Growing Bonsai: A practical encyclopedia....
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
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. ... Read more

Product Description
A guide to flowering bonsai, combining practical information with photographs and step-by-step "re-creations" of bonsai species such as: cotoneaster; crab apple; firethorn; white and red hawthorn; deciduous holly; pomegranate; quince; wisteria; and Japanese flowering apricot. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great 'how-to'
Put this one in the category of a good 'hands-on' guide to bonsai, almost like having a master looking over your shoulder. The book offeres specific advice on care & pitfalls of ten popular species -- which is great -- but the part I value the most is the author's use of examples in showing how to create and re-design bonsai specimens.

He often begins either with carefully-selected nursery trees or with commercially produced pre-bonsai trees. This way, he tends to start with mature trunks and roots, and some branching.This is probably the best way to go when seeking to create a truly good bonsai specimen within a few years.

If you like this book, you'll probably also like Gustafson's "Bonsai Workshop," which has been particularly helpful to me with conifers, and which uses a similar project-related approach.

I'd put this book on my short list for any bonsai library, and would have given it five stars had it been longer and more detailed with general bonsai information.But fortunately, the information not found in "The Art of Flowering Bonsai" can easily be found elsewhere.

Detail oriented and does a great job of explaining all facts
I have read many books on Bonsai from various sources.This one gave me very detailed explanations on specific trees/plants.Lot of details and pictures. This is not one of those books with a bunch of good pictures andlittle details.Well worth the purchase.

Beautifully illustrated and very helpful:4.5 stars
I highly recommend this book to other bonsai-ists. It's worth the price for the illustratons. ... Read more

Product 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. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Bonsai life histories
The book arrived on time and in perfect condiction.
Thank you.
Mr. Menendez.

Bonasi Book
I am new to working with the plants
thought the book would tell me care , planting , and answer my questions
but for me it did not.

Really Great Book
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
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
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. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (6)

Indoor Bonsai
A very basic bonsai book. Good for beginners who wants to grow bonsai inside the house. The information about the suitable species for indoor training is very helpful. there are no "big and old" bonsai pictures in this book, mostly young plants. Again, a book for beginners.

I Love the Photos
I love this book. Simply paging through the gorgeous color photos is a treat - I dream about all the types of bonsai I could care for, shaping into lovely forms. There are step by step details about growing a bonsai from seed, training the branches to grow, fertilizing the soil, handling vacations.

For each type of plant there are details on how to set up the temperature, watering, fertilizing, sunlight,and much more so that the particular plant type flourishes.

There are drawings and photos of how the bonsai change over the years so you can get a sense of what to expect

The book goes into common issues a new bonsai owner might face - listless leaves, mushy roots - and explains how to deal with the issues.

Well recommended!

Indoor bonsai book
This book tell about shaping and creating, planting and repotting, creating your own indoor bonsai, the tools you will need, pruning, cutting, and trimming, how to wire or bend the branches and all of those necessary things to make a tree or plant into a bonsai.Because of its size 5X7 it is not as easy to use as the larger bonsai books. This book is totally devoted to indoor bonsais and there are not many books on indoor bonsais.

An indoor bonsai does not mean that it lives indoors all year.All bonsais grow better if they are outside as long as your area will permit.An indoor bonsai is one that can live in the house during the winter without a dramatic set back.Outdoor bonsais on the other hand must spend the winter out doors.If you try to keep them in the house for the winter they will eventually die. Most bonsai books include many of the indoor bonsais, but they don't label them as indoor bonsais and they don't tell you how to keep them thriving in the house for the winter.

In this book there are 27 indoor bonsais that are presented in a two-page format. There is a beautiful picture of each bonsai. There is general information about the bonsai; it's origin, size, flower and fruit information, and other interesting information about this bonsai.It also has the following sections: Site, Watering, Feeding, Repotting, Soil, Pruning, Wiring and Propagation.

In the back of this book there is a section listing many more plants and trees that can be made into indoor bonsais with a paragraph on each of them.

This book has a lot of good information. It is printed on very good quality paper and is very tightly bound.It is because of this that it is hard to keep open which makes it a little hard to read and that is the only thing I don't like about this book."Bonsai In Your Home" is a large book by the same author and is written in the same style.It has more bonsais described in detail, but it doesn't have any of the short descriptions.

Very informative and helpful
As a bonsai beginner, I found this book contained very good answers to most of my questions. It is more helpful than my other 3 bonsai books, combined.

The text can be divided into two "sections":

GENERAL INFORMATION: e.g. constant care, repotting and root pruning, shaping, propagation from cuttings, fertilizing, tools you need

SPECIES-SPECIFIC INFORMATION: very clear instructions on how to apply (at what time of the year and with what frequency) the general techniques mentioned above, on the most popular indoor species; for each species there's apicture of a magnificent finished bonsai.

I learned a lot reading about pruning, shaping and growing bonsai over rocks; also air-layering. I didn't find anything about grafting, though. I also appreciated the part about "first steps toward an indoor bonsai": it shows a lot of pictures of plants "before" and "after" a few months of training.

At the end there's a list of "Tropical and subtropical plants suitable for training as indoor bonsai", with a short description of each species and short directions for optimum conditions and care.

To save time, there's also an index of plant names and a general index.

Ok Beginners book
This is a good general basics book -- it has beautiful color plates and some good diagramming on prunning and training.

I found the index of specific species to be very lacking and there is no "problems"section so if you have a problem that is not pest or disease related -- youcan't find answers to pretty common situations(like leaf drop) here. ... Read more

Product Description
Every bit as good as the first volume. Though both show the master at work, the focus in volume 2 is more on how-to, step-by-step transformations and the thinking that goes into creating some of the world's greatest masterpieces.Master Masahiko Kimura, also known as "The Magician," is the most famous bonsai master ever. Because of his willingness to break with convention, many in Japan refused to take him seriously, at least in the early years. Now, no one disputes Kimura's genius or his pioneering position in the bonsai world.8" x 11 1/2" 178 pages ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Kimura's genius.
As far as masters' books go, this one is very interesting.However, in case there is confusion, this book isn't a 'how to', but rather a 'how it was done' series.Pre-bonsai stock is shown, and then the progression of that stock into something almost gosammer in its beauty.For advanced students, this is great reading, simply for these progression slides.For beginners, this is also recommended, if only to provide inspiration and drive.A 'what can I do if I really keep trying' mentality.However, some knowledge of classic styles would be helpful, if only to realize how revolutionary Kimura's techniques are.A good deal of experience with live trees is also necessary for the beginner, because if anyone other than an experienced technician tried to replicate these Kimura masterpieces, they would 9.9995 out of 10 times kill the tree.Because Kimura makes it look so easy, we are sometimes lulled into a state of confidence that we don't really deserve.Having said this, this book is for all enthusiast levels.There's something for everyone.
There's a reason why I gave this book 3 stars-though I recommend its purchase-it's due to the sometimes overbearing Stone Lantern Editor editions.Essentially, the people at Stone Lantern have republished articles that originally were Bonsai Today Magazine articles(published by Stone Lantern as well). (If you own all Bonsai Today magazines, don't purchase this book.You already have the information) What they have done, however, is to republish the articles 'with' their own two cents thrown in.Sometimes this can be helpful, e.g. specifying geographical locations and throwing in bits of trivia as well as clarifying some obtuse information.Other times this can be very annoying as it interrupts the flow of the progression series.When I read I like to engross myself in the subject matter privately.With Stone Lantern comments-which are on every page, at the end or middle of nearly every paragraph-it makes me feel as if someone is constantly reading over my shoulder, or that I'm reading over their's.Comments along the lines of,

"One year seems too short for those little branches to get up in size.Perhaps this is a mistranslation?"

or "This is the first mention of what ends up being the front of the tree.It seemed pretty clear all along that Kimura wouldn't use the view that showed off the trunk's widest point, though you can never be sure what he's going to do.It's possible that this notion was speculation by the original author rather than a suggestion of Kimura."

or "If you look at the photos, the before photo says March 1, 1984 and the first after photo says July 10, 1984.Is this possible?Could a tree of that beauty and power be hiding inside the mess of overgrown and unhealthy looking needles Kimura received in March?...could this amazing change take place in four months, or is this a translation problem?"

Just to give you an idea.For me, it was tedious at times, and often annoying.Other times, however, it was bearable and sometimes helpful.

Lastly, being that this is a masters' series book, and being that Stone Lantern wished to publish it with their two cents thrown in, it should have been the two cents of a professional technician.The Stone Lantern comments are quite amateurish at times and their lack of knowledge is frustrating.For example, with the progression series of Kimura's "Dance of the dragon flying toward the sky" Kimura separates the deadwood from the live veins in order to radically bend the wood without damaging the life lines of the tree.Stone Lantern pipes in with:

"If you want to try this technique, a good way to proceed would be to find some deadwood with good character and attach a long trunk or branch from a living juniper.This isn't the same as separating a living vein and reattaching it, but it's a good start."

Now, it's not that this is bad advice or bad commentary, it's just that, again, this is a masters' series book and what they're advising is what's known as the phoenix graft or as the Japanese call it, "Tanuki".They should have known this.Beginners know about the phoenix graft.It's nothing new.Anyway, the depth of Stone Lantern comments lacks very much.One more example:

"No matter how much I look at this tree, I can't seem to grasp exactly what Kimura did.When you read the original text below and look at the pictures, maybe you'll have better luck."

I really don't need comments like the above.I didn't want an interactive book or a 'companion' to join me in my reading.It becomes utterly irksome sometimes.
Last, but not least, you should know that this book is a profile of Kimura.It explores Kimura's art, second hand, and sometimes, third hand.There was no interaction with Kimura in this publication.He was not involved.It is simply this:combined Bonsai Today articles on Kimura coupled with Stone Lantern commentary.That's it and that's all.If we could all take a slew of articles, bind them, and then provide commentary, we'd all be authors.

Finally, I do, however, recommend this book for those of you who do not own Bonsai Today editions featuring Kimura.The recommendation is for Beginners-advanced technicians.The book is bound well, the cover is laminated and glossy, the pages are glossy, and the photos are high quality.This in itself is worth the purchase.That said, for those of you whom are advanced students, you won't learn anything new via technique, unless you're great at guessing.There aren't many explanations in regards to the techniques used, or clarification.But if you wish to see how a master acquires his vision and executes it, it's a good purchase.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Handy, quick and easy
Easy for a new Bonsai enthusiast to go thru this and see how things are done.Pictures are wonderful, and information is easy to understand.Great size, too.

An inspiring little treasure.
Bonsai Miniatures offers a refreshing alternative to the fairly large bonsai that often require two people to move them and an equally large porch or patio on which to grow them.The miniature bonsai (some as small as two inches in height) depicted in Zeko Nakamura's book open a whole world of possibility to those budding bonsai aficionados who have only a small deck on which to grow plants and who don't want to launch into a major undertaking.

Aside from creating miniature bonsai out of the standard bonsai plants such as cypress and Japanese maple, Nakamura suggests looking at other possibilities:a common houseplant, a garden perennial or even a dandelion.In this 62-page book, just enough information is provided to successfully create miniature bonsai, yet without overwhelming the reader with a lot of technical detail; the diagrams are equally sufficient.Finally, the numerous color photos (31 in all) found throughout serve as inspiration ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

a classic
First written in 1978, this is a timeless book with beautiful illustrations and careful descriptions of how things can be done. Written by a Japanese expert who spent his entire life and career to cultivating bonsai, this book contains good insights in the art.

Bonsai
This book really explained the art of bonsai. I love bonsai trees, and this book helped to understand the creation and care of such beautiful trees. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical and handy guide is packed with projects on how to grow and care for these miniature trees. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

An excellent reference book
In addition to fine and detailed chapters on the horticultural aspects of good bonsai, there are many superb photographs and drawings of very high quality Taiwanese bonsai. The chapters devoted to the use of rocks both as planting surfaces and compositional icons are comprehensive and give the reader a rare look at bonsai from a decidedly Chinese perspective. There are also excellent chapters on plant physiology and nutrition.

Quality book received in superb condition at right time
I received the book at the time when I expected it. It was in superb condition as promised. I will recommend this seller for anybody who do not want to be disappointed when using the net buying books.

Pretty good... but mostly a 'picture gallery'
There is a lot of good information, but it is mostly beginner 'common sense' bonsai information, such as how to sow seeds.Half the book contains just pictures of bonsai (beautiful, but only a small portion is dedicated to 'principles and techniques' like the title promises).I LOVED the section on miniature rock formations and a glimpse into 'suiseki' (the art of rock appreciation).A good book for a the coffee table.

Great book
The book is awesome great pics good tips for almost everything its big i mean the book is really big if you like bonsai you will like this book the quality is good the book came in great condition not even a scratch i recomend it 100%

Mixed Reaction
I ordered this book because it sounded comprehensive and promised lots of photos. Having spent a good bit of time looking it over, I confess to very mixed feelings about it. There is a lot of excellent information inside and some very handsome bonsai portraits, but the overall subject treatment varies: sometimes Dr. Liang goes into depth, while at other times her approach remains superficial. Her section "Bonsai Creation," for instance, runs all of 4 pages (primarily photographs) and essentially recommends spending a lot of time looking at trees. Worse, I couldn't escape the sense that the book is in some regards a vanity publication. Many of the pictures focus on Dr. Liang and her trees, occasionally including family members, and very few of those pictures are instructive; they seem intended instead to show off her collection. And while the writing is generally solid, the English is at times stilted and could have used editing by someone for whom it is not a second language. Having said all that, it's not a bad book by any means and it does contain useful information. However, I recommend thinking of it as one source among many and suggest buying a used copy to save a few dollars. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very good
with a lot of case studies and image details especialized on this king of trees. ... Read more