Bonsai Basics: A Step-By-Step Guide To Growing, Training & General Care

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
Rating: 2 / 5

This is a very well written guide to starting and caring for your Bonsai. Once I get this mastered I would like to get the Master School Books.
Rating: 5 / 5

As a complete beginner I thought that this book would be the perfect way to get into bonsai. While it does seem to have been written by a couple of very experienced people, I had trouble finding any real step-by-step descriptions. They seem to bounce around too much and even after several passes through the book, I still don’t feel like I have a firm grasp of the full process (which they advertise as the point of the book). I would suggest looking elsewhere. The book may be a complete source of bonsai information, but I was left confused as I found myself repeatedly flipping back and fourth looking for information that should have been grouped together.
Rating: 2 / 5

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.
Rating: 3 / 5

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.
Rating: 2 / 5