Old and most famous bonsai books

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Which are the oldest and most famous bonsai books? I will start with John Naka well known Bonsai Techniques I and II.

Share your ideas.

PS: I started to collect them.

 

[R3x]

Have a look at these: http://www.magiminiland.org/Books/Books.html
Lots and lots of inspiration...

 

[Anthony]

The Classical Bonsai of Japan - not old, but should be had.

If you are into Mame' --------- Count Matsudaira

The older books say 1950 to 1960 - will explain the practices for soil and some
trees, but not really image rich.
Fortunately, for us [ Tropics ] the practices were very informative.

The Chinese have many books -------- alas ----- only in Chinese.

Amazon also has pages of listed Bonsai Books from back then, if you take
the time look.
Good Day
Anthony

* There are also Philosophical bits on Bonsai / Tree Penjing in Chinese books in
English, but coming from the literature side. Tales of the Song for example.

 

[Clicio]

take a look:

The Bonsai Book of Practical Facts
https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Book-Practical-Facts-Collection/dp/0945487002

 

[Adair M]

Are you collecting them to collect them? Or learn from them?

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Are you collecting them to collect them? Or learn from them?

I buy books to learn from and I’m happy to have a great collection, being a huge fan of bonsai.

Clicio, thank you for your recommandation. I ordered it today.

Anthony, I m looking for books every day on several websites. For Bonsai Techniques I and II, I have waited some good weeks to find the books in a good shape (one I have bought it as new) and decent prices.

R3x, most of the books are in chinese and japanese. I am looking only for english books.

It’s interesting to read a bonsai book from 1900 even if it is probably outdated.

 

[Adair M]

Look for Yugi Yoshimura’s “Minature Trees and Landscapes”.

The old books are interesting, but they’re ALL outdated. Especially anything related to horticulture.

The current Japanese language magazines are worthwhile, even if you can’t read the text. They have excellent photos of the training performed over several years time.

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Look for Yugi Yoshimura’s “Minature Trees and Landscapes”.

The old books are interesting, but they’re ALL outdated. Especially anything related to horticulture.

The current Japanese language magazines are worthwhile, even if you can’t read the text. They have excellent photos of the training performed over several years time.

I have ordered it today.

Even Bonsai Techniques books are outdated?

 

[Adair M]

I have ordered it today.

Even Bonsai Techniques books are outdated?

Yes! And what’s so bad is people treat them as Bonsai Bibles!

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Good to know. I will do my best to collect as much information as possible and hopefully I will know to filter it.

 

[Adair M]

The best way to learn is directly from another person. Who makes bonsai you like, and is better than you!

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

Deborah R. Koreshoff
Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

For sure but at my location, I don't know anybody into bonsai. Maybe after some research, I will be lucky but I'm not too confident that there are people that gather in a club or an association.

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Deborah R. Koreshoff
Bonsai: Its Art, Science, History and Philosophy

Ordered today. Thanks!

 

[dirk hoorelbeke]

Peter Adams has some old good ones. I have lots of bonsai books on the shelf. When you read a few you've read them all. Except the ones named maybe.

 

[rockm]

Never mentioned much, but a very good book for species suitable (and tried) for bonsai:
Bonsai: the art and Technique Dorothy Young

https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Art-Technique-Dorothy-Young/dp/0130797405

 

[LanceMac10]

Never mentioned much, but a very good book for species suitable (and tried) for bonsai:
Bonsai: the art and Technique Dorothy Young

https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Art-Technique-Dorothy-Young/dp/0130797405

Do you know if this is from Dorothy/ @cascade a member here?

 

[Tentakelaertje]

If you want to collect the books for collecting them, some high profile Japanese gardens had their collection photographed and then made reaaally fancy books. Like printed on special paper and gold decorations fancy. I saw some for sale at Noelanders at a Spanish stand (forgot which one), but they're out there

 

[rockm]

Do you know if this is from Dorothy/ @cascade a member here?

Uh, I'd be very surprised if that's so. This book was written back in the early 90's

Another great, underrated and not much known coffee table bonsai book is "The World of Bonsai" by Paul Lesniewicz and Eberhard Grames. From the late 80's.early 90's also. Big book, now hard to find and can be expensive. I saw it in English when it first came out. Was only able to get a copy a few years ago in French. Doesn't matter. It's all about pictures. Very well done pics of great bonsai and where they come from.
https://www.amazon.com/World-Bonsai-Paul-Lesniewicz/dp/0713721642

 

[LanceMac10]

Just curious, and I did click the link you provided. I did, in fact, notice it's second printing was dated to the late 80's. As far as I can recall, I believe the member I mentioned is/was (?) an accomplished practitioner/ instructor of "bonsai".


And did create the "Tree Thread"

Thanks for the link!!


@William N. Valavanis has released some fine books......