Bullsh*t! I have techniques II, I can’t speak for the first book, but in no way is techniques II outdated. Horticulture has changed but design concepts still ring true, and techniques II is a book on DESIGN concepts. Every single time I open that book it gives me new ideas on how to approach the design of my own trees and I close the book feeling inspired. You may as well say that GOSHIN is lame because it’s old trees that are outdated. Hilarious. B-nut offers endless soil debates and much more, but no single member here can offer the breadth of bonsai design inspiration that John Naka still offers posthumously in that book. Hands down one of the most re-read books on my bonsai book shelf.
Its just what I've been told.
After already owning, and reading several times, 8-10 bonsai books, including the one shown above....and after seeing the bronze bust of Mr Naka at the National Bonsai and Penjing Museum and admiring Goshin in person many times, along with many more of his trees....I began asking about Naka's books here on Bnut...and that's what I was told...I think many agreed.
I'm sorry that I offended your sensibilities, in fact I really like his work and go to the arboretum to admire it often.
To insinuate that his trees would be outdated is stupid...
To me, personally, in reference to the books, the prices are too high...though it would be nice to read them and own.
Most of what people say is out dated is the horticultural stuff....though I would say that many people do strive to style their trees much differently now, compared to what you see in the old books...whether you like that or not is a matter of opinion and taste, I suppose.
I would also say that I see world class tree posted here all the time by many great members.
Just because Naka was a great pioneer doesn't make him the be all end all...and to say that no one on Bnut can offer the breadth of design inspiration is ignorant.
Just one man's opinion.
