grouper52
Masterpiece
I'm happy to announce that a review of my book just appeared on ofBonsai.org. It is the first independent review that I know of since the book has been available.
http://ofbonsai.org/reviews/books-movies/book-review-gnarly-branches-ancient-trees-the-life-and-works-of-dan-robinson-bonsai-pioneer
Shortly after Paul started ofbonsai.org recently, he contacted me to ask if he could write a review to post on the site. Not knowing Paul, but admiring the history of the previous sites he was involved with, I agreed, with the single proviso that he actually read the book first, not merely base the review on the photos or a casual skimming of the text. He agreed, and I sent him a promo copy of the book, and let him know that I would also send him some representative photos or page spreads of his choice once he'd read the book and knew what he wanted. I was careful to refrain from any pressure as to what I hoped or expected him to write or post.
After a while, Paul sent me a rough draft of the text of his review and an expected date of publication. Other than that there was no back and forth correspondence or attempt to influence the review: I had wanted an honest review from an impartial person. I believe Paul achieved that quite nicely. I am also happy, of course, that his review was very complimentary of the book, but mostly I am happy that his review captured the essence of work quite well, and I thank him for that.
http://ofbonsai.org/reviews/books-movies/book-review-gnarly-branches-ancient-trees-the-life-and-works-of-dan-robinson-bonsai-pioneer
Shortly after Paul started ofbonsai.org recently, he contacted me to ask if he could write a review to post on the site. Not knowing Paul, but admiring the history of the previous sites he was involved with, I agreed, with the single proviso that he actually read the book first, not merely base the review on the photos or a casual skimming of the text. He agreed, and I sent him a promo copy of the book, and let him know that I would also send him some representative photos or page spreads of his choice once he'd read the book and knew what he wanted. I was careful to refrain from any pressure as to what I hoped or expected him to write or post.
After a while, Paul sent me a rough draft of the text of his review and an expected date of publication. Other than that there was no back and forth correspondence or attempt to influence the review: I had wanted an honest review from an impartial person. I believe Paul achieved that quite nicely. I am also happy, of course, that his review was very complimentary of the book, but mostly I am happy that his review captured the essence of work quite well, and I thank him for that.