Which book would you buy first?

[Nybonsai12]

Bonsai techniques by Naka
or
Bonsai: It's Art, Science, History and Philosophy by Deborah Koreshoff.

Thanks,

 

[bonsaibp]

That's a tough one. I'd say don't choose one over the other and get both.

 

[Poink88]

I agree, get both but if I really have to choose...I'll get Naka's.

 

[Bonsai Nut]

I'd buy the Naka books, hands down.

If I were buying for someone new in the hobby, I would consider getting them a magazine subscription. Sounds strange, but a book has a tendency to be put down and gather dust, whereas a magazine that arrives monthly keeps the subject front and center.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Thanks all for the input. I have a book or two but they aren't quality books and were given to me because a family member got them at a library sale that because it said Bonsai on the cover.

I recently began getting International Bonsai. It's very well done and I am enjoying it.

I've noticed with nakas book there is a I and a II but there is also one that just says Bonsai Techniques but is not indicated as volume one or two. It states it is a fourth edition? Any thoughts?

 

[nathanbs]

You would want to get I(maroon) and II(gold), there are some earlier editions that are collectible but may not have all the same info as the two I listed above. Try to get a signed one, as they are not too hard to find

 

[rockm]

Naka wrote two books, Bonsai Techiniques I and Bonsai Techniques II. The first one is good. The second one is very good and has alot of info on pots and "art" aspects. The first book has some care info which is obsolute and tied to Soutern California and isn't all that helpful. It also has some excellent design information. Edition number doesn't make all that much difference, unless it's a first edition or signed.

I've always thought Koreshoff was a bit overrated (I expect I'll get flamed for that). In any case, given the choice between the two Naka books OR the koreshoff book, I'd take the Nakas.

 

[Dav4]

I own both BT I and II. I don't use the books as a source of horticultural or technical info(anymore), but the hand drawn images are wonderfully done and quite inspirational. Naka's drawings, alone, are worth owning the books, IMO.

 

[Brian Van Fleet]

Nothing against the Naka Books, I have II (Gold one...signed) and I never open it.

But...I CONSTANTLY find myself thumbing through the picture books, any Kokufu-ten books you can find, or Kunio Kobayashi's book. Both are available at this link. Yes, comparatively expensive, but IMO, infinitely more inspiring and useful.

 

[jkd2572]

I own both BT I and II. I don't use the books as a source of horticultural or technical info(anymore), but the hand drawn images are wonderfully done and quite inspirational. Naka's drawings, alone, are worth owning the books, IMO.

If you want just the drawings. They have a book with just that too. I own it.

 

[jkd2572]

Here it is on eBay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bonsai-Tree...914?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3376832f52

 

[jk_lewis]

I have all of them. Naka's information is a bit old fashioned, and quite unreliable as to soil, etc. and outside of the zone he was writing them in (I think that's one reason the Californians like him so much ). I glance at the sketches for inspiration every so often.

I think Koreshoff's book is the most complete book on bonsai ever written. You do have to take into account its Ozzie roots, though. It has been around for a while, too, so some of its horticultural info may be superseded by more recent advances, but you're an idiot to learn horticulture from any bonsai book, anyway. It's pages on design, pots, and styling are right on the mark.

 

[yenling83]

Nothing against the Naka Books, I have II (Gold one...signed) and I never open it.

But...I CONSTANTLY find myself thumbing through the picture books, any Kokufu-ten books you can find, or Kunio Kobayashi's book. Both are available at this link. Yes, comparatively expensive, but IMO, infinitely more inspiring and useful.

I'd agree with Brian, Kokufu books are the way to go. Another great investment for learning bonsai would be some of Boon's DVD's.

 

[rockm]

I own a number of Kokufu albums. They're nice and inspirational and all, but the trees in them are mostly unobtainable and remote. I find Naka's ideas more approachable and "do-able" than the Japanese stuff. Might be because several of the trees in those books are only a few minutes away from me at the National Arb. I can see up close and personal what was done to what as well as see how Naka's design ideas have stood the test of time--and they've held up like iron.

 

[cmeg1]

art science history and philosophy taught me more than anything,even if it promotes organic fert very strongly

 

[Bonsai Nut]

The reason I like Naka's books is that they are the closest thing I have found to actually sitting in a John Naka workshop. They are very rough, and the content is not the most polished, and the organization is a little scattered, but taken as a whole it provides a very different perspective versus most coffee table books.

I would also consider DVD's or instructional videos. Or for that matter, take someone to a live exhibit.

 

[Larix]

As books go for reference in this hobby I would also recommend a work by Peter D Adams that I have found to be a great source of assistance, inspiration and just plain old help in my endeavours to capture a glimpse of nature in miniture. "Bonsai Design - Deciduous and Coniferous Trees"
While dated somewhat, the techniques, drwaings, charts and pictures presented are still invaluable in understanding the blend of sound horticulture practices and and art required for magnificent trees.
http://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Design..._B001H6WC84_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1357407350&sr=1-4


I have the works previously mentioned and agree all are worth having for reference and research.
Happy New Year

 

[Nybonsai12]

I went with Koreshoff's book to start since i was able to get a great deal.

I'll continue to watch for Naka's books though.

Thanks all for the input.

 

[Nybonsai12]

This book is great!

 

[dick benbow]

keep your eyes open for david de Groot's basic bonsai design. Put out by the american bonsai society. Small, inexpensive and packed with great information.