The Bonsai Handbook [Paperback]

David Prescott (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 28, 2003

A combination of skillfully drawn artwork and breathtaking color photographs accompany inspiring descriptions that highlight every facet of bonsai practice: its aesthetics and anatomy; explanations of the different styles; growing your own bonsai; keeping plants healthy, pest-free, and in shape—indoors or out.

 

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Bonsai books abound, but [this] may convince me to try again. It combines aesthetic appreciation with lucid practical advice, along with helpful drawings. Prescott deals with almost every facet of the art-from the proper tools, to watering, feeding, root pruning, soil types, pots and branch wiring-in a way that is truly encouraging."--Washington Post Book World

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

David Prescott created his first bonsai from seed at the age of eight, a Scots pine. He has since become a full-time bonsai expert, having learned from teachers such as well-known and widely published Colin Lewis, who acted on consultant on this, David's first book. David lives near Manchester, England.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: New Holland (March 28, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859747094
• ISBN-13: 978-1859747094
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.7 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,285,359 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

28 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classical Treatment of a Classical Art, March 13, 2002

By 

Michael T. Loos (Cleveland, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Bonsai Handbook (Hardcover)

David Prescott's treatment of bonsai is highly recommended. The Bonsai Handbook is a fine example of how bonsai should be presented. It depicts both young trees and fine specimens. It makes bonsai approachable to the beginner as well as creates intrigue for the advanced collector. The plates are clear and finely photographed. Illustrations are well executed and helpful. The text is well written, although, at times, a bit complex. The author thoroughly descibes the art, science, and technique. He includes excellent information concerning tools, pots and general horticultural practices. As a bonsai artist and horticultural botanist, I find this book to be a great value and superior to many bonsai books presently in-print.

I question only minor elements: the use of cut-paste on pruning wounds. One photograph (p.104)is mislabeled (Larix larcina should be Thuja occidentalis).

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good book & good value, August 29, 2009

By 

M. Miller - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Bonsai Handbook (Paperback)

This book does a good job of explaining the basics of bonsai. It is well written and complete with excellent illustrations. It is matter of fact and avoids mystical advice. It is an excellent value; the binding and pages are durable and attractive. I chose it over other books under $20 to give to students in a class on bonsai basics that I taught recently. The members of the class liked the book also.

5.0 out of 5 stars The Bonsai Handbook, October 13, 2011

By 

Gary A. Fechter "gfechter" (IL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Bonsai Handbook (Paperback)

The Bonsai Handbook showed up in a very short time. It provides excellent information for enthusiasts of all degrees. Outstanding source for me as I am a first time bonsai grower.