Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words [Paperback]

Martin Treasure (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 2, 2002

Bonsai Life Histories is a detailed absorbing insight into the transformation of original plant material into exquisite bonsai trees. These 50 dramatic stories show how one bonsai expert has created "something out of nothing," recording the life histories of over 50 trees, both in photographs and descriptions that reveal the rewarding process of tending bonsai to maturity.

This instructive and useful book also includes information on:

• origins of bonsai
• getting started
• what makes a good/bad bonsai
• bonsai style
• styling, pruning, refinement
• tools, repotting, watering, feeding
• training techniques
• finding suitable plants
• seasonal planner
• guide to pruning and maintenance tasks through the year
• bonsai in the garden
• displaying bonsai
• exhibiting bonsai
• pests and diseases
• glossary of terms

Bonsai expert Martin Treasure reveals a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge and demonstrates his technique in bringing out the personalities of individual trees. Even non-enthusiasts will be intrigued by the stories.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Martin Treasure from a wealth of technical and horticultural knowledge demonstrates his unique skill at developing these exquisite miniature trees. (Joanne S. Carpender National Gardeners Magazine 20020601)

We think that the case study method is particularly appropriate for teaching the art of bonsai. (Hortideas 200208)

Clearly illustrates the vision, dedication and patience necessary to cultivate these 'living sculptures.' (Kathe Onnair Minneapolis Star Tribune 20021107)

Informative and entertaining, Bonsai Life Histories might motivate you to create your own living sculpture. (Judy Sandler Lexington Herald-Leader )

About the Author

Martin Treasure has been interested in bonsai since his teens, when he joined several bonsai societies and began attending exhibitions, specialists nurseries and gatherings of bonsai devotees. He was encouraged by many of the eminent names in the bonsai world, who recognized his talent, vision and individuality. Soon, his trees were to be seen at national and international exhibitions and at the Chelsea Flower Show, where in 1995 and 1996 he had a total of 12 trees on the Federation of British Bonsai Societies stand, which won a Silver Gilt Medal. He began giving lectures, all the while building a unique photographic record of the development of the trees in his collection, spanning over 15 years.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Firefly Books (March 2, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1552096157
• ISBN-13: 978-1552096154
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 8.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,060,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Really Great Book, February 28, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words (Hardcover)

This is possibly the best and most inspiring bonsai book that I've ever had the pleasure of reading - and I've seen plenty!

It is an instruction book which shows in great detail by example how superb bonsai specimens are acheivable, with just a little patience. My trees are already looking better as a result of reading this!

Loads of great chapters complete this book, together with some really super colour pictures.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly Exceptional Bonsai Book, October 16, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words (Hardcover)

I just read Bonsai Life Histories and it is the answer to every bonsai enthusiasts dreams. It is truly exceptional. I have been looking for a book to span most of the bonsai experience spectrum and this fits the bill - and so so much more.

I own and operate a small bonsai retail store/nursery/studio and I teach classes for novices and more experienced growers here at the studio and am often asked for book recommendations. This one is at the top of the list. Even with my 14 years experience in bonsai, I found it very refreshing, as it teaches by example, rather than just instructing.

The author is both a skilled bonsai practitioner and an astute writer. Most books are blessed with one or the other (and a few have neither!). I appreciate this book and thoroughly recommend it.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The pictures speak a thousand words, July 19, 2002

By 

Richard Matthews (Olean, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bonsai Life Histories: The Lives of over 50 Bonsai Trees in Photos and Words (Paperback)

If you are a student of bonsai and looking for basing information, then this is not a book for beginners. However, if you want to see how bonsai trees are styled and develop over time, then this will provide you with a lot of information. The pictures of the trees in development over the years are worth the price of the book.