The Creative Art of Bonsai [Paperback]

Isabelle Samson (Author), Remy Samson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1991

This comprehensive treatise explains how to grow and care for bonsai. Species of bonsai available in Europe are discussed, from the more common outdoor varieties to the rarer, "tropical", species (grown indoors), in which Remy Samson specializes. The book comprises two main parts. The first part discusses the general principles of the subject, covering such topics as the classification of bonsai, the various styles, propagation and caring for the trees. Part two, the major part of the book, comprises a selection of over 60 species of trees suitable for training as bonsai, being subdivided into outdoor and indoor bonsai.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Eternally fascinating yet frequently intimidating, bonsai remains something of a curiosity to most plant enthusiasts. But now, with the help of this exceptional new book, this ancient horticultural art form is no longer quite so overwhelming. With a wealth of information carefully organized into chapters on bonsai's history, styles, classifications, and care, the Samsons bring nearly 30 years of experience to light in a nearly encyclopedic reference guide. Brilliant color photographs of more than 70 of the most suitable trees for bonsai development are compelling enough to entice even the most hesitant of gardeners to try their hand. The finer points of bonsai culture--containers, propagation, temperature, sunlight, water, pests, and diseases--are thoroughly documented and explained through uncomplicated photography and illustrations. Seemingly timeless yet constantly changing, bonsai gardening is to be both admired and attempted. For anyone with a yen to control Mother Nature, the Samsons have written a captivating guide to both the creative and the practical art of bonsai. Carol Haggas
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Language Notes

Text: English, French (translation) --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 168 pages
• Publisher: Ward Lock Ltd (March 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0706370244
• ISBN-13: 978-0706370249
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,041,564 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good first Bonsai book. Packed with helpfull tips, June 11, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Creative Art of Bonsai (Paperback)

A very good first bonsai book. Very clear pictures Lots of suggestions and ideas.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Only recommended as a curiosity..., February 5, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Creative Art of Bonsai (Paperback)

There are numerous books on the subject of bonsai that are SO much better... This book has pictures of trees that look like the works of a dead drunk gardener. But if u want to relax from the "perfect" trees seen in many other good books, and relieve the tension from your own "mistakes" this could very well be the book to get ;-) The Art of Subtlety is in no way revealed in this book. However, there are very nice DRAWINGS of how the different styles can be percieved. There are some more or less useless techniques on display in the book. And the focus seems to be more on technique rather than on aiming for something beautiful. The most "shocking" of all mis-facts in the book is: The Siberian Pea Bush (Caragana sp.) is listed as an indoor species... It is not. It DEFINITELY needs a good winter-freeze to go on living. It is an extremely hardy bugger

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent first reference, December 22, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Creative Art of Bonsai (Paperback)

I agree some of the trees leave you scratching your head but the book covers all the common bonsai species and is very comforting on the horticulture of bonsai, species by species. The reader needs to be aware that the book assumes you're growing your trees in the south of France and adjustments need to be made for your own climate.