The Bonsai Handbook (Hardcover)

~ (Author), Colin Lewis (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

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.

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. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: New Holland (December 31, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1859747086
• ISBN-13: 978-1859747087
• Product Dimensions: 11.3 x 8.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #993,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

26 of 26 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

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 Very Comprehensive, March 9, 2006

By	S. Goff - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I actually bought this book as a gift along with the various items needed in the growning of a bonsai. The book was amazing with beautiful pictures and detailed instructions for growing a bonsai from the underground - up. Great deal for the money. Enjoy!!

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.