Bonsai Techniques One

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Summary: The bonsai bible
Review: Accept first off if you buy this book, there are very few pretty pictures. This is not a coffee table book. There are however many detailed diagrams and tons of information that any serious bonsai artist should have. Naka de-mystifies the art of bonsai and gives clear cut diagrams that are easy to understand and (even more important) easy to apply to your own trees.

If you want a picture book of bonsai this is not for you, if you grow bonsai you should buy this book. In fact if you only buy one book on bonsai, buy this one.

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Summary: perfect for me - the neophyte
Review: As a medical doctor, i am a total neophyte to the world of bonsai. Just about 2 months ago, i have the strong feeling that i would like to enter the beauty and mystery of it. I started to attend basic bonsai classes; visited bonsai gardens and nurseries of the philippine bonsai masters -learn different techniques from them and finally i was able to read Bonsai TechniqueI. Practically, the questions on my mind were answered by this all-knowing book of John Naka = perfect for me, the neophyte. I was so amazed and overwhelmed with all the details that goes with it, and now i feel that i should have started bonsai much earlier. But then, i felt too, that it's not yet late for me to have my own bonsai collections, philippine set-up at that. This book will definitely be my guide and teacher! Although, Philippine trees are different from other countries and taking note that we only have 2 seasons (wet & dry), this book offers no problem to me. First,it gradually guided me to the mystery and beauty of any tree on a pot. Second, it suddenly woke up my interest to the complexity of the nature of bonsai. Every beginner should have this book. There's no doubt about it! There is so much to offer by this book - page by page- there is no stopping as to every detail one has to know! If only there is a chance for Mr. John Naka to visit the Philippines, we would be, in all honesty, be very greatful and proud if he does! To go here and bring all his books for us to buy would be very, very inspiring. With all the studies he did about trees from different countries, he should at least give a chance to analyze our native trees as to their being a potential bonsai. One thing to remember: once a bonsai faces you with all its serenity and mystery, his book could perfectly guide you to the right way of viewing it as well as understanding it. It achieves triumph within yourself and the inner peace you gain is tremendous once you make a bonsai, of course guided by John Naka's book entitled Bonsai Technique I.

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Summary: BONSAI MADE SIMPLE
Review: Bonsai, the art of dwarfing trees, was at one time a specialized hobby for only a few. In recent years it has become popular and you can find these miniature trees in florist shops as well as in Home Depot. Regretably, these small trees have a short lifespan when taken home by the owner. In most cases, the owner hasn't a clue as how to take care of the tree for a lifetime enjoyment.

Ignorance is not bliss for bonsai. John Yoshio Naka removes all ignorance by providing the first time bonsai owner with a one step guide on techniques of caring, shaping, dwarfing and feeding these trees. Using pictures and simple diagrams you are shown the step by step techniques on how to dwarf a tree. Notes are also provided on the monthly care of the tree. Advice is also given to make adjustments in the care of your bonsai depending on your geographical region. This text is perfect for amateurs and those who are thinking abouting starting a bonsai collection. Its simplicity is highly user friendly. If you follow the instructions as given, you will achieve a lifetime enjoyment of bonsai.

Rating:
Summary: The bonsai bible
Review: One of the two best books on bonsai that I have ever owned. No bonsai artist should be without it. Mr. Naka does a great job of explaining the different basic techques that can be used in creating great bonsai. A job well done.

Rating:
Summary: bonsai technique 1
Review: One of the two best books on bonsai that I have ever owned. No bonsai artist should be without it. Mr. Naka does a great job of explaining the different basic techques that can be used in creating great bonsai. A job well done.

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Summary: These used prices are nuts!
Review: This book is effectively in print -- the latest printing was 2002 -- and you can still get new copies from bonsaimonk.com or bonsai-bci.com/books.htm, among others. I'm sure eventually amazon will get some copies with the next printing -- they've been coming out every two to three years. Until then, don't pay $50 for this book used. And yes, as another reviewer said, he does sign almost every copy -- so don't pay extra for the collectibles!

And yes, it is a terrific piece of work -- like being walked through a hands-on class by a tutor who demonstrates all the possible mistakes along the way by showing, not telling. Very pleasing to the eye as well, for a micro-publisher's book.--Shayana Kadidal