The complete book of Bonsai

The complete book of Bonsai cover
Good Books rating 4.2
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Technical
  • ID: 10248
  • Added: 2026-01-18
  • Updated: 2026-01-25
  • ISBN: 9781558591189
  • Publisher: National Geographic Books
  • Published: 1995-01-03
  • Reviews: 3

The Complete Book of Bonsai is an all-encompassing guide that delves into the traditions and artistic principles of growing and maintaining bonsai trees. It features over 300 bonsai trees and shrubs, with more than 100 showcased in a full-color photographic catalogue. The book traces the origins and development of bonsai, explaining the underlying principles and classic styles with detailed illustrations and descriptions. It also provides clear step-by-step sequences for creating a bonsai from a seedling, cutting, or garden center plant, along with comprehensive information on tools, techniques, maintenance, and propagation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, this book is an essential reference work filled with inspirational ideas and practical advice. The book is not just a practical guide but also a visual treat, with outstanding examples of plantings in various styles and a detailed section on the types of containers used for different trees or styles. It offers advice on placing and exhibiting your completed bonsai, making it a complete resource for anyone interested in the art of bonsai. The photographic catalogue at the heart of the book provides cultivation and styling details for over 100 different species, each accompanied by an original full-color photograph of at least one outstanding specimen.

Reviews
Bonsai Nut · 2023-07-29
great 4.50

This book is highly recommended for beginners due to its comprehensive coverage of bonsai techniques. It balances research with practical advice, making it a valuable resource.

The reviewer recommends this book for beginners, highlighting its comprehensive coverage of bonsai techniques. They appreciate how the book balances research with practical advice, making it a valuable resource for those starting out in bonsai. The reviewer found it particularly helpful in understanding the basics and getting started with bonsai cultivation.


Quick quotes

    If you're just starting out then Harry Tomlinson's "The Complete book of Bonsai" is great.

    What helped me most was balancing research with practical advice.

    It's a valuable resource for those starting out in bonsai.

Facebook · 2020-03-15
good 4.00

This book is praised for its unique blend of information and ideas, making it a comprehensive guide to bonsai traditions. It is also noted for being a great tabletop book.

The reviewer highlights the unique blend of information and ideas presented in this book, making it a comprehensive guide to bonsai traditions. They also mention that it is a great tabletop book, which can be found fairly cheap online. The reviewer appreciates the book's ability to cover a wide range of topics and the origins of bonsai, making it a valuable addition to any bonsai enthusiast's collection.


Quick quotes

    A great tabletop book as well as for learning about all different kinds of topics and the origins of bonsai.

    It can be found fairly cheap online.

    It's a valuable addition to any bonsai enthusiast's collection.

Goodreads · 1990-01-01
excellent 4.10

This book is both practical and visually appealing, making it a great choice for both learning and display. It serves as a comprehensive guide for bonsai enthusiasts.

This book is highly praised for its practical advice and beautiful illustrations, making it a favorite among bonsai enthusiasts. It's not just a guide but also a coffee table book, perfect for those who appreciate both the art and the aesthetics of bonsai. The reviewer finds it to be one of the best books on the subject, offering a blend of information and visual appeal that is hard to find elsewhere.


Quick quotes

    This one of my favorite Bonsai books.

    Practical and beautiful.

    Great coffe table book.

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