Introduction to Bonsai – the book
Posted by Rob Kempinski on Jun 29 2009
A new book has entered the bonsai market. ”Introduction to Bonsai – Growing an Appreciating Bonsai Across the Globe.”
The book contains much new content not seen in other books, starting with the international perspective of the art.
In person, readers have given me very nice comments but if you have read the book, I’d appreciate hearing your comments by entering them below. Thanks in advance.
AoB posted a review of the book here.
http://www.artofbonsai.org/forum/viewtopic.php?f=29&t=2755
Here are a few sample pages to whet your appetite. It’s available at Haskill Creek Press and various bonsai dealers.
http://haskillcreek.com/
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July 10th, 2009 at 6:29 pm
Rob: Just finished reading your book and it is a keeper to collect. In addition to nice coverage of basics and global perspective,I felt book packed a lot of technical information in a very concise manner that reads quickly for someone who has read many bonsai books. I felt the examples defining Line/taper and conveying age of tree really explained how to choose a design. Dustin Mann
August 25th, 2009 at 8:45 am
Dick Miller posted these under the accents page. I just added them here.
I got your book (Introduction to Bonsai) several months ago, and, to be honest, like so many, put on the “to read” stack,” with many other stacks of material. Nothing like getting ordered off your feet for a day or two to catch up on reading.
To my delight, I found your book a “tour de force” of the art of bonsai. You didn’t miss anything that I could see. A rank amateur could read that book and talk and work like an old bonsai nut.
I think the thing about the book that fooled me was, the remarkable photos both in quantity and quality that portrayed to me “one more coffee table” bonsai book. It may work well as such, but it has so much detail in it–it should be on every bonsai enthusiast’s reference shelf as well. This is a “must read.”
Clearly, you spend countless hours and travel to accumulate that much material. Knowing your inclination for perfection, it is clear that the material is authentic and represents–accurately, the best of bonsai and bonsai techniques around the world.
As publisher/editor of the Gulfstream Journal of Tropical Bonsai I know good work when I see it, and the cost of doing it. As curator of the Morikami Museum–Gulfstream Collection bonsai exhibit–for over 12 years, I know the horticulture is sound as well as the design details.
Congratulations on a remarkable piece of work. I hope people find this jewel and take advantage of what you present to them.
September 29th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
OK… so I may be a little Bias… but this is a really great book from Rob, he tackles the big issues around creating great bonsai really well. Lots of great contribution from the great and the good of Bonsai artists from the four corners of the world. Certainly something for everyone.
October 28th, 2009 at 8:31 am
Mr. Kempinski’s new book is one of the most informative and easy to understand bonsai publications that I have seen. It breaks down the stages of life for a bonsai in a way that really turned on a mental light bulb for me. The photos are outstanding as well and this is my “go to” book when I have questions. Thank’s for the book and the tree Rob, which BTW is doing wonderful!