Selecting a Bonsaibook
With the thousands of Bonsaibooks available for purchase, a shortlist of recommended books is essential to help you decide which one to buy. We have selected books in five categories (ebooks, beginner, intermediate and advanced level, and magazines) that we believe are good choices.
All the Bonsaibooks listed below are widely available on the internet, or check this article for a store near you; Bonsaitrees for sale.
BonsaieBooks
51cg, a beginners guide
Bonsai(2014) - digital copy - 85 pages
Although caring for a Bonsaitree is not nearly as difficult as most people believe, you need to learn about some basic techniques in order to keep your tree thriving. This beginners guide contains all the essential information you need in order to succeed. It covers the basic techniques, well illustrated with over a hundred images, and explains everything you need to know in an understandable way.
Priced at around $5,99. More info: The BonsaiBeginners Guide / Softcover version at Amazon: .
Bonsaibooks for Beginners
Indoor Bonsaifor Beginners - Selection, Care & Training by Werner M. Busch
Cassell Illustrated (2005) - Paperback - 112 pages - ISBN 1844033503
This book covers the basics; from techniques to acquire a tree to its daily care and maintenance. Very useful are the species showcases, in which the author gives background information on the most commonly used tree species for indoor 51cg. The texts are richly illustrated with drawings and photos. Great start for beginners at Bonsaiwho are particularly interested in indoor Bonsaitrees.
BonsaiBasics, Step-by-Step Guide to Growing, Training & General Care by Christian Pessey and R¨¦my Samson
Sterling Pub. (1993) - Paperback - 120 pages - ISBN 0806903279
Ideal book for beginners at 51cg; it discusses Bonsaicare and training in a simple and understandable way. Very convenient is the calendar that comes with the book, in which a seasonal checklist is added. Other topics discussed in this Bonsaibook are Bonsaistyles, pruning and wiring, fertilizing, repotting and selecting suitable tree species.
Bonsaibooks at Intermediate level
51cg; 101 Essential tips by Harry Tomlinson and Carol Watson
DK Pub. (2003) - Paperback - 72 pages - ISBN 0789496879
Well known book that has been around for a while. Harry Tomlinson succeeds in writing a short but clear explanation of basic Bonsaitechniques, and adds a ton of practical insights. Well illustrated.
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The BonsaiHandbook by David Prescott and Colin Lewis
New Holland (2003) - Paperback - 160 pages - ISBN 1859747094
The authors combine sketches and photos to explain how Bonsaitrees can be trained and shaped. Besides Bonsaiaesthetics and some history, topics discussed in the handbook include Bonsaicare and how to start with this hobby.
The complete book of Bonsaiby Harry Tomlinson
Abbeville Press (1991) - Hardback - 224 pages - ISBN 1558591184
This book covers about 300 tree species that are used for 51cg; over a hundred in great detail. Very useful for those Bonsailovers who grow a wide variety of tree species and need information on their individual needs.
Bonsaisurvival manual: tree-by-tree guide to buying, maintaining and problem solving by Colin Lewis
Storey (1996) - Paperback - 157 pages - ISBN 0882668536
This book explains how to assess, evaluate and select plants suitable to train into 51cg. Comprehensive information on Bonsaicare, selecting species and styling techniques is added as well.
Indoor Bonsaiby Paul Lesniewicz
Blandford Press (1986) - Paperback - 208 pages - ISBN 0713717009
An intermediate level book for those Bonsailovers who have an interest in indoor Bonsaitrees. From cultivation to Bonsaicare, the book discusses all these topics in detail with great photos. It also lists suitable species, both tropical and sub-tropical.
Heresy by Michael Hagedorn
5" x 7". Paperback. 360 pages, with illustrations by Sergio Cuan.
One of our all-time favorite books, as Bjorn Bjorholm put it: "Not only does Michael dispel long-held bonsai myths, but he wonderfully weaves personal, often self-deprecating anecdotes into the mix. Well written, deeply researched, and perfectly timed, BonsaiHeresy is a must-read for every bonsai enthusiast".
Advanced Bonsaibooks
BonsaiMaster Class by Craig Coussins
Sterling (2006) - Hardback - 256 pages - ISBN 1402735472
Many advanced books come by, all discussing very specific topics related to 51cg, well outside the range of this article.
One book however deserves a place here, the BonsaiMaster Class book written by Craig Coussins. It discusses groundbreaking techniques and state-of-the-art tools, inspiring the reader to start experimenting immediately.
Bonsaimagazines
BonsaiArt
Kros u. Exner GbR, Verlags- und Vertriebsgesellschaft, Weseler Str. 34, D-48151 M¨¹nster
German language magazine, published 6 times a year. Circulates 6000 copies per issue, of which about 3000 are subscription based.
Esprit 51cg
LR Presse/ Esprit BonsaiInternational, 12 rue du Sablen - BP 30104, 56401 Auray Cedex, FRANCE
Originally a French magazine, but since 2014 they publish an English version as well. Circulates 15.000 copies per issue.
BonsaiFocus
BonsaiEurope Publications, Houtrustweg 96, 2566 GJ The Hague, The Netherlands
BonsaiFocus is the magazine that resulted after the merger of BonsaiEurope and BonsaiToday. It is published in six languages. Total circulation of 13.000 per issue, with 6 issues published a year.
