Just SO Readable...

Ok, so this is looking a bit like Peter Chan Week over here, but would like to add a bit of a review of his book - Bonsai Secrets which was delivered about a month ago and that I've read cover to cover at least 3 times (have it lying around in the most visited parts of the flat so often sit down and read for a few minutes, or just marvel at some of the specimens within...).

The book is just so well written, with a bit on the historic roots of Bonsai in China, the migration to Japan along with other substantial parts of Chinese culture, along with the evolution of the art over the last century.

Most of the pictures are just stunning (I'm a particular fan of the Red Maple specimens) and it's very hard not to be inspired by the obvious pasion Peter feels towards Bonsai.

A warning though: This book makes you feel like you need to move into the country-side and grow the beautiful, majestic trees. I see myself as a metropolitan dweller, but the draw of nature is palpable when you read this.

The book describles very succinctly various techniques that should be followed to ensure the best looking tree, along with visual photographic guides.

If I had a star rating system going I'd definitely give it a 5! Love it.

Peter Chan - Herons Bonsai...

I've decided that I need to go on a bit of a pilgrimage when the weather is fine and the time available. The trip will be my first to a proper Bonsai nursery - Peter Chans in fact! The trip shouldn't be more than an hour or two each way and I have a friend who's teaching at a boarding school not too far away so if I manage to make it before the end of term, will try and catch him for a drink or two.

Herons Bonsai Nursery looks great! Seven and a half acres of Bonsai Goodness... http://www.herons.co.uk/ Will be sure to take plenty of photos! I'm sure most of the trees are going to be stunning!

And Book #3...

The third and final book that was delivered is also by Peter Chan - Bonsai Masterclass. Apologies in advance for the quality of the picture, lighting was terrible when I had the chance to take a photo.

Seems to be a much more in-depth look at bonsai and is my first hardcover book on Bonsai. Haven't opened it yet and will wait to do so, too much to read already and this seems to be a great one for once I've fully grasped the basics... As you can probably tell - a bit of a fan of Peter Chan

Another Few Books...

Over the last week, though busy with the new job, I've managed to have a quick flick through several new books that were delivered recently. The first one was is Choosing and Growing Bonsai by Peter Chan...

On first glance it appears to be a much more in-depth mini-encyclopedia of Bonsai - split into chapters based on foliage and placement - Outdoor Decidous, Outdoor Coniferous and Indoor. Along with some more information on maintenance and care - something I haven't yet looked at.

An in-depth review of this one will come in a couple of weeks - very easy reading quite like Bonsai Secrets (also by Peter Chan) which I will be reviewing later this week.

The New Books...

New books were delivered to my parents house yesterday, only had the time to have a flick through quickly...

The Secret Techniques of Bonsai by Masakuni Kawasumi II with Masakuni Kawasumi III is predominantly in black and white which was a bit of a disappointment, but seems to go very deep into most techniques i've heard of an many that I haven't.

The other is Bonsai Secrets by Peter Chan, which seems a bit more accessible, has beautiful illustrations and shows a great variety of old, gorgeous trees...

I'll write a bit more once I've had the chance to read these properly...