Customer Reviews:
 The ALMOST Complete Book of Bonsai April 26, 2007
8 out of 8 found this review helpful
I'm new to the bonsai world, and had read some material online for a quick introduction. Now I was ready for more details, which is why I ordered this book.
It is an excellent book, with step-by-step descriptions and accompanying pictures, which are large and high-resolution. The book is great for education as well as inspiration. It covers everything from the history, to starting your own bonsai from scratch, to maintaining it. It also has an extensive compendium of trees and shrubs.
The only reason I gave it 4 out of 5 stars was that there were a couple of (what I thought were basic) things I was looking for that didn't appear in the book, i.e. information I came across online that I was hoping to get more detailed information and pictures on. I would give it a 4.5 if I could, because it's still a great book.
TIP: If you buy this book, don't buy Bonsai (101 Essential Tips). I bought both, and was disappointed to see they are the same book, only Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)
is an abridged version of this book. They are published in the US by Abbeville Press and in London by DK.
 Must Have January 11, 2007
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Bought this for my husband and he goes back to it frequently for reference...glad we got this book...very informative. My brother borrowed it and now,he bought it too.
Already a Classic! April 27, 2006
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Extremely well designed, written and photographed! What more needs to be said. Covers all aspects of Bonsai care and propogation along with a detailed description of a large variety of species. Certainly one of the very (and perhaps the) best book on the subject to date.
Inspiring, beautifully illustrated, and easy to understand April 10, 2006
32 out of 32 found this review helpful
If I had this book when I first started my bonsai hobby five years ago, I would have saved myself years of frustration and would have been able to enjoy bonsai almost immediately following the straightforward instructions Harry Tomlinson presents to the reader. I can definitely recommend "The Complete Book of Bonsai" to the beginner not only for this reason but also for its eye-catching beauty, wealth of ideas, and very reasonable price considering the sheer volume of high quality photography included in its hardcover binding.
As other reviewers here wrote, the high number of photographs far from reduce this book's usefulness as a practical guide. Rather, since bonsai is in its essence a visual art, the photographs effectively and elegantly convey many important concepts that words simply can't.
One of my favorite features in "The Complete Book of Bonsai" is its quick start approach. Tomlinson minces no words while introducing the art of bonsai, getting straight to its essence. Immediately after introducing the basic tools and concepts, he shows the reader how to create his or her very first bonsai in only minutes from common garden center stock.
This is important for the beginner because Tomlinson reassures the reader that one needn't start with seeds to be creating real bonsai. It is much more important, in my opinion, that beginners discover how enjoyable creating these works of art can be without being discouraged by the years required to start from seed. I can say this with confidence because trying to start from seed was the very mistake I made when first getting into it.
In conclusion, if you're interested in starting a bonsai hobby, this book is a must-have. Don't hesitate or read more reviews. Just mark this one as helpful, add the book to your basket, and profit from a well written work.
Good luck!
Great for beginners September 1, 2005
5 out of 5 found this review helpful
I purchased this book as a gift for a beginning Bonsai grower and it proved to be just the right choice. The photos are clear and beautifully done. Instructions are concise. I would highly recommend this book for anyone hoping to start a Bonsai garden.
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