The Living Art of Bonsai: Principles & Techniques of Cultivation & Propagation

by Amy Liang

"With 288 color pages, Liang's is one of the best [books on the subject]. Her book includes a breath-taking photo gallery of bonsai, basic styles, group planting, plant physiology, cultivation, propagation, transplanting and repotting, and training and dwarfing--in other words, everything the bonsai grower needs to know."-- Booklist

Cultivating bonsai is a fine art, and this extravagantly produced volume, filled with hundreds upon hundreds of lavish full-color photographs, showcases the very best and most beautiful specimens. Many of the trees have won international awards, were gifts bestowed by heads of state, and have been featured in TV documentaries. Some have even been the subjects of a commemorative stamp series. Professor Amy Liang, a world-famous leader in the field, surveys the history of bonsai in its many schools and styles, and offers practical techniques and highly detailed instructions for those who want to shape and nurture their own trees. The remarkable images display dazzling miniature evergreens, flowering and fruited trees, and their foliage.

Genres: Gardening

288 pages, Paperback

First published June 30, 1995

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an incredibly advanced book of bonsai cultivation, but the amazing full-page color pictures are stunning, making this more of a coffee table book than a how-to (even though the author discusses a lot of how-to, you have to be a bonsai nut to do any of it). The history of bonsai cultivation is covered, as are the design theories behind the art. Mostly the author highlights her own prize-winning bonsai trees, which are truly magnificent (some are as tall as a person, some as small as a thimble). I occasionally flip through this book and drool and sigh and think, "if only I had the time and patience...." and then turn on the TV and waste a bunch of time.

[Dennis Nolan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased a hard copy of The Living Art of Bonsai in 2005 when it was first published. After 8 years, it is still one of my favorites. I believe the benefits of this book are the photographs of high quality bonsai shared by Dr Liang from her private collection along with her profound knowledge of bonsai.
Although I had 20 years’ experience with the Art when I made my purchase, I would recommend this to any serious beginner, just for the inspiration. It is not just another book that will only take up space on your shelf.

[ian · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a bit dated, but much of her advice is timeless wisdom. Good photography. Excellent progressions given as examples of techniques

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are countless bonsai books out there, but few manage to balance the beauty & information as well as this one. Wonderful reference book.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great pictures and a lot of information.

[Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview, and good pictures. I got some ideas, but this isn't really a how-to book. I really need a copy of Bonsai for Dummies . . .