BONSAI:Techniques, Styles, Display Ideas by Peter Warren DK Publishing 2014
Impressive at first glance and even better with each subsequent perusal, this authoritative volume has the makings of a definitive reference for a new bonsai hobbyist. Similar in format to Harry Tomlinson's The Complete Book of Bonsai, and reminiscent of Herb Gustafson's intro books,this particular book is heavy on images, which is the modern trend, but text is specific with facts and directions when needed.
I had not heard of Peter Warren before reading this book, and the jacket bio blurb is short and modest. Web investigation reveals that he spent 6 years in Japan, studying there with Kunio Kobiyashi. Interestingly, he is credited as both "an author and translator, featured regularly on the radio and television and is a well known face in the Japanese bonsai community". I have no knowledge,first hand or otherwise, of the Japanese media, but if Warren was featured regularly he must be very impressive indeed to be accepted as an expert.
DK Publishing is based in Britain, and the text and care recommendations reflect that geographic bent. William Valvanis is credited as U.S. consult, and his influence in the obligatory care guide organized by species is apparent. This volume is obviously aimed at the widest possible market, reflective of the fact that bonsai is an international pursuit. The wide focus is evident in the obligatory feature all books such as this have: a run down on possible species for bonsai complete with care information and photos.
The species guide is grouped by tree type, and though not exhaustive is meant to give a good idea of the wide choices available for bonsai material. I was interested to see Tamarind and Lipstick Ficus in the "Local Heroes" section, recognition that where ever you are in the world there are local plants that will make great bonsai as these tropicals emphasize. Also in this section is Blackthorn ( Prunus spinosa) also called sloe. Warren is one of several English bonsai authorities who write enthusiastically about this thorny shrub native to the British isles, praising its hardiness, three season interest and styling possibilities. I keep my eyes open when ever I am at a nursery looking for one.
Leafing through this tree section (pun intended) many of the images are familiar. There must be a spirit of cooperation among bonsai writers, because I recognize Harry Tomlinson's majestic English Oak featured in his on book, a Sageritia and Japanese Maple by Peter Chan and a California Juniper and spectacular Coast redwood from Ryan Neil.
Sandwiched on either side of this rogue's gallery are a section on bonsai basics and on bonsai creation and styling. Warren's coverage of bonsai history and design is compact and accessible. The way he covers pots and pot selection gives some real, solid advice for a subject that can be very esoteric. Surprisingly there is a page about soil ingredients and that's all the coverage potting mixes get. Soil mechanics can be an admittedly difficult and mystifying subject for the casual enthusiast, but only covering the 'what' of soil and leaving out 'how' and 'why' seems like short changing the topic.
Warren breaks down styling and bonsai creation into projects. This is a smart way to cover these ideas, ideal for a new bonsai hobbyist who has no other instruction or guidance. Simple projects like styling a garden center juniper progress to rock plantings, forests and bonsai from seed and collected material. Each project has step by step photos which make the processes involved clear for a newbie, and are a great refresher and inspiration for more experienced practitioners.
Warren's book would be a worthwhile addition to a bonsai library and would certainly be the new book of choice to give or recommend to someone just starting their bonsai journey.
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