Bonsai Life Histories by Martin Treasure (2002, Paperback, Illustrated)

I owe many bonsai books, all are good in their own way, but can fall short when trying to convey some of the more important aspects of bonsai cultivation and keeping.

This is a great little book for both beginning bonsai keeper and those who have been at it for awhile.

The book nicely describes the development of a tree over the course of many years accompanied with a picture taken at key periods during the tree's developemnt. It shows the beginner what all goes into the creation of a living work of art, to be patient and that a bonsai tree can truly come from any where, and sometimes the most unlikly places. You are only limited by your imagination. Although, it does not discuss too much about tehnique, patience and imagination often times are more important and it does that very well.

It also reminds the more advance hobbist of the things we should remember but often times forget: patience and imagination are the most keys to successful bonsai keeping.


This book only describes bonsai trees that need to be kept outside, such as pines, juniper, maples, etc. There is also many, many trees or plants that make excellant bonsai trees that truly can only be kept inside, most noteably ficus. However, that same ideas in this book also apply to indoor trees.

I believe that it makes a good additional to any bonsai book collection.