A Fine (and Great) New Book 8/27/12

Fine Bonsai, Art and Nature is now available at Stone Lantern.

One of the most astounding books…
This morning Andy Rutledge sent me his well considered and well written review of one of the most astounding books I’ve ever seen. So rather than subjecting you to my same old prose once again, let’s try a fresh voice for a change (note, you can see Andy’s entire review on his Bonsai Journal … you might also enjoy visiting a more multifaceted Andy here).

Andy Rutledge’s review
When my copy of Fine Bonsai arrived I almost dropped it as the delivery man handed it to me. Though large, I didn’t expect the package to be so heavy. At 12″ x 15″ x 1.75″ and almost 10 pounds, this is a large and weighty book. The beautiful slipcase adds even more dimension and almost another pound of weight. When I finally unboxed and perused the book I was delighted to discover that the content, too, was weightier than expected.

Fine Bonsai – Art & Nature is primarily a photo-artistic study of bonsai from public and private collections in North America and Japan, with photos by renowned photographer Jonathan M. Singer and text by the respected American artist, teacher, and publisher William N. Valavanis.

In addition to the bonsai sections which comprise most of the book, beautiful and important bonsai containers and suiseki are featured in discrete chapters. Each is filled with practical and historical information on the depicted works. There’s also an informative section on the various arboretums and nurseries whose trees are featured in this book.

The Good

The photography is stunning. Each of the 281 full-page photos allows the subject its individual due and dignity. The rich, dark background surrounding the bonsai in these photos, combined with elegant and creative lighting, presents each subject in a way that is at once serene and emphatic. Though the dark environment for the photos creates perhaps an uncommon or unfamiliar context for bonsai, the trees seem most comfortable there. They shine like stars on a stage…
For the rest of Andy’s review visit The Bonsai Journal.

 

Looks like someone decided to change the name. Either one (Fine or Great) hits the nail square on the head.

A great time to get yours
Turns out Fine Bonsai landed here just when we started our Big Summer Book Sale. List price is 150.00 and our regular price will most likely be 120.00. The sale price is 95.00.