Suggestions For What Book To Buy

Hello, I was wondering if anyone has a suggestion on a good bonsai book to buy. I'm trying to find something that's not too simple, and yet trying not to find one too far above my skill level. I currently own only one book, 'Successful Bonsai' by David Squire. However, I am going to be buying 'Bonsai with Japanese Maples' By Peter Adams as was suggested to me earlier this year.

What I'm really looking for is something that might complement those two books well, or the trees I'm looking to work with. I've mostly worked with a Japanese Red Maple, but also have been practicing bonsai techniques on 'free' trees found growing in my yard. Those consist of Rhododendron, Maple, Oak, Birch, and what I believe is a Flowering Dogwood. (Yes, I know half of those don't make good bonsai but I want them out of my yard anyway, so they will bonsai or die, their choice.) Anyway, I'm really hoping to work with Weeping Cherry Trees, and would love a book that goes well with them (like the maple book does with my Red Maples.)

Yugi Yoshimura's "The Art of Bonsai" is ussually recommended as a comprehensive starter book (unsure of how long or how much training you have).

Have you browsed through Jim's book lists in the Tutorials forum? If not, you will see his two lists by clicking HERE. Happy reading.

I would recommend Robert Steven's "Mission of Transformation" - Hardcover, 250 pages with 600 photos. His way off explaining important designing principles like aging, rhythm, open spaces and balance with the use off simple but effective drawings and hundreds off exemplary pictures off his own Bonsai and pictures off other Bonsai artist from around the world, is very unique in Bonsai books! Robert explains important points and principles that are rarely spoken off in other Bonsai books, but are so important to understand and use in any Bonsai (or any other Art) design! This is not a showy book, but a learning book! A book to make you a better Bonsaiist, because it shows and explains you how and why things work in the way they do, when we create or look at a Bonsai! It's a good learning book for all levels!
Happy New Year everybody!!!!!
Cheers,
Hans van Meer.