The following review incorporates a "review writing guide" that you might wish to use in writing your own review for The Journal.
Publishing Data:
1. Title
Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment
2. Author/Editor:
Qingquan Zhao, translated from Chinese by Karin Albert
3. Publisher:
Venus Communications, LLC
4. Year of Publication:
1997
5. ISBN Number:
0965529703
Recommendation & Impression:
1. Why would you or would you not recommend the book/video?
Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment is the kind of book which brings together the history, culture, development, maintenance and display of forest and landscape bonsai plantings. In this regard the book is more than a mere "how to" publication.
The information is presented in a clear and concise format, although the images used to illustrate the various concepts, are not always of top quality. The frequent use of figurines, in my opinion, does not add realism to the designs, but detracts from them.
2. Who is the intended audience?
Despite these shortcomings, I would recommend this book to the bonsai enthusiast who has a special interest in forest and landscape plantings, and to the novice who wishes to learn the techniques to create realistic-looking tray landscapes.
3. a) Why do you think the book was written in the first place?
Qingquan Zhao's work enjoys great popularity in China and abroad. This book is the author's interpretation of the art of penjing as well as a statement of his personal preferences in the field.
3. b) Is there a particular slant to the book? If so, explain.
The author places the art of penjing in a historical and cultural context, thus showing how this form has evolved over time. At the same time there is a strong desire to provide objective information that the reader can use to create his/her own landscapes.
4. What do you personally like/dislike about it?
I personally like the broad scope that the book provides but feel that many of the "trees" used in some of the landscapes are inferior.
Content & Summary:
1. Judging by the book's table of contents, what would you say are the main topics covered by the book?
The topic of water and land penjing receives the greatest effort by the author: he explains the various classifications of penjing, shows the reader how to select suitable material, and goes into the specifics of creating the actual penjing. The section on the use of rocks is particularly enlightening for the novice.
2. How detailed is the treatment of these topics?
Ample illustrations and photographs as well as step by step instructions allow the reader to create his own penjing.
Commentary:
1. What interest does the book create in the reader?
The reader's interest is aroused by the excellent photographs of some of the penjing in the book, as well as by the detailed instructions for creation one's own.
2. Is there anything particularly outstanding about how any of these are handled?
The greatest strength here lies in the detailed "how to" instructions and illiustrations.
3. Is anything lacking?
The author focuses on his personal collection of penjing to the exclusion of other famous tray landscapes.
4. Why is the book a welcome addition to our library?
Significant new interest in this type of art was recently created for TBS members by Norman Haddrick's workshop (see your December Journal issue). Penjing: Worlds of Wonderment supplements his presentation while at the same time providing a different point of view of this art form. I believe that TBS members will be anxious to take this book out from our club library.
5. Why should TBS members want to look at this book?
Since Norman Haddrick's presentation kindled considerable interest in those who attended his workshop, many members will be anxious to peruse this library addition. Unfortunately, the club only has one copy of the book.
