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
Man Lung Penjing
2. Author/Editor:
Wu Yee Sun
3. Publisher:
Man Lung Penjing Co. Ltd.
4. Year of Publication:
2002
5. ISBN Number:
IRD Ref: 9113859
Recommendation & Impression:
1. Why would you or would you not recommend the book/video?
Man Lung Penjing is the kind of book which brings together the history, culture, development, and display of one man's forest and landscape bonsai plantings. This book is a testament to the accomplishments of one man, Mr. Wu Yee Sun.
The book is published with both Chinese and English sections that give us the history of penjing, as well as a fair insight into Mr. Wu's techniques. The detail is adequate to give the reader a good idea of how to create her/his own penjing.
2. Who is the intended audience?
"The aim is to provide people all over the world a channel for the appreciation and review of these masterpieces of art. Moreover, it is hoped that the website can attract young talents to work in cooperation for the preservation and further development of the Chinese traditional art of penjing." (- Poman Wu, the artist's son.) As such, it is clear that the book is also aimed at all bonsai and "potted landscape" fanciers.
3. a) Why do you think the book was written in the first place?
Initially published in 1969, the book today is filled for the most part with images of Mr. Wu's plantings from various periods of his life, and as such is a "commemoration of (his) accomplishment in his over seventy years of study in the art, and as a vivd record of the style of his works".
3. b) Is there a particular slant to the book? If so, explain.
The information about penjing and Mr. Wu's personal landscapes is objectively presented throughout. The praise of his works is well deserved.
4. What do you personally like/dislike about it?
I personally like the multitude of colour prints of Mr. Wu's trees and landscapes. Because of these, I am better able to understand some of the differences between the Chinese penjing and Japanese saikei. I particularly enjoyed the tray landscapes, but could personally do without the miniature figures and buildings.
Content & Summary:
1. Judging by the book's table of contents, what would you say are the main topics covered by the book?
The table of contents indicates that the book's main areas of interest will be information about Mr. Wu, the man and artist, the nature of "artistic pot plants (penjing), and the plantings themselves. In fact most of the book is devoted to the latter.
2. How detailed is the treatment of these topics?
Poman Wu gives us a glimpse of his father's life and accomplishments without going into too many personal details. The focus is always on Mr. Wu's penmjing interests. The hundreds of images which fill the main part of the book are an excellent reference for the rest of us to consult and provide an ample testament to this man's achievements.
Commentary:
1. What interest does the book create in the reader?
The reader leaves the book with a sense of admiration for what can be done by any one individual given the opportunity, dedication and encouragement by one's peers.
2. Is there anything particularly outstanding about how any of these are handled?
The photographs speak for themselves and make an ewxcellent reference resource.
3. Is anything lacking?
The author focuses on his personal collection of penjing throughout his lifetime. The sections on the history, techniques and styles of penjing are useful in broadening the appeal of the book since they provide a tapestry of which the various penjing form an integral part.
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 as well as the current issue). Man Lung Penjing 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.
