Writing for those with no bonsai experience, Larry and Shirley Student cover everything from buying the first plant to creating a miniature landscape of rocks, grasses and trees. In between, they describe different bonsai styles, list important tools, explain pruning and pinching and introduce procedures like defoliation. In short, the authors cover all aspects of bonsai, anticipating common problems and offering practical advice gained from years of working with plants.Kurt Seastrand, past president of the Northeast Bonsai Association raves, ''A wonderful book for anyone intrigued by bonsai but hesitant to start. It provides the beginner the excitement and confidence to launch into this fascinating hobby.''