Majesty in Miniature : Shohin Bonsai - A used book is 2,300 pound

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Why is this book costing 2,300 pound? Here it's the link. What do you think, is it worth it?

 

[Anthony]

Old IBC member, Albek

Look for Count Matsudaira book
Good Day
Anthony

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

I've read about Albek but I cannot find the connection between Count Matsudaira and the book.

 

[Anthony]

Count M. had a fantastic collection of Mame' Bonsai.[ Google for further information ]
Contact Mr. William Valavais [ member on Bnut ]
He may have another copy for sale.
However it did cost either $80.00 US or more back in the 89's.


This guy as well - Zeko Najamura - https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Minia...qid=1518452225&sr=8-1&keywords=zeko+nakamura'

And the publications by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens - 3 books
Here is one -
https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Dwa...-6&keywords=bonsai+brooklyn+botanical+gardens

Good Day
Anthony

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Count M. had a fantastic collection of Mame' Bonsai.[ Google for further information ]
Contact Mr. William Valavais [ member on Bnut ]
He may have another copy for sale.
However it did cost either $80.00 US or more back in the 89's.


This guy as well - Zeko Najamura - https://www.amazon.com/Bonsai-Miniatures-quick-Zeko-Nakamura/dp/0870402447/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518452225&sr=8-1&keywords=zeko+nakamura'

And the publications by the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens - 3 books
Here is one -
https://www.amazon.com/Handbook-Dwa...-6&keywords=bonsai+brooklyn+botanical+gardens

Good Day
Anthony

Thanks!

 

[hemmy]

Why is this book costing 2,300 pound? Here it's the link. What do you think, is it worth it?

Crazy Amazon pricing algorithm when thy can’t find the book on major sites.

Here’s Mr. Albek’s note on the book and a future version. The bottom link is to a Danish store that appears to have them for 34 GBP ($47USD).

https://shohin-europe.com/2017/10/08/shohin-book-sold-out/


http://www.shop-bonsaivaerkstedet.com/shop/shohin-shohin-bonsai-181p.html

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

I have ordered from another website a new book for $80 I think.

 

[LanceMac10]

Picture book. Save your cash for materials to work. Little to no useful horticulture advice.

 

[rockm]

Why is this book costing 2,300 pound? Here it's the link. What do you think, is it worth it?

FWIW, this is not worth $80, even for a collector. It's not all that terrific, has some nice pics, but not worth that kind of money.

Any of the books below $20 here--particularly the Kimura book-- are much better values.
http://www.stonelantern.com/Bonsai_....htm?searching=Y&sort=5&cat=35&show=25&page=1

I've been collecting bonsai books for going on 25 years now. Have over 200 of them. Have seen prices for some books, (like this one and a handful of others) become artificially high (as in borderline gouging)

 

[Giga]

not worth it - why not just sign up with Ryan Niel and then you have a constant influx of videos and info then a book, cheaper too

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

I just started to build my bonsai books collection and ordered quite a few. For both John Naka Bonsai Techniques paid a lot.

Looking also to buy Dwarf Trees by Shinobi Nozaki, people say that it’s the first bonsai book in english.

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

not worth it - why not just sign up with Ryan Niel and then you have a constant influx of videos and info then a book, cheaper too

It’s a pleasure to read and build my book collection. From some books I learn more, from some less. For sure I will subscribe to Ryan Neil or for Mr. Albek videos.

 

[jeanluc83]

I got a copy a couple of years ago for ~$16. Not a bad book but not worth $80.

 

[rockm]

I just started to build my bonsai books collection and ordered quite a few. For both John Naka Bonsai Techniques paid a lot.

Looking also to buy Dwarf Trees by Shinobi Nozaki, people say that it’s the first bonsai book in english.

As you build your collection, you will notice over time, that many MANY of the old books are simply, well, BAD. Stuff like "first book in English" tend to hold your interest for about a week. Then you never pick it up again. I've got a hundred of those.

Old does not necessarily translate to "worthwhile." Sometimes, it translates to "old crap."

Nozaki's book translates to the latter...

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

For sure most of the old and very old books will not help too much, but it’s part of the game.

From my perspective, a bonsai book collection should include famous books, old and new ones, and even the first writings.

 

[sparklemotion]

Why is this book costing 2,300 pound? Here it's the link. What do you think, is it worth it?

In answer to your first question: a lot of pricing on Amazon and other large online sellers (eBay) is algorithmic, and it can get extra wonky when supplies are really low. Probably one bot glitched out and set a $1000+ price, and other bots are along for the ride.

Planet Money has done good work on this. Here, and here.

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

I did not know that, I thought that the user selling on Amazon is deciding the price on his own.

 

[sparklemotion]

The users set the prices, but many users use scripts/bots to help determine what the prices should be.

 

[SuperMarioZZZ]

Yup, the ones that are having many products.

 

[KingJades]

http://absbonsai.org/product/shohin-bonsai-unlocking-the-secrets-of-small-trees

It's $20 from American Bonsai Society. I purchased a copy a few months back.