Zen Gardens: The Complete Works of Shunmyo Masuno, Japan's Leading Garden Designer Kindle Edition

I feel that the writer compiler could have used the plan layouts more effectively i.e. used annotation/names on the garden sketches instead of trying to describe the layout of how one sub-garden leads to the next which is tiresome most times (a picture/sketch says a thousand words), possibly concentrating more on the designers thoughts and use of certain elements etc. Having said this, however this book is deeply provocative, and leaves me, a wanabee designer, in awe. I'd say this book is a must.

Japanese gardening is a wonderful art form that celebrates simplicity, creativity and nature. The work of Shunmyo Masuno, perhaps Japan's leading garden designer, is superbly showcased in this beautiful work. The photographs are both inspiring and gorgeously presented. Importantly, the text adds detail about the highlighted gardens that is enlightening and thoughful. As a Japanese garden enthusiast, this book has a special spot in my book collection. I highly recommend purchasing it.

Masuno is a master of his arts, gardening and Buddhism. Very pleasant and interesting window into a mind and work of a master. Highly recommended. His book on zen life is a must read too.

Beautiful book. We leave it on the coffee table and it's inspired us to create our own little version of "Zen" at our own home in Los Angeles.

This is one of the best books of garden landscape that I ever read. There is a lot in this book: introduction of Japanese gardens, small and big projects in traditional style, gardens in modern style, all created by Zen Master Shunmyo Masuno. Every garden in this book have a drawing plan and great pictures. Beautiful descriptions + interview +more...

FABULOUS BOOK, GREAT PHOTOGRAPHS, CONTEMPORARY JAPANESE GARDENS, SUPERB

This book provides me with a different perspective of Zen garden. A contemporary design of Zen garden incorporates with the traditional concept. Another good Japanese garden book for my collection

Photos and text give great introduction to Shunmyo Masuno's design practice, and elements to consider for your own designs...

This is a beautiful book. The Masuno gardens are discussed in lovely detail with some excellent photography. A slight criticism i have is that some of the photographs are clearly taken very soon after the completion of the garden so there has been no time for any kind of maturity of planting or character to set in. What I really liked was an interview with Masuno where he talks about his design philosophy which is a fascinating read. I'm not completely 'there' with some of Masuno's gardens, the stones are fresh and sharp and clearly show signs of the quarry they have been wrested from so some of these are very contemporary and I'm sure are going to need a century of use and wear to achieve anything like a good form. I felt the need to go back to my Sakuteiki frequently when reading the book to consider the use of stones as I did find some of the newness and emptiness very challenging to contemplate. I know I'm going to spend hours poring over the photographs again and again because they are so rich in detail and wisdom. If you are new to these ideas read the Sakuteiki first or look at Motomi Oguchi's guide first.

Being a member of the Japanese Garden Society, I have numerous books on the subject of Japanese Gardens. and I would rate this as one of the best. Shunmyo Masuno (a Zen Buddhist Priest) has built some stunning gardens, in both traditional and modern styles and they are all here in this book. The book is full of wonderful photographs that give plenty of ideas should you wish to build your own Japanese style garden.

Everything fine with this purchase. Would use seller again

Wonderful book. If you like minimal style and design....buy this.

Love the book. Unfortunately it arrived with the top corner dented...so not properly packed!