English Summary/英文概要： This book tells the awe-inspiring stories of bonsai and penjing trees in the collection of the National Arboretum in Washington D.C.

It details their valuable role in international diplomacy and as instruments of American presidential influence. It also describes their inclusion in world’s fair exhibitions, in Asian-inspired gardens around the country, and as a window onto the extensive cultivation of bonsai in North America today. An extensive first-hand account by Dr. John L. Creech is included about the first extraordinary gift of 53 bonsai from Japan to the U.S. in 1976 which prompted the founding of the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum.

"Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace" describes how Chinese penjing and North American bonsai were later added to the Museum, making its collection the most comprehensive in the world. Stories of individual trees and forest plantings are featured, as are the roles played by the skilled and talented creators of these living art formsupeople such as John Naka, Saburo Kato, Yuji Yoshimura, Harry Hirao, and Dr. Yee-Sun Wu. Armchair travelers can experience what a visit to the Museum is like, including the discovery of its remarkable viewing stones.

"Bonsai & Penjing, Ambassadors of Beauty and Peace" will delight anyone intrigued by these living works of art and curious about the stories they bring to life.

Awards/获奖情况： "It’s a beautifully photographed book the bonsai pictures are clear, the text is well written and the story is riveting." Adam’s Art and Bonsai Blog"

"This book would be a good coffee-table piece, a great addition for anyone interested in bonsai trees or plant history, or a souvenir from the National Arboretum." --Washington Gardener magazine

"There is plenty of history for those who are interested. Of course, at the heart of the book are the exquisite photographs of these living masterworks, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the Washington museum that makes them accessible to visitors from around the world." --Retailing Insight magazine

"It’s a beautifully photographed book...the bonsai pictures are clear, the text is well written...and the story is riveting." --Adam’s Art and Bonsai Blog

"I think it is fair to say that all of the books I have that have been published by Tuttle are of excellent quality. However, just occasionally one finds one that is so good it ’fair takes one’s breath away: this book, IAEm delighted to report, is one of those...the illustrations are excellent. That said, although they are some of the best I have seen, they have to take second place to the text u which is superb." --Shakkei, the Journal of the Japanese Garden Society

-This book would be a good coffee-table piece, a great addition for anyone interested in bonsai trees or plant history, or a souvenir from the National Arboretum.- --Washington Gardener magazine

“This book would be a good coffee-table piece, a great addition for anyone interested in bonsai trees or plant history, or a souvenir from the National Arboretum.” —Washington Gardener