Rating: 
- Comprehensive and detailed
It's said that Japanese candlesticks are so universally used and well-regarded in Japan that you couldn't trade the Japanese market without knowing them. While I haven't tried it to verify that claim myself, many traders do believe in this technique of technical analysis and find it useful. Nison's book is probably the bible on the subject, and after a brief but interesting history of the Japanese market, he discusses what they are and how to use them in great depth and detail, giving the reader a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of candlesticks. Sometimes the prose gets a little dense and may be tough going for beginners, but overall, this is an excellent book on the subject.
If you're a novice trader, however, I would recommend you read one of the many introductory books and then a more advanced book on technical analysis before reading this one. The book isn't cheap, but I would do a search on Amazon's used books and see if you can pick up a copy that way. Finally, a caveat, which is that one indicator, or even one type of indicator (such as moving averages or oscillators) isn't enough to trade the markets, and the real skill in trading is knowing which indicator is applicable in any given situation, which only comes with experience. But this book will help you understand this important indicator so you will know how to use it when it's appropriate.
Rating:
- It helps if you're a dentist!
If you are unfamiliar with technical analysis, or with candlestick charts even though you may not know how to interpret them, this book is NOT for you. It is poorly written and wordy. Don't get me wrong, there is some very good information in the book but extracting it is like pulling teeth. For example, early in the book the author uses a day chart of Walmart to explain changes in the market. Too big of a leap for me. If you do buy this book I suggest skipping the body and going directly to Glossary A which contains images of the various patterns with short explanations. Then if you have any questions you can wade through the relevant section of the book. This book should be considered not much more than a very expensive reference book.
Rating: - One of the only TA books you will need
I do not lend this book. Most all of my trading books are gone as I generously lend them out to those interested in trading and the markets. My bookshelf is shrinking. Nison's book stays with me. This thoughtful book, more than most, greatly influenced my initial understanding of price and participant behavior. It is a great primer for traders and investors interested in TA.
Rating: - Excellent book for TA beginers and profesionals
I started to learn technical analysis (TA) from western methods, and it was boaring and not interesting, it took very much energy from me to move forward. But as i found and realized, that there is a author named "Nison" who writes about old Japanese technique, this changed my view and enthusiasm about TA. Now i started to look at these thing different, and the best of all - it helps me to imporove my trading tactics.
So, for anyone who needs to understand TA and candlesticks - this is a MUST READ.
Rating: - A complete ripoff in big font and double space type
Steve Nison is desperately trying to fill pages. A big font and double spaced book may appeal to elementary school kids but not a professional traders. The whole book could be condensed to about 25 pages. This book is over priced, dry and boring.
If you want to read and enjoy learning about candlesticks, Steven Bigalow's book is great (and cheap).
Nison is trying to impress the reader with his knowledge of about 10 Japanese phrases, which is lame. Please spend half the money on a much better book. Nison is making money by selling books and seminars, not trading. What surprises me is how some people, can publish stuff with no substance.
I found this book completely useless.
- Comprehensive and detailedIt's said that Japanese candlesticks are so universally used and well-regarded in Japan that you couldn't trade the Japanese market without knowing them. While I haven't tried it to verify that claim myself, many traders do believe in this technique of technical analysis and find it useful. Nison's book is probably the bible on the subject, and after a brief but interesting history of the Japanese market, he discusses what they are and how to use them in great depth and detail, giving the reader a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of candlesticks. Sometimes the prose gets a little dense and may be tough going for beginners, but overall, this is an excellent book on the subject.
If you're a novice trader, however, I would recommend you read one of the many introductory books and then a more advanced book on technical analysis before reading this one. The book isn't cheap, but I would do a search on Amazon's used books and see if you can pick up a copy that way. Finally, a caveat, which is that one indicator, or even one type of indicator (such as moving averages or oscillators) isn't enough to trade the markets, and the real skill in trading is knowing which indicator is applicable in any given situation, which only comes with experience. But this book will help you understand this important indicator so you will know how to use it when it's appropriate.
Rating:
- It helps if you're a dentist!If you are unfamiliar with technical analysis, or with candlestick charts even though you may not know how to interpret them, this book is NOT for you. It is poorly written and wordy. Don't get me wrong, there is some very good information in the book but extracting it is like pulling teeth. For example, early in the book the author uses a day chart of Walmart to explain changes in the market. Too big of a leap for me. If you do buy this book I suggest skipping the body and going directly to Glossary A which contains images of the various patterns with short explanations. Then if you have any questions you can wade through the relevant section of the book. This book should be considered not much more than a very expensive reference book.
Rating:
- One of the only TA books you will needI do not lend this book. Most all of my trading books are gone as I generously lend them out to those interested in trading and the markets. My bookshelf is shrinking. Nison's book stays with me. This thoughtful book, more than most, greatly influenced my initial understanding of price and participant behavior. It is a great primer for traders and investors interested in TA.
Rating:
- Excellent book for TA beginers and profesionalsI started to learn technical analysis (TA) from western methods, and it was boaring and not interesting, it took very much energy from me to move forward. But as i found and realized, that there is a author named "Nison" who writes about old Japanese technique, this changed my view and enthusiasm about TA. Now i started to look at these thing different, and the best of all - it helps me to imporove my trading tactics.
So, for anyone who needs to understand TA and candlesticks - this is a MUST READ.
Rating:
- A complete ripoff in big font and double space typeSteve Nison is desperately trying to fill pages. A big font and double spaced book may appeal to elementary school kids but not a professional traders. The whole book could be condensed to about 25 pages. This book is over priced, dry and boring.
If you want to read and enjoy learning about candlesticks, Steven Bigalow's book is great (and cheap).
Nison is trying to impress the reader with his knowledge of about 10 Japanese phrases, which is lame. Please spend half the money on a much better book. Nison is making money by selling books and seminars, not trading. What surprises me is how some people, can publish stuff with no substance.
I found this book completely useless.