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Art & Culture

Culture and art is many things and at Tales you find a wide selection of art and culture books. If you enjoy a trip to the museum or an evening at the theatre this is the place for you. If you are more into architecture or a well written song, fear not you also find books about that. Lastly design and fashion is also part of our art and culture selection, so what are you waiting for? Set your inner creativity free and get inspired by some of the world’s best artists, musicians, designers or architects.
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  • by Andrei Tarkovsky
    £30.99

    Since his death in 1986, Andrei Tarkovsky has become increasingly recognized as one of the great masters of world cinema. The book also contains an extended essay by film critic and historian Ian Christie, who places Tarkovsky's work in the context of Soviet film-making practice.

  • by Woody Guthrie
    £8.99

    An autobiography of Woody Guthrie, founder of modern American folk music. This book presents a cynical, earthy and tragic account of his life in an Oklahoma oil-boom town, of the Depression that followed, and of his subsequent travels in, on, and under trains, in stolen cars and on his feet, round an America going rotten from the top downwards.

  • - Journals
    by Kurt Cobain
    £18.99

    The first publication of Kurt Cobain's diaries, which were found after his death in 1994. Genuinely moving, provocative and candid, and suprisingly funny, pieces of writing which, as a whole, provide a unique account of the rise and fall of a greatpopular artist and icon.

  • - Tales of Glamour and Excess
    by Danny Sugerman
    £10.99

    WONDERLAND AVENUE is the careering autobiography of someone who wilfully, skilfully and enthusiastically abused all the cards that life dealt.

  • by "Banksy"
    £13.49 - 16.99

    _______________Banksy. His work. Photographed. With comments by Banksy. In a book. This is that book. _______________

  • - The Whitman Sisters and the Negotiation of Race, Gender and Class in African American Theater 1900-1940
    by N. George-Graves
    £120.99

    In The Royalty of Negro Vaudeville , Nadine George-Graves provides an historical narrative of their achievements and uses black feminist theories, feminist theories of performance, and theories of class and popular culture to analyze the many layers of performance in which the Whitman Sisters participated, on and off the stage.

  • - Collections and Creations
    by Daniele Bott
    £21.99

    Chanel, a captivating book written by Daniele Bott, is a must-read for all fashion enthusiasts. Published in 2007 by Thames & Hudson Ltd, this book delves into the iconic world of Chanel, one of the most influential fashion houses. The author, an expert in the field, brings to light the brand's timeless elegance and the genius behind its creation. The book is a beautiful blend of fashion, history, and art, making it a unique addition to any bookshelf. Written in English, it offers an extraordinary journey through the evolution of style and luxury. Don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating story of Chanel through the eyes of Daniele Bott.

  • - No One is Innocent
    by Alan Parker
    £8.99

    The last word on Sid Vicious - the world's most iconic punk figure

  •  
    £35.49

    Brutal beauty dominates in Frederic Chaubin's images of extreme Soviet architecture from the final years of the USSR. In these photographs, we explore the disappearing world of totalitarian structures, originally designed to dominate and exert omniscient power over civilians through both spectacular forms and austere aesthetics.

  •  
    £41.49

    This definitive publication on Alexander McQueen (1969 - 2010) invites you into the creative mind and world of one of Britain's most brilliant, daring and provocative designers, and the many themes and references that shaped his visionary fashion collections.

  • by H. Walter Lack
    £18.99

    Meet "the Raphael of flowers," Pierre-Joseph Redoute. Adapted from our best-selling XL edition, this book gathers some of the finest engravings from his masterful volumes Roses, Lilies, and Selection of the Most Beautiful Blooms and Branches with the Finest Fruits. The dazzling images transport us back to the magnificent greenhouses and gardens...

  • - Working with Digital Textures
    by Sarah Gardner
    £27.49 - 174.99

    Vintage-looking, dream-like textures can open up a whole new world in your photography. However, there is much, much more to working with textures than simply merging them with an image via Photoshop. This guide helps you learn what there is to know about how to maximize the potential of these exciting tools.

  • by Paul Edwards
    £15.49

    A first of its kind collection, How to Rap is an insightful and intelligent breakdown of the elements of rap for anyone wanting to learn the art form or understand the principles behind it. Author Paul Edwards examines the dynamics of hip hop from every region and in every form - mainstream, underground, current and classic - looking in particular at content, flow, writing and delivery. Edwards provides unparalleled access to the most acclaimed names in rap and their methods of working, with a foreword by Kool G Rap and interviews with over 100 artists, including Public Enemy, Mobb Deep, Schoolly D, Nelly, will.i.am, Arrested Development, A Tribe Called Quest, and Rah Digga. This one and only comprehensive examination of the MC art form is pure gold for the hip hop lover.

  • - Updated Edition: From the Creative Team Behind the Celebrated Movie Series
    by Warner Bros
    £25.49

    Written and designed in collaboration with the cast and crew that brought JK Rowling's celebrated novels to the silver screen, this book delivers an enchanting interactive experience, transporting readers to the wizarding world by sharing filmmaking secrets, unpublished photography and artwork, and exclusive stories from the stars.

  • - Focus on the Fundamentals
    by Matt Armendariz
    £19.49

    Discusses the ins and outs of equipment, lighting, composition, propping, sparking your inspiration, and getting creative, all with what you have on hand at home. This book helps you learn how to avoid common pitfalls with foods that are notoriously camera shy.

  • - Bringing the House Home
    by Soho House UK Limited
    £25.49

    Eat, Drink, Nap, a captivating book penned by Soho House UK Limited, is a must-read for anyone seeking a balance between life's daily hustle and the need for relaxation. Published by Cornerhouse in 2014, this book is a testament to the author's unique perspective on achieving a well-rounded lifestyle. The genre of this book is hard to pin down as it beautifully merges elements of self-help, lifestyle, and culinary arts. Soho House UK Limited, through this book, guides readers on how to incorporate elements of relaxation into their everyday lives. From tips on what to eat and drink to the importance of taking a nap, the author provides a comprehensive guide to living a more relaxed and fulfilling life. If you're looking for a book that is not only engaging but also provides practical advice, then Eat, Drink, Nap is the perfect choice. Don't miss out on this masterpiece from Cornerstone, a publisher renowned for its wide range of insightful books.

  • - Technical Secrets of the Traditional Visual Arts
    by Daud Sutton, Lisa Delong & Adam Tetlow
    £17.99

  • - A word-lover's guide to the British landscape
    by Dominick Tyler
    £13.49

    An enchanting visual glossary of the British landscape: photographs and stories which take the reader from the waterlogged fens to the white sands of the Western Isles. 'Out .

  • - 100 Iconic Moments in Fashion
    by Megan Hess
    £13.49

  • by Sebastian Schütze
    £51.99

    Notorious bad boy of Italian painting, now considered one of the greatest influences in all of art history. This comprehensive catalogue raisonne reproduces all of Caravaggio's paintings as well as a number of dramatic details of his boundary-breaking realism. Five chapters assess Caravaggio's artistic daring, while a detailed chronology traces...

  • by Barbara Hess
    £11.99

    From vast, splattered canvases to quiet pools of color, enter the world of Abstract Expressionism, the movement which put feelings into paint and turned New York into the global center for contemporary art. This book features works from 20 key artists, including Jackson Pollock, Philip Guston, Robert Motherwell, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning.

  • by Francois Blanchetiere
    £11.99

    Produced in collaboration with the Musee Rodin, this essential introduction examines the key works of Auguste Rodin, pioneering French sculptor behind The Kiss and The Thinker. With rich illustration and insightful texts, we explore the artist's material processes of modeling and assemblage and his leading ideas of movement, bodily expression,...

  • - My Life Inside The Room, the Greatest Bad Movie Ever Made
    by Tom Bissell & Greg Sestero
    £8.99 - 9.49

    Now a major motion picture, The Disaster Artist, starring James Franco, Alison Brie, Zoey Deutch, Lizzy Caplan, Zac Efron, Bryan Cranston, Dave Franco, Kristen Bell, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, and Judd Apatow.In 2003, an independent film called The Room - starring and written, produced, and directed by a mysteriously wealthy social misfit named Tommy Wiseau - made its disastrous debut in Los Angeles. Described by one reviewer as 'like getting stabbed in the head', the $6 million film earned a grand total of $1,800 at the box office and closed after two weeks. Over a decade later, The Room is an international cult phenomenon, whose legions of fans attend screenings featuring costumes, audience rituals, merchandising and thousands of plastic spoons. In The Disaster Artist, Greg Sestero, Tommy's costar, recounts the film's bizarre journey to infamy, explaining how the movie's many nonsensical scenes and bits of dialogue came to be and unraveling the mystery of Tommy Wiseau himself. But more than just a riotously funny story about cinematic hubris, The Disaster Artist is an honest and warm testament to friendship.

  • - Surveying the Modern and Postmodern Horror Film
    by Tony Magistrale
    £27.49

  • - Life Inside The Fall
    by Steve Hanley & Olivia Piekarski
    £9.99 - 16.49

  • by Emma Baxter-Wright
    £11.49

    Little Book of Chanel is a fascinating exploration of the timeless elegance of Chanel. Authored by Emma Baxter-Wright, this book delves into the iconic brand's evolution and influence in the fashion industry. Published in 2017, the book offers an intimate look at the creative journey of one of the most celebrated fashion houses in the world. Baxter-Wright, a renowned fashion journalist, provides an in-depth analysis of Chanel's unique style and its impact on contemporary fashion. Published by the Welbeck Publishing Group, this book is a must-read for fashion enthusiasts and those interested in the history of high fashion. Dive into the Little Book of Chanel and immerse yourself in the captivating world of luxury fashion.

  • - The Story of Women in the 20th Century Told Through the Clothes They Wore
    by Lynn Knight
    £9.49

    Tracing the story of women at home and in work, from the jet buttons of Victorian mourning, to the short skirts of the 1960s, taking in suffragettes, bachelor girls, little dressmakers, Biba and the hankering for vintage, this book lifts the lid on women's lives and their clothes.

  • - A Step-by-Step Guide to Mastering the Art of Creativity
    by Lucy Edmonds
    £10.99

    A beautiful workbook that provides an introduction to modern calligraphy and creative ways to develop your own unique style of lettering

  • - Greek Theatre and Imperial Image
    by Robert (Townley Grammar School Hancock-Jones
    £14.99

    This textbook is endorsed by OCR and supports the specification for AS and A-Level Classical Civilisation (first teaching September 2017). It covers Components 21 and 22 from the 'Culture and the Arts' Component Group:Greek Theatre by James Renshaw and Laura SwiftImperial Image by Robert Hancock-JonesWhy was tragedy and comedy so central to Athenian life? How did drama challenge Athenians to reflect on their way of living? How did the emperor Augustus present himself as the restorer of Rome's greatness? To what extent did he provide an example to later political figures as a promoter of his regime? This book guides AS and A-Level students to a greater understanding of these issues. The Greek Theatre chapter explores the festival context in which tragedies and comedies were performed, and then analyses three plays: Oedipus the King by Sophocles, Bacchae by Euripides and Frogs by Aristophanes. The Imperial Image chapter analyses the self-presentation of Rome's most dynamic emperor, who claimed to have found Rome 'a city of bricks, but left it a city of marble'. The ideal preparation for the final examinations, all content is presented by experts and experienced teachers in a clear and accessible narrative. Ancient literary and visual sources are described and analysed, with supporting images. Helpful student features include study questions, quotations from contemporary scholars, further reading, and boxes focusing in on key people, events and terms. Practice questions and exam guidance prepare students for assessment.A Companion Website is available at www.bloomsbury.com/class-civ-as-a-level.

  • - Telepresence, Touch, and Art at the Interface
    by Kris (Assistant Professor Paulsen
    £33.49

    An examination of telepresence technologies through the lens of contemporary artistic experiments, from early video art through current "drone vision" works.

Culture
What defines culture you might ask? The answer is culture is what defines you. It is what makes us humans human and differentiate us from all other species on the planet. Art and culture is what we share with others, whether it is so called high culture or pop culture. High culture is typically associated with the ‘finer’, classical art forms such as opera, classical music, visual art, ballet and plays. Works that often have a certain age and artistic acknowledgement begin it, but fine culture is also sometimes seen as “high-brow” and not something everyone can understand and that’s sad, because culture and cultural books are for everyone no matter the kind. On the other end of the spectrum we have pop culture that typically is associated with more modern, popular and mainstream forms of culture. It can be pop music, cartoons or big blockbuster movies. We have cultural books from each side of the spectrum, but the best thing is that a change between the two concepts is coming and people are more open about mixing high culture and pop culture, because they are not that different at all. The most important thing about culture is that it connects us and is part of who we are. It can create communities and friendships, but also let us reflect upon ourselves. You can get wiser on that topic in some of our selection’s culture books. 

Art
In our selection you find some of the finest art books featuring some of the greatest artists in history and now. Art is a very important part of our culture. In art you have the possibility of getting engrossed in a wonderful painting, a provocative sculpture, a brilliant play or a beautiful ballet. 
In art you can get lost in the most wonderful stories and themes and identify yourself with someone who doesn’t necessarily look and act like you. By experiencing that you improve your ability of empathy. At the same time you can learn about yourself through art and art books especially when it comes to feelings that can be difficult to describe. In art the themes and problematics are universal and that’s why we feel recognized when experiencing a play, listening to a symphony, studying a great painting or reading a good art book. The art books are best enjoyed in a relaxed setting giving the art room to speak. 
Another beautiful thing about art is that it needs interpretation. When a person meets a well painted painting, a classical sculpture, or a provocative installation it makes us reflect about what it means, and what the art will tell us about society, life or yourself. Everyone can get something different out of a good artwork, because it speaks directly to you and functions as a dialog, where you will have to finish the sentence with your interpretation taking our own life and experiences into the artwork.
We also have a lot of artist books. One of the most talented and popular artists right now are the world famous Dane Vilhelm Hammershøi. Hammershøi has a very significant way of painting giving voice to the melankolic side of the world and of us humans. The painter is famous for his artworks of especially white doors in his apartment in Copenhagen. In the paintings Hammershøi plays with light and shadow in a brilliant way giving room to both sides, which also could be seen as a reflection of life that contains both. The motive also makes the art watcher wonder what is on the other side of the doors or corridors making them compose a continuation of the painting. You can read about Hammershøi in an European context in the artist book Hammershoi and Europe

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