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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 Donald A. Norman
    £16.99

    The Design of Everyday Things is a compelling and insightful book by the renowned author, Donald A. Norman. Published by the MIT Press Ltd in 2014, this book falls under the genre of cognitive science and human-computer interaction. The Design of Everyday Things provides a critical examination of the design process, shedding light on how everyday items can be improved to better serve the needs of their users. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in design, usability, and cognitive science. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between the objects we use every day and the ways we interact with them. Published by MIT Press Ltd, it's a testament to the importance of intuitive and user-friendly design in our everyday lives.

  • - Theatre Games in Three Courses
    by Glyn Trefor-Jones
    £13.49

    Drama Menu is a brand new concept for planning and delivering dynamic, progressive drama lessons and workshops. Packed with over 150 tried-and-tested theatre games, exercises and improvisation ideas, it's an essential resource for any drama teacher or workshop leader - guaranteed to deliver delicious drama sessions every time. Simply make a selection from each of the three courses, and your whole drama session will come to life with new-found energy and focus: Appetisers are fast-paced warm-up exercises to energise and enthuse the group; Starters are the intermediary course to challenge the players and encourage creativity; Main Courses provide the central part of the session, culminating in a final performance piece; And a few Desserts are also provided, if you have some space at the end of your session for something sweet. Drama Menu is the recipe book that will relieve the stress of planning lessons and workshops. Now you can get on with what you do best: delivering creative drama sessions that will have your groups hungry for more. Join the online Drama Menu community, browse and share other recommended menus, and download a comprehensive Resource Pack and selection of sound effects, providing everything you need to start playing straight away. www.DramaMenu.com

  • - How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
    by John Yorke
    £9.49

    'The best book on the subject I've read. Quite brilliant' Tony Jordan, creator/writer, Life on Mars, HustleWe all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.'Marvellous' Julian Fellowes 'Terrifyingly clever ... Packed with intelligent argument' Evening Standard 'The most important book about scriptwriting since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade' Peter Bowker, writer, Blackpool, Occupation, Eric and Ernie

  • by Alain De Botton
    £10.99

    THE NUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life The Architecture of Happiness explores the fascinating hidden links between the buildings we live in and our long-term wellbeing'Engaging and intelligent... Full of splendid ideas, happily and beautifully expressed' Independent 'Alain de Botton takes big, complex subjects and writes about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence' Observer'Clever, provocative and fresh as a daisy' Literary ReviewBestselling author Alain de Botton has written about love, travel, status and how philosophy can console us. Now he turns his attention to one of our most intense but often hidden love affairs: with our houses and their furnishings. He asks: What makes a house truly beautiful?Why are many new houses so ugly?Why do we argue so bitterly about sofas and pictures - and can differences of taste ever be satisfactorily resolved?Will minimalism make us happier than ornaments? To answer these questions and many more, de Botton looks at buildings across the world, from medieval wooden huts to modern skyscrapers; he examines sofas and cathedrals, tea sets and office complexes, and teases out a host of often surprising philosophical insights. The Architecture of Happiness will take you on a beguiling tour through the history and psychology of architecture and interior design, and will forever alter your relationship with buildings. It will change the way you look at your current home - and help you make the right decisions about your next one.

  • by Gaston Bachelard
    £10.99

    The Poetics of Space is a captivating exploration of the spaces that hold our dreams and fears. Written by Gaston Bachelard and published by Penguin Books Ltd in 2014, this book delves into the philosophy of spaces we inhabit. This piece of literature is a must-read for those interested in the intersection of philosophy and architecture. As you turn each page, you'll find yourself drawn into Bachelard's unique and insightful perspective on the spaces that surround us and how they shape our inner world. From the intimate spaces of our homes to the vast expanses of the universe, Bachelard takes you on a journey that will change the way you perceive the world around you. This book is a testament to the genius of Bachelard and a testament to the enduring quality of Penguin Books Ltd's publications. It's a thought-provoking read that will leave you contemplating long after you've turned the last page.

  • by Edwin Heathcote & Ilse Crawford
    £29.99

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    £13.99

    The Paintings That Revolutionized Art is a groundbreaking book that was published by Prestel in 2015. This book is a must-have for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It explores the masterpieces that have shaped the world of art and challenged the status quo. From the Renaissance to the modern era, each painting is a testament to the artist's innovation and creativity. The author dives deep into the history and significance of each artwork, providing readers with insightful commentary and analysis. This book is not just a collection of beautiful images; it's a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of art and the power of human creativity. Published by Prestel, a renowned publisher known for their high-quality art books, this book is a valuable addition to any art lover's collection.

  • by Martha Cooper
    £14.99

    Documenting the work of graffiti writers who illegally painted subway cars in New York City, the authors recall how they gained entry to the New York graffiti community in the 1970s and 1980s and describe the techniques that they used to photograph it.

  • by Leonard Koren
    £21.49

    Twenty-plus years after the initial publication of Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers, Leonard Koren is back with further insights into this seminal aesthetic paradigm. An important book for art and design theorists, and other thoughtful creators.

  • by Megan Hess
    £13.49

    Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is an illustrated biography of Coco's Chanels life from the internationally reknown illustrator and author, Megan Hess.Itfeatures key moments from Cocos amazing life and iconic items from the fashion empire that she built. Think an illustrated picture book for adults, told through Megans stylish and feminine illustrations with a fun, whimsical and magical bent.Coco Chanel takes us on a romp through the three distinct chapters of Cocos life: from Coco's early life and building the brand, to the empire she created, to the legacy she left behind, and how her style is still influential and iconic today.Hess'sbook literally paints apicture of the woman whoforever changed the waywomen dress.The AustralianCoco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a FashionIconis a beautifully presentedbiography of the designerBooks + Publishing NationalStyle lovers, unite! Thisamazing guided tour ofChanel's game-changingempire is made for coffeetablesCleoAustralian illustrator Megan Hess,whose work graces prestigious designers and brands including Chanel, Carrier andTiffany and Co., creates a whimsical adventure through the world of MademoiselleChanelPRIMOLife

  • by Rolf G. Renner
    £11.99

    Struggling artist turned icon of the modern, urban experience, Edward Hopper is most famed for his haunting nocturnal diner scene Nighthawks. This book introduces his mastery of place, mood, and melancholy through vivid color juxtapositions; stark, theatrical lighting; as well as harshly contoured figures, at once part of, and alien to, their...

  • by Andrea Kettenmann
    £11.99

    Feminist icon, symbol of Mexican culture, political activist, groundbreaking artist: discover the many facets of Frida Kahlo, who transformed the afflictions of her life into unremittingly powerful paintings. In this introduction, Kahlo's body of bold, arresting works are presented alongside her turbulent life to shed light on the audacious...

  • by Jens Muller
    £41.99

    Logo Modernism, a remarkable book penned by Jens Müller, is a captivating exploration into the world of modern design. Published in 2015 by Taschen GmbH, this book delves into the innovative and transformative period of modernist design. The genre of this book is art and design, and it beautifully encapsulates the essence of modernism in logos. Müller, with his keen eye for design and detail, takes the reader through a journey of the most influential logos of the modernist era. The book is a testament to the author's expertise and Taschen GmbH's commitment to publishing high-quality, insightful books. Written in English, Logo Modernism is a must-read for anyone interested in design, art, or the evolution of logos.

  • by Christopher Herwig
    £18.99

    Photographer Christopher Herwig has covered more than 30,000km by car, bike, bus and taxi in 13 former Soviet countries discovering and documenting these unexpected treasures of modern art. From the shores of the Black Sea to the endless Kazakh steppe, these bus stops show the range of public art from the Soviet era and give a rare glimpse into the creative minds of the time. The book represents the most comprehensive and diverse collection of Soviet bus stop design ever assembled from: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. With a foreword by writer, critic and television presenter Jonathan Meades.

  • by Blizzard Entertainment
    £33.99

    World of Warcraft: Chronicle Volume 1is a journey through an age of myth and legend, a time long before the Horde and the Alliance came to be. This definitive tome ofWarcrafthistory reveals untold stories about the birth of the cosmos, the rise of ancient empires, and the forces that shaped the world of Azeroth and its people. This beautiful hardcover features twenty-five full-page paintings byWorld of Warcraftartist Peter Lee, as well as a cosmology chart, half a dozen maps charting changes through time, and other line art illustrations by Joseph Lacroix, and marks the first in a multipart series exploring theWarcraftuniverse; from the distant past to the modern era.

  • by Tomoko Nakamichi
    £15.49

  • - An Illustrated Sourcebook
    by Chika Miyata
    £10.99

    How to Draw Almost Everything by Chika Miyata is a delightful guide for anyone interested in honing their drawing skills. Published by Quarry Books in 2016, this book is a must-have for both budding and experienced artists. The genre of this book is art instruction, and it serves as a fantastic resource for individuals wanting to explore their artistic abilities. Chika Miyata, a renowned illustrator, provides a comprehensive collection of sketches covering almost every subject you can think of. From fruits and animals to vehicles and people, Miyata's book is a treasure trove of easy-to-follow instructions and inspirational ideas. Quarry Books is proud to present this gem to the world, and it's a book that deserves a spot on every artist's shelf.

  • by Keri Smith
    £10.99

    Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour is a unique and engaging book by the renowned author Keri Smith. Published by Penguin Books Ltd in 2017, this book invites readers to embrace their creativity and break away from the constraints of conventional art-making. The genre of this book is hard to pin down, as it is part diary, part sketchbook, and part scrapbook, with a dash of self-help. It is a book that encourages readers to let go, to make mistakes, and to fill pages with their thoughts, ideas, and expressions in a riot of colour. The author, Keri Smith, has a knack for bringing out the hidden artist in everyone, and this book is no exception. If you're looking for a book that is different from the norm and allows you to express yourself in colour, then Wreck This Journal: Now in Colour is the book for you.

  • - The Complete Collections
    by Alexander Fury
    £41.99

    Dior Catwalk is a captivating book written by the renowned author, Alexander Fury. Published in 2017 by Thames & Hudson Ltd, this book has quickly become a must-read in the fashion industry. Dior Catwalk is not just a book, it's a journey through the iconic fashion house's rich history, showcasing the evolution of its style over the years. Alexander Fury, with his exceptional writing skills, invites readers into the world of Dior, offering an exclusive look at the behind-the-scenes of the catwalk. The book is an exquisite compilation of Dior's most memorable pieces, making it a perfect addition to any fashion lover's collection. So, immerse yourself in the world of high fashion with Dior Catwalk, a book that is as stylish as it is informative. Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd, the book is a testament to their commitment to delivering quality content to readers around the world.

  • by Jake Spicer
    £15.49

    You Will be Able to Draw by the End of This Book is a unique and inspiring guide by renowned artist Jake Spicer. Published by the Octopus Publishing Group in 2017, this book transcends the boundaries of standard art instruction books. Jake Spicer introduces readers to the world of drawing in a fresh, modern, and accessible way, making it an ideal read for aspiring artists and art enthusiasts alike. The book is not just about learning to draw; it's about a journey of self-discovery and expressing oneself through art. This book falls under the genre of art instruction, and it promises to take you from a novice to a confident drawer by the time you turn the last page. If you've ever wanted to express yourself through drawing, this book by Jake Spicer, published by Octopus Publishing Group, is definitely a must-have.

  • - Sketches from Bag End to Mordor
    by John Howe
    £15.49

    Let acclaimed Tolkien artist John Howe take you on an unforgettable journey across Middle-earth, from Bag End to Mordor, in this richly illustrated sketchbook fully of previously unseen artwork, anecdotes and meditations on Middle-earth.

  • - Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere
    by Zach Klein & Steven Leckart
    £10.99

    Offers a collection of photography of rural escapes and inspiring stories of people who've created their dream home. This book is an invitation to slow down, take a deep breath, and enjoy the beauty and serenity that happens when nature meets simple craft.

  • - A Handbook for Accessories Designers
    by Fashionary
    £21.99

    Fashionary Bag Design book is the most practical bag encyclopedia, a complete handbook for bag designers and bag lovers. Differential from ordinary bag design books, the Fashionary Bag Design is a complete handbook focusing on the practical needs of handbag designers.

  • - A Personal History of Pink Floyd - New Edition
    by Nick Mason
    £13.49

    The definitive history of Pink Floyd, one of the world's great bands, by founder member Nick Mason

  • - An Illustrated Guide to Building a Fashion Brand
    by Fashionary
    £23.49

  • by Maggie Nelson
    £10.99

    A raw, cerebral work devoted to the inextricability of pleasure and pain, and to the question of what role, if any, aesthetic beauty can play in times of great heartache or grief.

  • by Kristen Lubben
    £28.49

    An extraordinary record of great photographs being captured, edited and made, reissued to mark Magnum's 70th anniversary.

  • - Contemporary Ceramic Artisans
    by Amber Creswell Bell
    £18.99

  • - A Complete Guide
    by Basia Szkutnicka
    £28.49

    Die Technik der Modezeichnung für Profis, Studenten und engagierte Hobby-Schneider.Technisches Zeichnen für Mode erklärt, wie man eine technische Modezeichnung mit einer einfachen und unkomplizierten Schritt-für-Schritt-Methode erstellt. Diese zweite Ausgabe enthält weitere Informationen über das Rendern von Zeichnungen von Hand und mit dem Computer sowie einen brandneuen Abschnitt über Strickwaren.Der Hauptteil des Buches präsentiert über 600 technische Zeichnungen von Bekleidungstypen, -stilen und Konstruktionsdetails, deren grundlegende Schlüsselformen mit einer speziell angefertigten und fotografierten Kaliko-Grundform gezeigt werden. Diese einzigartige Präsentation veranschaulicht die Beziehung zwischen dem dreidimensionalen Kleidungsstück und der zweidimensionalen Zeichnung und ermöglicht es dem Leser, wirklich zu verstehen, wie technische Zeichnungen wiedergegeben werden können.

  • - How To Say Something Funny About Anything
    by Sally Holloway
    £9.99

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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