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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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  • Save 29%
    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.

  • Save 23%
    by Tomoko Nakamichi
    £15.49

  • Save 15%
    - 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.

  • Save 31%
    - Hiking on Legendary Trails
     
    £27.49

  • Save 15%
    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.

  • Save 30%
    - 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.

  • Save 23%
    - 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.

  • Save 15%
    - Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere
    by Steven Leckart & Zach Klein
    £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.

  • Save 25%
    - 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.

  • Save 27%
    - An Illustrated Guide to Building a Fashion Brand
    by Fashionary
    £23.49

  • Save 20%
    by Running Press
    £23.99

    Step into the magical world with the 'Harry Potter Pensieve Memory Set' by Running Press. Published in 2017 by Running Press, U.S., this enchanting set is a must-have for every Potterhead. The genre of the book is fantasy, and it beautifully encapsulates the mystic elements of the Harry Potter universe. The 'Pensieve Memory Set' is not just a book; it's an experience that transports you to the spellbinding world of Hogwarts, casting a charm that's hard to resist. So, are you ready to dive into the memories and relive the magic?

  • Save 15%
    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.

  • Save 26%
    - Expert Color Information for Professional Results
    by Leatrice Eiseman
    £13.99

    The only color guide a designer will ever need; The Complete Color Harmony, Pantone Edition has been completely updated with Pantone colors and new text.

  • Save 15%
    - From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls, and Everything in Between
    by Lauren Graham
    £10.99

    A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER: with a new bonus chapterWINNER of the GoodReads Choice Awards 2017 for HumourIn this collection of personal essays, the beloved star of Gilmore Girls and Parenthood reveals stories about life, love, and working as a woman in Hollywood-along with behind-the-scenes dispatches from the set of the new Gilmore Girls, where she plays the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore once again.In Talking As Fast As I Can, Lauren Graham hits pause for a moment and looks back on her life, sharing laugh-out-loud stories about growing up, starting out as an actress, and, years later, sitting in her trailer on the Parenthood set and asking herself, "e;Did you, um, make it?"e; She opens up about the challenges of being single in Hollywood ("e;Strangers were worried about me; that's how long I was single!"e;), the time she was asked to audition her butt for a role, and her experience being a judge onProject Runway ("e;It's like I had a fashion-induced blackout"e;).In "e;What It Was Like, Part One,"e; Graham sits down for an epic Gilmore Girls marathon and reflects on being cast as the fast-talking Lorelai Gilmore. The essay "e;What It Was Like, Part Two"e; reveals how it felt to pick up the role again nine years later, and what doing so has meant to her.Some more things you will learn about Lauren: She once tried to go vegan just to bond with Ellen DeGeneres, she's aware that meeting guys at awards shows has its pitfalls ("e;If you're meeting someone for the first time after three hours of hair, makeup, and styling, you've already set the bar too high"e;), and she's a card-carrying REI shopper ("e;My bungee cords now earn points!"e;).Including photos and excerpts from the diary Graham kept during the filming of the recent Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, this book is like a cozy night in, catching up with your best friend, laughing and swapping stories, and-of course-talking as fast as you can.

  • Save 29%
    by Dodie Kazanjian
    £35.49

    Vogue: The Covers (updated edition) is a stunning masterpiece by Dodie Kazanjian, released in 2017. This book is a tribute to the magazine's 125th anniversary, showcasing its remarkable cover collection that has been updated and refreshed for this edition. Published by Abrams, this coffee-table book is a must-have for every fashion enthusiast. It gives the reader an exclusive look into the world of Vogue, featuring iconic covers from its 125-year history. The book is a testament to the exceptional talent of the artists who have contributed to the magazine over the years. This book is a journey through time, presenting a visual record of the cultural and aesthetic revolutions that have taken place since the magazine's inception. Vogue: The Covers (updated edition) is not just a book, it's a piece of fashion history.

  • Save 31%
    by Hugh M. Hefner
    £44.99

    This gorgeous and giant volume collects every single nude centrefold ever featured in Playboy.

  • Save 23%
    - Learn to Paint Watercolor in 30 Days
    by Jenna Rainey
    £15.49

    A contemporary paint-every-day watercolour guide that explores foundational strokes and patterns and then builds new skills upon the foundations over the course of 30 days to create finished pieces.

  • Save 29%
    - Contemporary Ceramic Artisans
    by Amber Creswell Bell
    £31.99

  • Save 25%
    by Marcos Mateu-Mestre
    £17.99

  • Save 29%
    - 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.

  • Save 29%
    by Jeremy McCarter & Lin-Manuel Miranda
    £31.99

    Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

  • Save 25%
    - A Handbook for Footwear Designers
    by Fashionary
    £21.99

    Shoe Design by Fashionary Shoe Design by Fashionary is an essential resource for footwear designers, featuring over 300 shoe styles ranging from ancient to contemporary. This comprehensive handbook is designed to accelerate the design process, offering a wealth of information and tools that are both practical and inspiring. The book is divided into three main sections: the Shoe Style Library, the Shoe Encyclopedia, and the Shoe Template Collections. Each section provides extensive and detailed information crucial for anyone involved in shoe design. The Shoe Style Library showcases a vast array of shoe styles, providing a rich source of inspiration and reference. Whether you're looking into historical designs or modern trends, this library has it all. The Shoe Encyclopedia is packed with essential and practical information on shoe design. It covers everything from shoe anatomy and construction to components, care, measurements, manufacturing processes, patterns, materials, labels, and trade fairs. This section is invaluable for understanding the intricate details of shoe design and production. The Shoe Template Collections include multi-angle templates that make drawing shoes from different perspectives much easier. All templates have been professionally modified for the best tracing experience, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the design process. This section features over 60 common shoe templates, from flats to high heels, presented in various views such as top, side, front and back, and 3/4 view. Additionally, the book includes a special section on shoe last templates, which are crucial for creating different shoe heights and styles. This session features 12 significant shoe lasts, covering various heel heights, toe shapes, and types of footwear, allowing designers to develop precise and diverse designs. Shoe Design by Fashionary stands out as the most practical shoe encyclopedia ever created. It combines an extensive library of styles and templates with in-depth encyclopedic knowledge, making it an indispensable tool for both budding and experienced footwear designers. Whether you are sketching a new collection or refining existing designs, this book provides the resources and inspiration needed to excel in the world of shoe design.

  • Save 24%
    - Generation Wealth
    by Lauren Greenfield
    £45.49

    A highly anticipated monograph from the internationally acclaimed documentary photographer and filmmaker

  • Save 28%
    - The Visual Dictionary of Fashion Design
    by Fashionary
    £27.49

    FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is so easy to read. Whether you're an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you'll ever need to navigate the fashion scene.

  • Save 24%
    - The Creative Use of Fabrics in Design
    by Gail Baugh
    £18.99

    A fabric and textile directory. It is suitable for the designers wanting to communicate their final vision through the appropriate use of fabric.

  • Save 27%
    - The Art of Simple Living
    by Natalie Walton
    £23.49

    Beautiful, authentic interiors from all around the world that inspire happiness

  • Save 30%
    by Colin Westerbeck
    £41.99

    The first definitive monograph of color photographs by American street photographer Vivian Maier. Photographer Vivian Maier's allure endures even though many details of her life continue to remain a mystery.

  • Save 18%
    by 3dtotal Publishing
    £20.49

    Learn how to create vibrant character designs with the step-by-step guidance of professional artists from the illustration and animation industries.

  • Save 21%
    - Japanese Wisdom for a Perfectly Imperfect Life
    by Beth Kempton
    £13.49

    Wabi Sabi, a captivating book penned by Beth Kempton, is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. Published in 2018 by the Little, Brown Book Group, this masterpiece delves into the heart of the Japanese philosophy of Wabi Sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection and profundity in nature. The author, Beth Kempton, brilliantly unravels the complexities of this concept and invites readers to explore a new way of viewing the world. This book, a blend of culture and philosophy, is a testament to Kempton's prowess as a writer and her deep understanding of Japanese aesthetics. The Little, Brown Book Group, known for its eclectic collection of books, adds another feather to its cap with this publication. If you are looking for a book that offers a refreshing perspective, Wabi Sabi by Beth Kempton is the one for you.

  • Save 29%
    - Responsible Design for a Better World
    by Seetal Solanki
    £31.99

    This visually stunning investigation of natural and man-made materials will change the way you look at the world around you, while offering hope for the future of our planet.

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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