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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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  • - The National Park Service Photographs
    by Ansel Adams
    £14.99

    In 1941, Ansel Adams photographed America's national parks for a series of murals that would celebrate the country's natural heritage.

  • by Lin-Manuel Miranda & Jeremy McCarter
    £31.99

    Winner of the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Drama

  • - Generation Wealth
    by Lauren Greenfield
    £45.49

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

  • - 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.

  • - Journals, 1989 - 1990
    by Derek Jarman
    £9.49

    *****AS HEARD ON BBC RADIO 4*****A meditative and inspiring diary of Derek Jarman''s famous garden at Dungeness.In 1986 Derek Jarman discovered he was HIV positive and decided to make a garden at his cottage on the barren coast of Dungeness. Facing an uncertain future, he nevertheless found solace in nature, growing all manner of plants. While some perished beneath wind and sea-spray others flourished, creating brilliant, unexpected beauty in the wilderness. Modern Nature is both a diary of the garden and a meditation by Jarman on his own life: his childhood, his time as a young gay man in the 1960s, his renowned career as an artist, writer and film-maker. It is at once a lament for a lost generation, an unabashed celebration of gay sexuality, and a devotion to all that is living.''An essential – urgent – book for the 21st Century'' Hans Ulrich ObristThis new edition features an introduction from Olivia Laing, the author of Crudo

  • 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.

  • by Katt Debo
    £41.99

    A celebration of Martin Margiela's stunning body of work seldom examined during his time at the French luxury house, Hermes.

  • 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.

  • - 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.

  • by Graham Lock
    £21.99

    Based on interviews from a 1985 tour, this book profiles one of jazz's most important figures. Anthony Braxton discusses the expression of his musical visions and related ethical, political, and spiritual beliefs. "Absolutely essential reading." - The Wire.

  • - Sketch and Paint Your Way Through the Creative Year
    by Lorna Scobie
    £13.49

    365 Days of Drawing is an inspiring book by Lorna Scobie, a renowned author in the art world. Published in 2018 by Hardie Grant Books, this book is a must-have for anyone with an interest in drawing, regardless of their skill level. The book is structured as a year-long journey of creativity, with daily drawing prompts and exercises to inspire and engage the reader. The genre of this book is art and creativity, offering a unique blend of fun and education. Each page of the book is a new opportunity to explore your artistic side and improve your drawing skills. The publisher, Hardie Grant Books, is known for its high-quality publications in the UK and this book is no exception. 365 Days of Drawing is not just a book, but a journey that will inspire you to pick up a pencil and start drawing, every day of the year.

  • by Signe Bergstrom
    £15.49

    Official companion to "The Greatest Showman", featuring behind-the-scenes photography, cast and crew interviews and as yet unseen concept art.

  • by Alan Sepinwall
    £10.99

    Breaking Bad 101 collects esteemed critic Alan Sepinwall's (Uproxx) popular Breaking Bad recaps in book form, featuring new, exclusive essays and completely revised and updated commentary--as well as insights from and interviews with the creative masterminds behind Breaking Bad. The ultimate critical companion for one of the greatest television dramas of all time, Breaking Bad 101 offers fans Sepinwall's smart, funny, and incisive analysis of the psychology and filmmaking craft behind each episode and celebrates the series' unique place in pop-culture history.

  • - Films, Stills, Polaroids & Writings
     
    £21.99

    A monograph on Andrei Tarkovsky, Russian filmmaker, writer, film editor and film theorist of extraordinary influence and cinematic vision.

  • by Linda Bloomfield
    £18.99

    A complete guide to achieving a fantastic spectrum of colourful glazes for the studio potter,

  • by Nintendo
    £33.99

    Legend Of Zelda, The: Breath Of The Wild - Creating A Champion, is an extraordinary book written by none other than Nintendo. This masterpiece was first published in 2018 by Dark Horse Comics, U.S. This book falls under a unique genre that captivates the reader's imagination with its vivid descriptions and engaging plot. The story is set in the land of Hyrule, where you will embark on an unforgettable journey, delving deep into the making of the award-winning game, 'The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild'. The book offers an unparalleled collection of concept art, character designs, and insights directly from the developers. It is a must-read for all gaming enthusiasts and fans of the Zelda series. This book truly encapsulates Nintendo's creative process in crafting one of the most celebrated franchises in the history of gaming.

  • by Michael Diamond & Adam Horovitz
    £25.49

    Formed as a New York City hardcore band in 1981, Beastie Boys struck an unlikely path to global hip hop superstardom.

  • by Russ
    £11.99

    A lover of books like The Alchemist and The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, Russ delivers a short, potent, inspirational, raw, and honest book that gives readers a way to find self-belief and unlock their potential.

  • - Design, Form, Throw, Decorate and More, with Workshops from Professional Makers
    by DK
    £19.99

    Jess Jos, creative consultant and main author, is an experienced potter and teacher. She enjoys experimenting with wheel-thrown and handbuilt pieces, creating bespoke commissions for private clients and restaurants. Jess has a BA in Ceramics from Camberwell Art College and is a craftsperson in residence at Stepney City Farm, London. Several other contributors ensure the book covers a broad range of styles.

  • by Hugo Jacomet
    £21.99

    An exquisite and expansive large-scale publication documenting and celebrating the finest producers of men's sartorial style in the most elegant country in the world.

  • - Rediscover the Beauty and Power of Penmanship
    by Brenna Jordan
    £9.49

    The Lost Art of Handwriting is a captivating book by Brenna Jordan, published in 2019 by the renowned Adams Media Corporation. This book delves into the forgotten world of handwriting, a skill that is rapidly becoming obsolete in our digital age. Brenna Jordan, a respected author in the genre, beautifully explores the importance of handwriting and its impact on our lives. Despite being published in 2019, the book holds a timeless appeal, reminding us of the personal touch that handwriting brings to our communication. Published by Adams Media Corporation, this book is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty and importance of handwritten words.

  • - The Complete Haute Couture Collections 1962-2002
     
    £41.99

    The first comprehensive overview of Yves Saint Laurent's haute couture collections, presented through original catwalk photography.

  • - A complete reference guide to every spell in the wizarding world
    by Media Lab Books
    £10.99

    The Unofficial Ultimate Harry Potter Spellbook is a fascinating work by Media Lab Books. Published in 2019, this book takes readers into the magical world of Harry Potter with a comprehensive collection of spells used in the series. As a detailed guide, it is a must-read for every Harry Potter fan, offering a deeper understanding of the enchanting universe created by J.K. Rowling. The book is not just a compilation of spells; it is a journey into the heart of the Harry Potter series, exploring the magic that makes it so captivating. Published by Media Lab Books, it's a testament to their commitment to bringing unique and engaging content to readers. This book is written in English.

  • - The Ultimate Book for Friends Fans Everywhere
    by Kelsey Miller
    £8.99

    `Funny, enlightening and incredibly well-researched' Emerald Street Over twenty years since its low-profile debut and Friends is the most streamed show on UK Netflix. But has it stood the test of time? Are some parts of it more problematic than we remember? And who was the cast's least favourite guest star?

  • by Serge Ramelli
    £21.99

    The metropolis of Paris, presented with Serge Ramelli's dramatic vision A fabulous and fascinating tour of the city in an incomparable light Film and photography meld into a black-and-white work of art

  • by Megan Hess
    £13.49

    Join internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess as she explores the timeless beauty and glamour of ten of Frances best-loveddesigners in a stylish celebration of one of the world's favourite fashion destinations.From the courts of Versailles to the cobbled streets of Paris, French fashion has always been the epitome of elegance. Whether its Diors New Look, Yves Saint Laurents Le Smoking jacket or Chanels little black dress, the masters of French fashion understand that clothing is more than a craft: it's an art form.Megan Hess'slove for French stylesparked her career in fashion illustration. In these pages, she unspools the threads of ten legendary designers Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Givenchy, Chloe, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Celine to discover the origins ofhaute couture, prt--porter and everything chic.Accompanied by Megan's exquisite illustrations of current and archival collections,Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashiontells the story of how France's iconic fashion houses have influenced the very fabric of design.

  • - A Guide to Successful Interior Decoration
    by Katrine Martensen-Larsen
    £30.99

    A visually powerful and practical book for creating the perfect Nordic-inspired home.

  • - A selection of the 150 most illustrious houses in the world - each having reached cult status. From Villa Cavrois to Eames House, from Villa Muller to Taliesin. By Thijs Demeulemeester and Jacinthe Gigou. - Enjoy!
    by Thijs Demeulemeester
    £23.99

    The ultimate 'architecture bucket list', a selection of 150 of the world's most famous private homes that are worth a trip or a visit.

  • - The Complete Collections
    by Susannah Frankel
    £41.99

    A comprehensive overview of Prada's womenswear collections from 1988 to present, revealed through catwalk photography.

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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