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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 23%
    - The companion workbook to the world's bestselling drawing guide
    by Betty Edwards
    £15.49

    A workbook of 40 exercises to accompany the acclaimed drawing guide.

  • Save 20%
    by Charlie Porter
    £11.99

  • Save 24%
    - The New York Times Best Art Book of 2018
    by Phaidon Editors
    £37.99

    The only book to document the world's finest examples of Brutalist architecture. More than 850 buildings - existing and demolished, classic and contemporary - organized geographically into nine continental regions. 878 Buildings, 798 Architects, 102 Countries, 9 World Regions, 1 Style BRUTALISM

  • Save 30%
    by Stone Island
    £38.49

    The first book on the iconic, urban-inspired streetwear brand.

  • Save 15%
    - Whisky, Warfare, and a Scottish Adventure Like No Other
    by Graham McTavish & Sam Heughan
    £10.99 - 15.49

    A road trip book with a difference. Stars of Outlander - Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish - explore Scotland, a land of raw beauty, poetry, feuding, music, history, and warfare.

  • Save 29%
  • Save 24%
    by James Cheshire
    £18.99

  • Save 14%
    - Raucous stories and outlaw wisdom from the Academy Award-winning actor
    by Matthew McConaughey
    £9.49 - 13.49

    From the Academy Award(R)-winning actor, an unconventional memoir filled with raucous stories, outlaw wisdom, and lessons learned the hard way about living with greater satisfaction.I've been in this life for fifty years, been trying to work out its riddle for forty-two, and been keeping diaries of clues to that riddle for the last thirty-five. Notes about successes and failures, joys and sorrows, things that made me marvel, and things that made me laugh out loud. How to be fair.How to have less stress. How to have fun. How to hurt people less.How to get hurt less. How to be a good man. How to have meaning in life.How to be more me.Recently, I worked up the courage to sit down with those diaries. I found stories I experienced, lessons I learned and forgot, poems, prayers, prescriptions, beliefs about what matters, some great photographs, and a whole bunch of bumper stickers. I found a reliable theme, an approach to living that gave me more satisfaction, at the time, and still: If you know how, and when, to deal with life's challenges - how to get relative with the inevitable - you can enjoy a state of success I call 'catching greenlights.'So I took a one-way ticket to the desert and wrote this book: an album, a record, a story of my life so far.This is fifty years of my sights and seens, felts and figured-outs, cools and shamefuls. Graces, truths, and beauties of brutality. Getting away withs, getting caughts, and getting wets while trying to dance between the raindrops.Hopefully, it's medicine that tastes good, a couple of aspirin instead of the infirmary, a spaceship to Mars without needing your pilot's license, going to church without having to be born again, and laughing through the tears.It's a love letter.To life.It's also a guide to catching more greenlights-and to realising that the yellows and reds eventually turn green too.Good luck.

  • - In Simple Steps
    by Yishan Li
    £5.99

    Draw 28 amazingly cute kawaii-style animals in just 8 easy stages.

  • Save 31%
    by Daniel Wallace
    £48.49

    The ultimate in-universe guides to the Star Wars universe, perfect for aspiring Jedi, Rebels, Bounty Hunters, or even Sith!

  • Save 23%
    by Sandra Leitte
    £15.49

    This book showcases inspirational small houses with unique character and style from all around the world.

  • Save 10%
    by Sally Rooney
    £8.99 - 15.49

    It's a deeply political novel, just as it's also a novel about love and about how difficult it is to speak and how difficult it is to change.

  • Save 29%
    - A Historical Review of Four Fashion Icons
    by Emma Baxter-Wright
    £35.49

    Little Guides to Style by Emma Baxter-Wright, eng

  • Save 17%
    - Professional Practice for the Early Career Artist
    by Delphian
    £9.99

    The process of entering the art world and forging a career can be fraught with obstacles to overcome, and so we have written this guide to make the journey as stress-free as possible. Navigating The Art World consists of a mix of advice and tips from ourselves, as well as gallerists, curators, artists, collectors, and other industry experts to give some insight on various ways to enhance your art career. Contributors include Maureen Paley, Jake Chapman, Andy Dixon, Kristin Hjellegjerde, Claus Busch Risvig, and many others.

  • Save 18%
    - The Story of the Iconic Fashion House
    by Karen Homer
    £11.49

    Introducing 'Little Book of Louis Vuitton' by the renowned author Karen Homer. This captivating book, published in 2021, takes you on a journey through the world of luxury fashion. The author skillfully weaves the rich history of the iconic brand Louis Vuitton, showcasing its evolution and impact on the fashion industry. This book belongs to the genre of fashion and design, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of Louis Vuitton. Published by the reputable Welbeck Publishing Group, this book is a testament to the timeless appeal of Louis Vuitton. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of one of the world's most influential fashion brands.

  • Save 29%
    - Every Room Should Sing
    by Beata Heuman
    £31.99

    The highly anticipated debut monograph from one of today s leading designers championing playful, original interiors infused with Scandinavian flair.

  • Save 14%
    by Mark Lanegan
    £9.49

    The most honest and unsparing grunge memoir ever committed to the page by one of the greatest alternative rock stars of the past thirty years

  • Save 23%
    by Jessica Niebel
    £33.99

    Hayao Miyazaki is a captivating book written by Jessica Niebel, released on September 7, 2021. Published by the renowned Distributed Art Publishers, this book dives into the world of its namesake, Hayao Miyazaki, exploring his unique genius and narrative style. The book is a must-read for fans of the genre, offering a deep insight into the life and work of one of the most influential figures in the animation industry. Don't miss out on this literary masterpiece, brought to you by Distributed Art Publishers.

  • Save 20%
    by Rob Halford
    £11.99

  • Save 25%
    - The definitive guide to colour in art and design
    by Laura Perryman
    £19.49

    The Colour Bible, penned by Laura Perryman, is a mesmerizing exploration of hues and shades that has taken the literary world by storm. Published in 2021 by the renowned Octopus Publishing Group, this book delves into the significance and symbolism of different colours in an engaging and insightful manner. Perryman, known for her eloquent writing style, expertly weaves facts and anecdotes, creating a narrative that is both educational and entertaining. Regardless of the genre you usually prefer, this unique book promises to captivate your interest and broaden your understanding of colours. So, if you're looking for a fresh and fascinating read, The Colour Bible by Laura Perryman is the perfect choice for you.

  • Save 30%
    - The Complete Collections
    by Alexander Fury
    £41.99

    Vivienne Westwood Catwalk is an intriguing book written by Alexander Fury. Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd in 2021, this book provides a captivating insight into the world of fashion. Alexander Fury, a renowned author in the fashion industry, weaves an engaging narrative that explores the evolution of Vivienne Westwood's unique style. The book is a must-read for fashion enthusiasts and those interested in understanding more about the fashion industry. The publication year, 2021, is a testament to the contemporary relevance of the themes explored in the book. Thames & Hudson Ltd, the publisher, is known for their commitment to producing quality books that engage and inspire readers. The book is written in English, making it accessible to a wide audience.

  • Save 25%
    - Learn to Fit and Sew Amazing Clothes for Your Curves
    by Jenny Rushmore
    £19.49

    Ahead of the Curve, a captivating book penned by Jenny Rushmore, was published in the autumn of 2021, specifically on October 14th. This prolific work, which falls under the genre of contemporary literature, takes its readers on an unforgettable journey. The story is both engaging and thought-provoking, pushing you to explore beyond the boundaries of conventional thinking. Rushmore's unique narrative style and compelling storytelling will keep you hooked from beginning to end. This book is a testament to her literary prowess and ability to captivate readers' hearts and minds. Published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, Ahead of the Curve is a must-read for all literature enthusiasts. Don't miss out on this literary gem!

  • Save 20%
     
    £80.49

    Since the 1980s, Dutch master Anton Corbijn's timeless and brooding aesthetic has cemented Depeche Mode's reputation as effortlessly cool. With over 500 images from Corbijn's personal archives, some never seen before, as well as Corbijn's handwritten captions, and an in-depth interview with the artist, this is the eagerly anticipated, wallet...

  • Save 32%
    - The Complete Guide
    by Clive Hallett & Amanda Johnston
    £64.99

    The complete reference on all fabrics, their properties and their uses in fashion."e;The topics are summarised and conceptualised with striking visuals and supporting graphics...teachers will find it easy to use this book to access key facts quickly"e; Just4Textiles"e;Anyone with an interest in fashion should read it and anyone studying or working in the sector should buy it now"e; Style With Heart"e;This title is a wealth of information on every possible fabric, from yak hair to hemp and polyamide to elastine and synthetic rubber. You name it, this book will tell you the history, properties and manufacturing processes of each, using images from the catwalk and the factory to illustrate"e; The Sewing TreeFabric for Fashion: The Complete Guide is the only book specifically for fashion designers that explains the behaviour and properties of different fabrics. Fashion design is largely determined by how fabrics work, move, feel and look. The most successful fashion designers are those who understand their materials and match design skill with technical knowledge. This book bridges the gap by providing a mix of practical information and industry vocabulary, visually examining generic fabric types, discussing their characteristics and showing how to exploit materials to push the boundaries of design.With stunning colour photographs that show how fashion designers, both past and present, have worked with fabrics, the book's prime objective is to stimulate creative exploration of the relationship of fabrics to fashion. Now in its second edition, it covers man-made as well as natural fibres, making it the complete guide to fabrics. The book also includes a useful glossary of key terms and a resource guide to sourcing fabrics. It will be indispensable for anyone who works in fashion and is the ideal companion to Fabric for Fashion: The Swatch Book, also in its second edition.

  • Save 23%
    by Saul Leiter
    £15.49

  • Save 24%
    by TOM SANDBERG BOB NI
    £45.49

    Sales PointsThe first comprehensive book dedicated to a visionary black-and-white photographerAn exquisite publication that brings new attention to a key figure in Norwegian art A must-have for lovers of Hiroshi Sugimoto, Edward Weston, and Minor WhiteAdditional Comp TitlesAmerican Winter, by Gerry Johansson. 978912339020, £180.00 GBP (MACK, 2018)

  • Save 24%
    - The Golden Age of Sneaker Advertising
    by Sneaker Freaker
    £37.99

    A riotous, 720-page celebration of sneakers and sporting legends, as told through the medium of vintage print advertising

  • Save 24%
    by Jurgen Tautz
    £18.99

    A stunning photographic record of endangered honey bees in their wild, forest habitat, with images from world-renowned nature photographer Ingo Arndt.

  • Save 28%
    by Jens Muller
    £17.99

    In questo volume, Jens Muller ripercorre 130 anni di storia del graphic design e della sua evoluzione dal tardo XIX secolo a oggi, passando per il boom economico del secondo dopoguerra. Alle schede a doppia pagina che illustrano i singoli anni si accompagnano articoli approfonditi su decine di progetti fondamentali e profili dei leader del settore.

  • Save 20%
    - 20 Projects & Creative Techniques in Acrylic & Mixed Media
    by Petra Tholken
    £11.99

    Create 20 beautiful abstract works of art in acrylic and mixed media using exciting new techniques and materials.

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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