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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 Golden Age of Sneaker Advertising
    by Sneaker Freaker
    £38.49

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

  • - 150 Symbols and What They Mean
    by Nick Schonberger
    £13.49

    This book uncovers the meanings behind over 150 tattoo symbols, delving into the history of the most popular motifs that recur in many different tattoo styles, including tribal, traditional, Japanese and realistic.

  • 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.

  • - 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.

  • - Seasonal Stories from Scotland
    by Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish
    £13.49

    The follow up to the quarter of a million-copy selling, Sunday Times and New York Times #1 bestselling, Clanlands. Sam & Graham turn tour guides once again to bring readers more epic tales from Scotland.

  • by Barack Obama
    £25.49

    THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLERTwo long-time friends share an intimate and urgent conversation about life, music and their enduring love of America, with all its challenges and contradictions, in this stunningly-produced expansion of their ground-breaking Higher Ground podcast, featuring more than 350 photographs, exclusive bonus content, and never-before-seen archival material.Renegades: Born in the USA is a candid, revealing, and entertaining dialogue between President Barack Obama and legendary musician Bruce Springsteen that explores everything from their origin stories and career-defining moments to their country's polarized politics and the growing distance between the American Dream and the American reality. Filled with full-colour photographs and rare archival material, it is a compelling and beautifully illustrated portrait of two outsiders-one Black and one white-looking for a way to connect their unconventional searches for meaning, identity, and community with the American story itself. It includes: Original introductions by President Obama and Bruce Springsteen Exclusive new material from the Renegades podcast recording sessions Obama's never-before-seen annotated speeches, including his "e;Remarks at the 50th Anniversary of the Selma to Montgomery Marches Springsteen's handwritten lyrics for songs spanning his 50-year-long career Rare and exclusive photographs from the authors' personal archives Historical photographs and documents that provide rich visual context for their conversation. In a recording studio stocked with dozens of guitars, and on at least one Corvette ride, Obama and Springsteen discuss marriage and fatherhood, race and masculinity, the lure of the open road and the call back to home. They also compare notes on their favourite protest songs, the most inspiring American heroes of all time, and more. Along the way, they reveal their passion for-and the occasional toll of-telling a bigger, truer story about America throughout their careers, and explore how their fractured country might begin to find its way back toward unity.

  • - Slower Ways to See the World
    by John Burns
    £25.49

    The next book in the highly successful Kinfolk series, exploring the art of travel across five continents.

  • by Stefan Soell
    £33.49

    ¿Zwanzig Jahre Fine Art Nude Photography, 13 meiner schönsten Models, 288 Seiten prall gefüllt mit handselektierten, bisher unveröffentlichten Fotografien; dieser Jubiläumsband ist eine Hommage an meine Lieblingsmodels und präsentiert jedes Girl in einem eigenen, umfangreichen Portfolio. Ja, ich gestehe, es gibt auch viele ziemlich freche Einblicke, aber ein ¿Top Favourite Model¿ ist mehr als ein wunderschöner sexy Körper.Schauen Sie selbst: jedes dieser Girls hat seinen eigenen, unverwechselbaren Charm und Charakter. Und ich möchte, dass die Augen des Betrachters glühen, kommen Sie also mit auf diese besondere ¿Magical Mystery Tour¿ in Sachen Erotik. Ich verehre die Schönheit des weiblichen Körpers und sehe mich als ewig Suchender. Lassen Sie Ihrer Fantasie freien Lauf und genießen Sie die Früchte meiner Arbeit ¿¿ Stefan Soell

  • by Schuster & To Be Confirmed Simon
    £9.49 - 21.99

  • by Ross Halfin
    £28.49

    The authoritative portrait of the bestselling metal classic, with unseen photographs from the recording sessions and toursFollowing its release in August 1991, Metallica's landmark self-titled album--better known by fans as the Black Album--debuted at number one in ten countries and spent four consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200. It has since become one of the bestselling albums of all time, selling more than 35 million copies worldwide, spawning numerous singles and earning various industry accolades, including a Grammy, MTV and American Music Awards. The tour that accompanied it was equally gargantuan, with the band clocking in nearly 300 shows in three years. Official photographer Ross Halfin was in the recording studio with the band and documented the tour that followed. Between 1991 and 1993, he shot thousands of film rolls of the hectic performing schedule and many unique portrait sessions, backstage documentary-style photography, rehearsals, interviews and band meetings. This official Metallica book features many previously unpublished images, with introductions by Ross Halfin, James Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, Jason Newsted and Robert Trujillo. Printed with a metallic silver jacket with block-foil lettering, it is an epic celebration of one of rock's greatest creations. Ross Halfin is one of the world's leading photographers and has been photographing Metallica since 1984 and has traveled with the band to every continent and almost every country in the world, covering every aspect of the band's career: in the studio, backstage, on the road and at home. He has photographed almost every major artist and continues to work and travel as first choice photographer for the biggest bands in the world.

  • - The story of the iconic fashion house
    by Karen Homer
    £11.49

    A pocket-sized, illustrated book depicting the work and history of the House of Hermes.

  • by Grant Brydon
    £11.99

    Adopt a hip-hop mindset to take control of your own narrative and become the best version of yourself with 50 must-read lessons on creativity and self help that will inspire a new generation. Grant Brydon has interviewed some of the biggest names in hip-hop. Here he shares the creative directions and tips derived from one-on-one conversations with Pharrell Williams, J Cole, Big Sean, Nipsey Hussle, and many more. With chapters covering motivation, creativity, authenticity, reinventions, mental wellbeing, resilience, and more, the advice gleaned from these important artists' life experiences will help you to face up to your own challenges and inspire you to make simple changes that have major positive consequences. Lessons include: - Award-winning rapper, singer, songwriter and producer J Cole on how to Define Success - Grammy award-winning hip-hop- legend Nas on Maintaining Focus on What's Important- A lesson in Committing to Inspiration from Flo Milli, viral TikTok sensation and Best New Artist nominee at the 2020 BET - Hip Hop Awards- Big Sean on how to Take Time Off and Talk to Someone- Multiple BET Hip Hop Awards nominee Action Bronson on how not to be discouraged- Kenny Beats - producer of Vince Staples and Ed Sheeran - on the dangers of overthinking- Grammy nominated Freddie Gibbs on Integrity - Hip-hop royalty Pharrell Williams on the importance of always staying curious- Mac Miller on reinvention

  • by Iris Compiet
    £19.99

    Discover the creatures of Labyrinth in this guide to the fauna of the beloved film, featuring illustrations by acclaimed artist Iris Compiet.

  • by H. Walter Lack
    £18.99

    40th Edition.

  • by Ian Nathan
    £20.99

    An engaging and in-depth examination of the work of Christopher Nolan, one of the most revered directors working in modern cinema. Best known for his cerebral, often nonlinear, storytelling, over the course of 15 years of filmmaking, Nolan has gone from low-budget independent films to working on some of the biggest blockbusters ever made.

  • by Naoto Date
    £14.99

    How to Draw Clothing for Manga is the must-have guide to drawing clothes and costumes for manga characters.

  • by Jessica Hundley
    £21.99

    Der vierte Band der Bibliothek der Esoterik erforscht die Geschichte der Pflanzen in Mythen und magischen Praktiken. Essays, Interviews und mehr als 400 Abbildungen - von ägyptischen Reliefs über viktorianische Pflanzendarstellungen bis zu zeitgenössischen Werken - dokumentieren die symbiotische Beziehung zwischen Pflanzen und Menschen. Über die Reihe Die Bibliothek der Esoterik zeigt, wie in der Kunst über die Jahrhunderte hinweg mystische und obskure Inhalte ihren Ausdruck in zeitlosen, visionären Bilder fanden. Von Privatsammlungen, Bibliotheken und Museen aus aller Welt zur Verfügung gestellt, werden für jedes Thema ausgesuchte moderne und zeitgenössische Werke mit historischen Darstellungen konfrontiert. Kurze, aber sorgfältig recherchierte Texte vermitteln den Kontext und andere relevante Informationen. Das Ergebnis ist eine umfassende Erforschung der Bilderwelten, die Menschen schufen, um Träumen und Albträumen auf die Spur zu kommen und sich selbst in Beziehung zum Göttlichen zu setzen.

  • by Michael Brooks
    £9.49

    Quadratic equations, Pythagoras' theorem, imaginary numbers, and pi - you may remember studying these at school, but did anyone ever explain why? Never fear - bestselling science writer, and your new favourite maths teacher, Michael Brooks, is here to help.In The Maths That Made Us, Brooks reminds us of the wonders of numbers: how they enabled explorers to travel far across the seas and astronomers to map the heavens; how they won wars and halted the HIV epidemic; how they are responsible for the design of your home and almost everything in it, down to the smartphone in your pocket. His clear explanations of the maths that built our world, along with stories about where it came from and how it shaped human history, will engage and delight. From ancient Egyptian priests to the Apollo astronauts, and Babylonian tax collectors to juggling robots, join Brooks and his extraordinarily eccentric cast of characters in discovering how maths made us who we are today.

  • by Johanna Basford
    £13.49

    From bestselling author Johanna Basford, a stunning new colouring book that invites artists to explore the great indoorsThrough her bestselling colouring books and distinctive illustrations, Johanna Basford's beautiful forests, ocean depths, and hidden magical kingdoms have enchanted millions of people around the world. In this newest work, Basford takes her audience indoors, inviting them to explore the wonders of the worlds within. Hidden within every illustration in Rooms of Wonder is a secret key and a locked door. Find the key, unlock the door and continue to the next room. Discover a busy craft studio, a wizard's workshop, a mouth-watering ice cream parlour and an opulent banquet hall. With hidden treasures, curious spaces and a few enchanted interiors, all you need to do is unlock the first door and begin your magical journey.

  • by NBC Universal
    £9.49

    "An illustrated guide to embracing your inner ogre and living your truth, mud, farts, and all"--

  • by Jennette McCurdy
    £15.49

    I'm Glad My Mom Died is a deeply moving and poignant book written by Jennette McCurdy. Published by Simon + Schuster Inc. in 2022, this book belongs to a genre that beautifully blends raw emotions with captivating storytelling. The author, Jennette McCurdy, is known for her ability to weave words into a narrative that touches the heart and provokes thought. In 'I'm Glad My Mom Died', she explores themes of loss, love, and acceptance in a way that is both riveting and relatable. This book not only showcases McCurdy's prowess as a writer but also offers readers a glimpse into her personal journey. A must-read for those who appreciate honest and heartfelt storytelling. Published by the renowned Simon + Schuster Inc., this book is a testament to McCurdy's literary talent and her courage to share her story with the world.

  • by Bill Leung
    £21.99

    "The family behind the acclaimed blog The Woks of Life shares 100 of their favorite home-cooked and restaurant-style Chinese recipes. While briefly living on different continents, Judy, Bill, Sarah, and Kaitlin Leung created the beloved blog The Woks of Life to document their family's history and traditions through food. Now, in their first cookbook, they present an in-depth and unique approach to the Chinese table with stories and recipes from each family member: heritage dishes from Judy, who was born and raised in Shanghai; restaurant-inspired dishes from Bill, who comes from a long line of chefs and cooked with his father in Chinese restaurants in upstate New York and New Jersey; and trend-driven, easy weeknight and vegetable-forward recipes from their millennial daughters, Kaitlin and Sarah. With four multi-generational voices in one book, the Leungs share a wide range of dishes, from simple and approachable meals like Shortcut Dan Dan Noodles and Sesame Crusted Tofu to celebratory ones like Cantonese Roast Duck and a whole collection of dim sum favorites. Kicking off the book is a wonderfully comprehensive look at how to build your Chinese pantry and fridge, essential tools (including the all-important wok), and the low-down on game-changing Chinese cooking secrets like how to "velvet" meat to make it extra tender and juicy. Woven through these treasured techniques and recipes are never-before-seen family stories from China and their home in New Jersey. Featuring gorgeous full-color photography alongside the recipes, The Woks of Life offers advice and traditions that will deepen your knowledge and empower your culinary growth-whether you're new to Chinese cooking or you already dabble in bean paste and chili oil"--

  • by Penelope Douglas
    £8.99

  • by Bridget Foley & Tom Ford
    £68.49

  • by Lonely Planet, Brendan Sainsbury, Andy Symington, et al.
    £15.49

    Lonely Planet Mexico is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the ancient Maya world, go horse-riding through fragrant pine forest, and experience Mexico City's hopping cultural scene; all with your trusted travel companion.

  • by Sharon Jones
    £9.49

  • by Sarah J. Maas
    £54.99

    Throne of Glass Box Set (Paperback) by Sarah J. Maas is an extraordinary collection that should not be missed. Published by Bloomsbury UK in 2023, this set is a treasure trove for fans of the fantasy genre. Sarah J. Maas, an acclaimed author, weaves a captivating tale of adventure, intrigue, and magic in her signature style. The Throne of Glass series has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and breathtaking world-building. This box set is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of Throne of Glass, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series. Don't miss out on this incredible collection from Bloomsbury UK.

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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