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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 31%
    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.

  • Save 23%
    by Kate Armstrong, Lonely Planet, Brendan Sainsbury, 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.

  • Save 14%
    by Sharon Jones
    £9.49

  • Save 24%
    by Nick DiGiovanni
    £18.99

    Knife Drop, a gripping novel penned by the talented Nick DiGiovanni, takes you on a thrilling literary journey. Published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd. in 2023, this book stands as a remarkable addition to the contemporary genre. DiGiovanni's masterful storytelling and unique voice make Knife Drop an unforgettable read. The plot unfolds with a captivating intensity that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The author's knack for creating vivid, relatable characters enhances the immersive experience. Knife Drop is not just a book; it's a journey that transports you into a world where every turn of the page brings a new surprise. Published by Dorling Kindersley Ltd., known for their high-quality publications, this book is a testament to their reputation. Reading Knife Drop is an experience you wouldn't want to miss. Grab your copy today and embark on an unforgettable literary journey.

  • Save 15%
    by Lynette Rice
    £10.99

  • Save 24%
    by Peter Attia
    £18.99

    Outlive is a riveting work of literature penned by the talented Bill Gifford. Published in 2023 by Random House UK Ltd, this book has already made a substantial impact in the literary world. The genre of the book is not easily defined, as it beautifully intertwines various elements to create a unique reading experience. The author's masterful storytelling and richly detailed narrative are sure to captivate readers from the first page to the last. Outlive is more than just a book; it's a journey that explores the human condition in a way that is both insightful and thought-provoking. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deep and engaging reading experience. Published by Random House UK Ltd, it is a testament to their commitment to bringing quality literature to readers around the world.

  • Save 23%
    by Rene Staud
    £15.49

    New Edition at a special price - Rene Stauds bestseller re-released as a small flexicover edition for an inexpensive price

  • - The Time-Tested Strategy for Successful Investing
    by Burton G. (Princeton University) Malkiel
    £15.49 - 22.49

    The best investment guide money can buy, with more than 1.5 million copies sold, now fuly revised and updated.

  • Save 15%
    by Kai Bird
    £10.99

    ***SOON TO BE A MAJOR HOLLYWOOD FILM DIRECTED BY CHRISTOPHER NOLAN***WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE FOR NONFICTION 'Reads like a thriller, gripping and terrifying' Sunday TimesPhysicist and polymath, as familiar with Hindu scriptures as he was with quantum mechanics, J. Robert Oppenheimer - director of the Manhattan Project that developed the atomic bomb - was the most famous scientist of his generation. In their meticulous and riveting biography, Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin reveal a brilliant, ambitious, complex and flawed man, profoundly involved with some of the momentous events of the twentieth century.

  • Save 20%
    by Bobbie Goods
    £11.99

    Bursting with humor, sweetness, and imagination, How to Draw Super Cute Things with Bobbie Goods shows you how to draw and color everything adorable! Get cozy, grab a pencil and your markers, and draw your own super cute world.

  • Save 11%
    - The Throne of Glass Novellas
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £7.99

  • Save 20%
    by Magdalena Droste
    £11.99 - 15.49

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

  • Save 32%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £101.49

  • Save 27%
    by Shea McGee
    £21.99

    The Art of Home: A Designer Guide to Creating an Elevated Yet Approachable Home is an inspiring masterpiece by the renowned author, Shea McGee. Published by HARPER HORIZON in 2023, this book delves into the world of interior design like never before. Shea McGee, a celebrated figure in the genre, provides a comprehensive guide on how to transform your living space into an elevated yet approachable home. This book is a testament to her expertise and unique design philosophy. It's a must-read for anyone looking to infuse a sense of sophistication and warmth into their living spaces. Don't miss out on this chance to learn from one of the best in the industry. Published by HARPER HORIZON, this book is a testament to their commitment to delivering quality content that enlightens and inspires.

  • Save 15%
    by Ed Yong
    £10.99

  • Save 27%
    by Bob Dylan
    £25.49

    The Philosophy of Modern Song is Bob Dylan’s first book of new writing since 2004’s Chronicles: Volume One — and since winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016.   Dylan, who began working on the book in 2010, offers his extraordinary insight into the nature of popular music. He writes over 60 essays focusing on songs by other artists, spanning from Stephen Foster to Elvis Costello, and in between ranging from Hank Williams to Nina Simone. He analyses what he calls the trap of easy rhymes, breaks down how the addition of a single syllable can diminish a song and even explains how bluegrass relates to heavy metal. These essays are written in Dylan’s unique prose. They are mysterious and mercurial, poignant and profound, and often laugh-out-loud funny. And while they are ostensibly about music, they are really meditations and reflections on the human condition. Running throughout the book are nearly 150 carefully curated photos as well as a series of dream-like riffs that, taken together, resemble an epic poem and add to the work’s transcendence.   In 2020, with the release of his outstanding album Rough and Rowdy Ways, Dylan became the first artist to have an album hit the Billboard Top 40 in each decade since the 1960s. The Philosophy of Modern Song contains much of what he has learned about his craft in all those years and, like everything that Dylan does, it is a momentous artistic achievement.

  • Save 15%
    by Tom Felton
    £10.99

  • Save 23%
    by Birgitta Helmersson
    £16.99

    Zero Waste Patterns is an enlightening book by the renowned author Birgitta Helmersson. Published in 2023, this book falls under a genre that combines lifestyle, environment, and fashion in an interesting and unique manner. The book provides valuable insights into sustainable living and encourages readers to make conscious choices in their daily lives. It offers practical and innovative solutions to reduce waste, particularly in the fashion industry. The book is filled with easy-to-follow patterns and designs that can help you create zero waste garments and accessories. The author, Birgitta Helmersson, has expertly combined her knowledge and experience to present a book that is not only informative but also engaging and inspiring. Zero Waste Patterns is published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, a publisher known for its commitment to high-quality and impactful books. Reading this book will surely change your perspective on waste and inspire you to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

  • Save 23%
    by Klaus Klemp
    £34.49 - 45.49

    Made in close collaboration with Dieter Rams himself, this catalogue raisonne is the ultimate reference on one of the most influential product designers of all time

  • Save 32%
    by Luigi Serafini
    £84.99

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

    "The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world"--

  • by Teresa Torres
    £15.99

  • Save 17%
    by Willard A Palmer
    £18.99

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

  • Save 18%
    by Carleigh Bodrug
    £20.49

    "PlantYou laid the foundation for eating a healthy and simple whole foods, plant based diet. PlantYou Scrappy Cooking takes this one step further. As people are looking more and more to reducing meat consumption as a way to curb environmental impact, the need for easy, delicious recipes only grows. Add to that equation Carleigh Bodrug's emphasis on reducing food waste, and you have the recipe for a delicious and ridiculously easy way to make tater tots from broccoli stalks, turn banana peels into plant based bacon, and use every bit of your food for amazing meals. With sections on how to stop wasting food (and money), outfitting your kitchen, as well as "Got This? Make That!" pantry sweeps and Kitchen Raid recipes (where you can cross-reference just about any vegetable, grain or bean going bad in your fridge or pantry and find a recipe to use it in), Scrappy Cooking is a go-to for anyone who wants to eat the diet that's healthiest for you, your wallet, the animals, and the planet. Includes recipes for: The Whole Darn Squash (Pasta), Skillet Lasagna, One Pan Orzo Casserole, Vodka Penne With Broccolini, Cauliflower Wedges With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Chickpea Pot Pie, Orange Peel Chickn', Use Up Your Cabbage Dumplings, Loaded Tortilla Bowls, Sheet Pan Tacos With Carrot Top Chimichurri, Lord of the Fries, Rebel "Ribs", Veggie Masala Burgers, Palak "Paneer", Vegan Meaty Hand Pies, We-Got-the-Beet Chips, Pickle-Mania Chips, The Knead for Flatbread, It's a (Flax) Wrap, Cornmeal Biscuits, Bang Bang Broccoli-cious Steaks...and more!"--

  • Save 14%
    by Abraham Verghese
    £9.49

    From the New York Times-bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial new epic of love, faith and medicine, set in Kerala, South India.

  • Save 27%
    by Michael Johnson
    £25.49

    Michael Johnson is one of the world¿s leading graphic designers and brand consultants. His studio, johnson banks, is responsible for the rebranding of many notable clients, including Virgin Atlantic, Think London, BFI, Christian Aid and MORE TH>N, and he has garnered a plethora of awards in the process. In Branding , Johnson strips the most famous, everyday brands down to their basic components, enabling us to understand why we select one product or service over another and allowing us to comprehend how seemingly subtle influences can affect our key life decisions. The first part of the book shows how the birth of a brand begins not with finding a solution, but rather with identifying the correct question ¿ the missing gap in the market ¿ to which an answer is needed. Johnson proceeds to unveil all the secret elements involved in creating a successful brand ¿ from the strapline that gives the brand a narrative and a purpose, to clever uses of typography that unite design and language to reinforce a fundamental message. With more than 1,000 vibrant illustrations showcasing the world¿s most successful corporate identities, as well as generic templates that enable readers to create their own brand or piece of advertising with ease, Branding is an authoritative guide through every step of the lengthy development process required to create the simplest and most immediately compelling brands.

  • Save 27%
    by Ramin Zahed
    £21.99

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the Movie is an enthralling book by Ramin Zahed. Published by Abrams & Chronicle Books in 2023, this book provides a deep dive into the artistry and creativity behind the hit movie. The genre of the book is art and film, and it is a must-read for all Spider-Man and movie art enthusiasts. Zahed, known for his insightful and detailed approach, brings the Spider-Verse to life through this book. He takes the readers on a journey across the multiverse, showcasing the unique art styles and techniques used to create different Spider-Man universes. Published in 2023, this book is a testament to the evolution of film art over the years. Abrams & Chronicle Books, renowned for their high-quality publications, have ensured that the art and insights in this book are beautifully presented, making it a perfect addition to any fan's collection.

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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