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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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  • by Dan Charnas
    £10.99

  • by Antony Penrose
    £21.99

    One hundred of the most outstanding photographs taken by photographer, model and Surrealist muse Lee Miller, published in anticipation of the November 2023 release of the film Lee, starring Kate Winslet as Lee Miller Photojournalist, war correspondent, model and Surrealist muse, Lee Miller was one of the most important women photographers of the twentieth century, working in the fields of photojournalism, fashion, portraiture and advertising. This book presents 100 of Miller?s finest works in a single volume. Introduced to photography at an early age, Lee Miller honed her craft in Paris, where she associated with the Surrealists and avant-garde artists including Jean Cocteau and Picasso. Together with Man Ray she accidentally discovered the distinctive technique of solarization to create mesmerizing halo effects. After establishing her own photographic studio in New York, where she became a prominent commercial photographer, she then moved to the Middle East and Europe before becoming the official war photographer for Vogue, a period during which she took many of her most iconic photographs. This evocative book collects Lee Miller?s most famous documentary, fashion, and war works, as well as photographs of Miller, all carefully compiled by her son the photographer Antony Penrose, with a foreword by actress Kate Winslet, who will star as Miller in the film Lee.

  • by H. Walter Lack
    £41.99

    After an epic Amazonian journey through Brazil and Peru, German botanist von Martius compiled an unsurpassed catalogue of all known genera of palm. This exquisite encyclopedic treasury is a jewel of 19th-century botany, as remarkable for its meticulous classification, as it is for its maps, color landscapes, and cross-sectioned diagrams showing...

  • by UNKNOWN
    £35.49

    Ever heard of surrealist fine dining? This must-have reprint of Les diners de Gala reveals the exotic flavors and elaborate imaginings behind the legendary dinner parties of Salvador and Gala Dali. With recipes from such leading Paris restaurants as La Tour d'Argent and Maxim's, a special section on aphrodisia, and bespoke illustrations from...

  • - The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground
    by Michael Moynihan
    £15.99

  • by Emily Henry
    £13.49

  • 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.

  • by Barbara Kingsolver
    £8.99

    Demon Copperhead is an intriguing masterpiece by the renowned author Barbara Kingsolver. Published in 2023 by Faber And Faber Ltd., this book offers a captivating journey that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Kingsolver, well-known for her ability to weave complex narratives with compelling characters, does not disappoint in this latest offering. The genre of the book is not explicitly mentioned, but knowing Kingsolver's previous works, readers can expect a mix of drama, suspense, and insightful social commentary. Set in the backdrop of contemporary society, Demon Copperhead is a reflection of our times, making it a must-read for anyone seeking a thought-provoking and engaging read. The book is available in English, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. So, if you are in search of your next great read, look no further than Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, a book that promises to be as enriching as it is entertaining.

  • by Emily McIntire
    £8.99

    A dark contemporary romance from viral BookTok and USA Today bestselling author Emily McIntire, featuring reimagined characters from popular fairy tales and other stories.***She doesn't belong to him...she belongs to the crown.Prince Tristan Faasa was never destined for the throne. That was always his brother, Michael. The same brother responsible for both Tristan's tormented childhood and the scar that mars his face.When their father dies, Michael is set to assume the throne, and Tristan is set to steal it. The leader of a secret rebellion, Tristan will stop at nothing to end his brother's reign. But when Michael's new betrothed, Lady Sara Beatreaux arrives, Tristan finds himself in the middle of a new kind of war-the kind that begs the question of what's most important: the crown or the woman about to wear it.Sara has one plan. Marry the King and eradicate the Faasa line, even at her own peril. But she never expects the Scarred Prince. He's dangerous. Forbidden. And one of the men she's been sent to kill.But the line between hatred and passion has never seemed so thin, and as secrets come to light, Sara grows unsure of whom she can trust-torn between vengeance and the villain she was never supposed to love.Scarred joins the Never After series as a dark and sexy reimagining of a classic tale, twisting it into an enticing new shape for mature readers.TropesFractured Fairy TaleEnemies to LoversRoyal RomanceForbidden LoveDark RomanceSpicy RomanceBad Boy RomanceThe Never After Series:HookedScarredWretchedTwistedCrossedHexed

  • by Hilary Mantel
    £9.49 - 18.99

    The long-awaited sequel to Wolf Hall and Bring Up the Bodies, the stunning conclusion to Hilary Mantel's Man Booker Prize-winning Wolf Hall trilogy.

  • by Tobias G. Natter
    £15.49 - 51.99

    Fall under the spell of Gustav Klimt. The complete catalogue of his paintings, including new photographs of the Stoclet Frieze, this book follows the Viennese master through his prominent role in the Secessionist movement, his candid rendering of the female body, and the lustrous "golden phase" behind such shimmering works as The Kiss and...

  • by Bjarke Ingels
    £28.49

    Through scorching heat to unforgiving chills, BIG - Bjarke Ingels Group presents a dazzling round-up of adaptive architecture in extreme environments around the world. In coordination with a major exhibition at the National Building Museum, Washington, 60 case studies show how structures can become holistic ecosystems of both economic and...

  • - Reflections on the Cinema
    by Andrey Tarkovsky
    £25.49

    Tarkovsky sets down his thoughts and his memories, revealing for the first time the original inspirations for his extraordinary films.

  • by Malene Lytken
    £25.49

    Nu tilgængelig i en kompakt og prisvenlig ny udgave.Den første samlede fortælling om dansk lampedesign.Lampedesign fejres nu med rette som den hjørnesten i Danish Design, som den er. Gamle lamper købes til høje priser, ældre modeller relanceres som designikoner – og rigtig mange læsere savner en god introduktion til lampernes særlige designhistorie.Denne bog er den første udgivelse, der udelukkende fokuserer på dansk lampedesign. Med afsæt i Poul Henningsens ikoniske ’PH-lampe’ udfolder bogen 100 fortællinger om dansk lampedesign, der gennem tekst og billeder udbreder historierne bag de enkelte designs. Bogen introducerer læseren for de opfindelser, der skabte grundlaget for de første revolutionerende lyskilder: fra udviklingen af olie- og gaslamper frem til kulminationen sidst i 1800-tallet, de elektriske glødepærer, der kom med funktionalismens indtog i Skandinavien, for til sidst at præsentere sin læser for LED lys- og lampedesign i dag.Det enestående for dansk belysningskultur er, at belysning og hygge er tæt forbundet. Dansk lampedesign handler ikke kun om form. Dermed er formålet for den moderne danske lampe ikke blot at give lys, men fortsat skabte smukke designobjekter, at både pryde og give et hyggeligt lys i de danske hjem.

  • by Mark Hyman
    £13.49

    Young Forever is a captivating novel penned by the talented Mark Hyman. Published in 2023 by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., this book is a must-read for those who appreciate engrossing narratives. The genre of the book is a well-kept secret, promising to surprise readers with its unique blend of suspense, drama, and intrigue. Young Forever takes you on an unforgettable journey, making it a standout addition to your book collection. The author, Mark Hyman, is known for his compelling storytelling that leaves readers wanting more. Published by Hodder and Stoughton Ltd., a renowned publisher, the book promises high-quality content that will engage and entertain readers from start to finish. Dive into the world of Young Forever and experience the magic of Mark Hyman's writing.

  • by Gina Renee Dunham
    £33.99

  • by Stephen Fry
    £11.99

    Discover the tales behind the ties in Stephen Fry's witty companion to our most distinguished accessory'A well-tied tie is the first serious step in life' Oscar Wilde'What do ties matter, Jeeves, at a time like this?' 'There is no time, sir, at which ties do not matter' P.G. Wodehouse ________ Every single one of Stephen Fry's ties - whether floral, fluorescent, football themed; striped or spotty, outrageous or simply debonair - tells an intimate tale about a moment in Stephen's life. Inspired by Stephen's hugely popular Instagram posts, this book will feature beautiful, hand-drawn illustrations and photographs to celebrate his expansive collection of man's greatest clothing companion: The Tie, in all its sophisticated glory. Distinctively funny and offering witty asides, facts and personal stories, this book will make the perfect gift for anyone who has ever worn a tie.

  • by Douglas Stuart
    £8.99 - 13.49

    The second powerful and heart-rending novel, set in 80s Glasgow, from Douglas Stuart, Booker-Prize- and British-Book-Award-winning author of &i>Shuggie Bain&/i>

  • - The Story Behind Every Track
    by Philippe Margotin
    £35.49

    A new, definitive look at one of music's greatest songbooks, by two expert authors.

  • - Techniques to Flatter Everyone
    by Lindsay Adler
    £29.99

    When photographing people, you can have a great composition, perfect light, and the right camera settings, but if your subject doesn't look right-if the pose is off-the shot will not be a keeper. Posing is truly a crucial skill that photographers need to have in order to create great photographs. If you're looking to improve your ability to pose your subjects-whether they're men, women, couples, or groups-best-selling author and photographer Lindsay Adler's The Photographer's Guide to Posing: Techniques to Flatter Everyone is the perfect resource for you.In the first half of The Photographer's Guide to Posing, Lindsay discusses how the camera sees, and thus how camera angle, lens choice, and perspective all affect the appearance of your subject. Lindsay then covers the five most important things that ruin a pose-such as placement of the hands, and your subject's expression and posture. If you can look out for and avoid these five things, your skills (and your images) will quickly improve. Next, Lindsay dives into "e;posing essentials,"e; outlining her approach to start with a "e;base pose,"e; then build on that to create endless posing opportunities. She also discusses posing the face-with specific sections dedicated to the chin, jaw, eyes, and forehead-as well as posing hands.In the second half of the book, Lindsay dedicates entire chapters to posing specific subject matter: women, men, couples, curvy women, families and small groups, and large groups. In each chapter, Lindsay addresses that subject matter's specific challenges, provides five "e;go-to poses"e; you can always use, and covers how to train the eye to determine the best pose for your subject(s). In the final chapter of the book, Lindsay brings it all together as she teaches you how to analyze a pose so that you can create endless posing opportunities and continuously improve your work

  • by John Berger
    £8.99

    How do we see the world around us? The Penguin on Design series includes the works of creative thinkers whose writings on art, design and the media have changed our vision forever. "e;Seeing comes before words. The child looks and recognizes before it can speak."e;"e;But there is also another sense in which seeing comes before words. It is seeing which establishes our place in the surrounding world; we explain that world with words, but word can never undo the fact that we are surrounded by it. The relation between what we see and what we know is never settled."e; John Berger's Ways of Seeing is one of the most stimulating and influential books on art in any language. First published in 1972, it was based on the BBC television series about which the (London) Sunday Times critic commented: "e;This is an eye-opener in more ways than one: by concentrating on how we look at paintings . . . he will almost certainly change the way you look at pictures."e; By now he has.

  • by Jonathan Drori
    £10.99 - 15.49

    Discover the secretive world of trees in Jonathan Drori's number one bestseller... Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of 80 magnificent trees from all over the globe. In Around the World in 80 Trees, Jonathan Drori uses plant science to illuminate how trees play a role in every part of human life, from the romantic to the regrettable. From the trees of Britain (this is a top search term), to India's sacred banyan tree, they offer us sanctuary and inspiration - not to mention the raw materials for everything from aspirin to maple syrup. Stops on the trip include the lime trees of Berlin's Unter den Linden boulevard, which intoxicate amorous Germans and hungry bees alike, the swankiest streets in nineteenth-century London, which were paved with Australian eucalyptus wood, and the redwood forests of California, where the secret to the trees' soaring heights can be found in the properties of the tiniest drops of water. Each of these strange and true tales - populated by self-mummifying monks, tree-climbing goats and ever-so-slightly radioactive nuts - is illustrated by Lucille Clerc, taking the reader on a journey that is as informative as it is beautiful. The book combines history, science and a wealth of quirky detail - there should be surprises for everyone. Perfect for fans of Peter Wohlleben's The Hidden Life of Trees, this new book will certainly whet the appetite of any tree lover to take an around-the-world trip, or simply visit your local botanic garden. The perfect travel guide for nature enthusiasts.

  • by Jordan Grosser
    £17.49

    Grab your friends and get cooking in the land of Ooo with Adventure Time: The Official Cookbook, featuring recipes from all your favourite characters and kingdoms.

  • by Dante Alighieri
    £15.49

    This edition prints all three parts of Dante's great poem about the journey of the soul - INFERNO, PURGATORIO and PARADISO - in the recent English translation by Allen Mandelbaum, with an introduction and explanatory notes on each canto by the noted Dante scholar, Peter Armour.

  • by Brandon Sanderson
    £8.99

  • by Satoshi Yagisawa
    £9.49

    From the beginning of summer to early spring, I lived at the Morisaki Bookshop. I spent that period of my life in the spare room on the second floor of the store, trying to bury myself in books. The cramped room barely got any light, and everything felt damp. It smelled constantly of musty old books. But I will always remember the days I spent there. Because that's where my real life began. And I know, without a doubt, that if not for those days the rest of my life would have been bland, monotonous, and lonely. The Morisaki Bookshop is precious to me. It's a place I know I'll never forget.

  • - A Book of Radiohead Artwork
    by Stanley Donwood & Thom Yorke
    £21.99

    A celebration of the process and artwork created for the Radiohead albums Kid A and Amnesiac

  • by Mary Claire Haver
    £13.49

    **From the New York Times Bestselling author**The UK edition of the menopause health plan that is taking the US by storm and already helped 100,000 women lose stubborn weight and tame their symptoms.When Dr Mary Claire Haver hit the perimenopause, she was shocked at the severity of her symptoms. She had always lived a very healthy lifestyle, but the weight seemed to be piling on and no diet or fitness regime could shift it.Exhausted and miserable, she decided to research her own solutions and was able to transform her health with three principles which are now central to The Galveston Diet:Fuel Refocus - Alter the ratio of healthy fats, lean protein, and quality carbohydrates to efficiently burn fat.Intermittent Fasting - Eat within a flexible 8-hour eating window to draw energy from stored fat.Anti-inflammatory Food - Eat more foods like leafy greens, olive oil, berries, nuts, and tomatoes.By combining these key principles Dr Haver has created a nutritional plan that finally makes it possible to lose stubborn weight and tame everyday symptoms from brain fog to insomnia.The first menopause diet designed by a woman for women, this is a kind, honest and science-backed plan with recipes, practical tips and shopping lists so that, no matter your lifestyle, you can finally regain control of your health and feel like YOU again.Reviews from women who have tried The Galveston Diet: 'When I found The Galveston Diet, I wasn't eating unhealthy food; I was just not eating the right foods. I have now lost 42+ pounds! Thank you, Dr. Haver, for helping me find me' Janice S'I cannot believe the changes I've seen since doing The Galveston Diet. I have lost 55lbs and feel amazing. I'm sleeping better. I no longer have any back pain and have more energy now than I did in my 30's' Sandra S'In two months, I have lost 13 pounds. My husband has lost 14 pounds. We feel so much better, and our clothes fit like they haven't fit in many, many months! That stubborn "middle expansion" is finally reversing' Suzanne J'I've never been obese but just could not get off the extra belly weight after my hysterectomy at 32 years old. I'm now 62 and feel better than I've ever felt about my body' Lesia M

  • by Gianluca Marziani & Stefano Antonelli
    £21.99

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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