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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 30%
    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...

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    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.

  • Save 25%
    by Tobias G. Natter
    £14.99 - 128.49

    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...

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    by Leonie Gombrich
    £19.99 - 27.49

    One of the most famous and popular books on art ever written.

  • Save 15%
    by Jonathan Drori
    £10.99

    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.

  • Save 23%
    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.

  • Save 14%
    - Reflections on the Cinema
    by Andrey Tarkovsky
    £23.99

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

  • Save 27%
    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.

  • Save 21%
    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.

  • Save 27%
    by Gianluca Marziani & Stefano Antonelli
    £21.99

  • by Gina Renee Dunham
    £31.99

  • Save 29%
    by Alan Flusser
    £28.49

  • Save 13%
  • Save 10%
    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>

  • Save 33%
    - 14th Edition
    by Times Atlases
    £117.99

    The latest edition of the world's most prestigious and authoritative world atlas, containing up-to-date world maps and thematic information curated by experts in geography and cartography.

  • Save 29%
    - 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

  • Save 24%
    by Edward Steichen
    £18.99

    Features photographs of lovers and marriage and child-bearing; photographs concerned with man's dreams and aspirations and photographs of the flaming creative forces of love and truth and the corrosive evil inherent in the lie.

  • Save 10%
    by Sue Radford
    £8.99 - 15.49

  • Save 10%
    by Sophie Lark
    £8.99

    They're a match made in Hell.The Griffins and the Gallos have been battling for control of Chicago's underworld for generations. Their rivalry has always been flammable, but it reignites with a fury when Aida, the youngest and wildest Gallo sibling, crashes a party at the Griffin mansion and accidentally sets fire to the library. To stave off all-out war, her father quickly arranges a marriage between her and Callum Griffin, eldest son and heir to the Irish mafia.Cold, ambitious, and brutal, Callum is determined to tame his headstrong new bride. But Aida is more than capable of giving as good as she gets-starting with poisoning Callum on their wedding night. The problem is, murdering him would be a lot easier if he didn't look so good while she was trying to do it.She's got a lockbox around her heart. He's got something to prove.In their struggle for dominance, who will go up in flames first?

  • Save 21%
    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

  • - The Ultimate Guide to Writing and Performing Stand-Up Comedy
    by Judy Carter
    £15.49

  • Save 28%
    - Photographs from the Edge
    by Jimmy Chin
    £27.49

    The Academy Award-winning director of Free Solo and National Geographic photographer presents the first collection of his iconic adventure photography, featuring some of the greatest moments of the most accomplished climbers and outdoor athletes in the world, and including more than 200 extraordinary photographs. "An extraordinary work of art."-Jon KrakauerFilmmaker, photographer, and world-class mountaineer Jimmy Chin goes where few can follow to capture stunning images in death-defying situations. There and Back draws from his breathtaking portfolio of photographs, captured over twenty years during cutting-edge expeditions on all seven continents-from skiing Mount Everest, to an unsupported traverse of Tibet's Chang Tang Plateau on foot, to first ascents in Chad's Ennedi Desert and Antarctica's Queen Maud Land.Along the way, Chin shares behind-the-scenes details about how he captured such astounding images in impossible conditions, and tells the stories of the legendary adventurers and remarkable athletes he has photographed, including Alex Honnold, the star of his Academy Award-winning documentary film Free Solo; ski mountaineer Kit DesLauriers; snowboarder Travis Rice; and mountaineers Conrad Anker and Yvon Chouinard. These larger-than-life images, coupled with stories of outsized drive and passion, of impossible goals with life or death stakes, of partnerships forged through incredible hardship, are sure to inspire wonder and awe.

  • Save 10%
    by Schuster & To Be Confirmed Simon
    £8.99

  • Save 11%
    - The Unauthorized Biography
    by Danny White
    £7.99

    An in-depth biography of Harry Styles, member of one of the world's biggest boybands, One Direction, and huge solo star.

  • Save 20%
    by Seth Godin
    £11.99

  • Save 29%
    - The Complete Course
    by Karolyn Kiisel
    £35.49

  • Save 29%
    by Ball, Farrow, Joa Studholme & et al.
    £28.49

    The second edition of Farrow & Ball: How to Decorate, now titled How to Redecorate, brings the invaluable advice from the first edition right up to date in line with current trends, including catering for the home-working age. The book reflects the seismic shift in the way we decorate our homes that has taken place over the last decade, showcasing a wide range of living spaces, featuring everything from compact city apartments to roomier country residences.Packed with stylish and easy-to-follow decorating advice, How to Redecorate answers common questions, including which white to use with which colour, how to select a neutral group and what exactly are the three different ways to decorate? Accompanied by a wealth of inspirational new images, the book also features an expanded section on colour names and inspirations, as well as guidance on how to create a beautiful working space within the home.With more than 80% new material, this new edition of the bestselling How to Decorate takes decorating to a whole new level, demystifying the process with ease and equipping you to transform your home.

  • Save 21%
    by Stacy Sims
    £14.99

    "Originally published in different form in the United States by Rodale Books, an imprint of Random House, a division of Penguin Random House LLC, in 2016"--Title page verso.

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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