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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 Alan Flusser
    £25.49

  • by Quentin Tarantino
    £18.99

  • by Bobby Owsinski
    £33.99

    Learning the art of mixing has never been easier.For more than two decades, The Mixing Engineer's Handbook has been the best selling and most respected resource on the art of music mixing for seasoned professionals and enthusiastic beginners alike. Today's home studio is just as powerful as any commercial studio, but it's the techniques that the top mixers use that separates their work from what most musicians, songwriters, producers or artists can produce without that knowledge. In this fully updated 5th edition of the Handbook, you'll find all the proven fundamental and advanced techniques that the pros use to help you take your music to another level.Guaranteed to help you get a great mix regardless of your gear, playback environment or the kind of music you work on, you'll find your mixing chops getting better with each chapter.Here are just a few things you'll learn:The mix balance technique that sets levels so fast on even the most complicated mix that you won't believe itThe EQ techniques of the pros that will both separate your tracks and provide the utmost in clarityThe "Magic Frequencies" that make every mix element singThe secret to processing and enhancing loops, samples and virtual instruments so they leap out a mixThe way to set up a master mix buss to add more power and polish to your mixThe secret to pitch correcting vocals so they sound so natural that you'll never know they're pitch correctedDrum replacement and enhancement techniques for instant great sounding kick and snareThe ultimate punchy drums secret that gives you the right compressor settings every timeThe best way to use automation and sidechaining, the secret sauce behind modern mixesThe secret to clean sibilance-free vocals that sit perfectly in the mix without sounding shrill or stridentThe editing tricks of the pros that include track cleanup, adjusting track timing, and the secret to smooth endingsEasy-to-grasp methods for adding effects like reverb and delay that always work in any trackAnd so much more!Brand new additions to the 5th edition include:Three new mix build techniques for better balances and faster mixesA new method for setting compressors to breathe with the pulse of the song for more punchy and powerful mixesA look at the latest intelligent processor plugins designed to make the difficult tasks of mixing far easierEditing techniques with playlists in mind to make your mixes more streaming-readyA totally new chapter on immersive audio, including a primer for mixing in Dolby AtmosBusting the myths to using LUFS for mixing musicTechniques for self-mastering your musicHeadphone mixing and room calibration technology tips, and even more!The book still contains one of its best-loved features from previous versions - 18 interviews with some of the music industry's most successful and celebrated audio mixers from all different music genres. The new edition contains four brand new interviews with some of the industry's biggest hit makers, along with access to a bonus website with 13 additional interviews not found in the book.Learn the art of mixing from start to finish by using the tips and techniques from the pros, with The Mixing Engineer's Handbook, 5th Edition. Pick up your copy today by clicking the BUY NOW button on this page.

  • - Photographs from the Edge
    by Jimmy Chin
    £24.99

    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.

  • by Antony Penrose
    £10.99

    Lee Miller's career encompassed several different careers: she was a successful model, then a leading Surrealist photographer; and then a war correspondent during World War II. Compiled by her son, this book offers a record of Miller's life and work.

  • by Schuster & To Be Confirmed Simon
    £8.99

  • 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)

  • - The Complete Guide
    by Amanda Johnston & Clive Hallett
    £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.

  • - 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!

  • - 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.

  • by Jeff Tweedy
    £7.99

    The idea of becoming a capital-S Songwriter can seem daunting, but when approached as a focused, self-contained practice, the mystery and fear subsides and songwriting becomes an exciting pursuit. How to Write One Song brings readers into this intimate process - lyrics, music and how they come together.

  • by Seth Godin
    £11.99

  • 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!

  • - 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.

  • - The Complete Course
    by Karolyn Kiisel
    £35.49

  • by Soetsu Yanagi
    £8.99

    Long revered as the authority on craftsmanship and Japanese aesthetics, Yanagi devoted his life and writing to defend the value of craft. In an age of feeble and ugly machine-made things, The Beauty of Everyday Things is a call to deepen relationships with the objects that surround people.

  • by Leonie Gombrich
    £20.49 - 27.49

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

  • by Matt Zoller Seitz
    £25.49

    ThisNew York Timesbestselling overview of Wes Andersons filmography features previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photos, artwork, and ephemera, with an introduction by Michael Chabon. Writer/director Wes Anderson guides movie/television critic Matt Zoller Seitz through Andersons life and career in a hardcover book-length conversation, woven together with original illustrations and production images fromBottle Rocket,Rushmore,The Royal Tenenbaums,The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou,The Darjeeling Limited,Fantastic Mr. Fox, andMoonrise Kingdom. The result is a meticulously designed book that captures and reflects the spirit of Wes Andersons movies: melancholy, playful, wise, and wonderfully unique. Also available from Matt Zoller Seitz: The Oliver Stone Experience, The Wes Anderson Collection: Bad Dads, The Wes Anderson Collection: The Grand Budapest Hotel, and Mad Men Carousel.

  • by Susan Sontag
    £8.99 - 9.49

    Susan Sontag's On Photography is a seminal and groundbreaking work on the subject.Susan Sontag's groundbreaking critique of photography asks forceful questions about the moral and aesthetic issues surrounding this art form. Photographs are everywhere, and the 'insatiability of the photographing eye' has profoundly altered our relationship with the world. Photographs have the power to shock, idealize or seduce, they create a sense of nostalgia and act as a memorial, and they can be used as evidence against us or to identify us. In these six incisive essays, Sontag examines the ways in which we use these omnipresent images to manufacture a sense of reality and authority in our lives.'Sontag offers enough food for thought to satisfy the most intellectual of appetites'The Times'A brilliant analysis of the profound changes photographic images have made in our way of looking at the world, and at ourselves'Washington Post'The most original and illuminating study of the subject'New YorkerOne of America's best-known and most admired writers, Susan Sontag was also a leading commentator on contemporary culture until her death in December 2004. Her books include four novels and numerous works of non-fiction, among them Regarding the Pain of Others, On Photography, Illness as Metaphor, At the Same Time, Against Interpretation and Other Essays and Reborn: Early Diaries 1947-1963, all of which are published by Penguin. A further eight books, including the collections of essays Under the Sign of Saturn and Where the Stress Falls, and the novels The Volcano Lover and The Benefactor, are available from Penguin Modern Classics.

  • - Faith and Devotion
    by Ian Gittins
    £18.99

    Published to coincide with the fortieth anniversary of the formation of Depeche Mode in 1980, the story of the electro-pop band's meteoric rise. Gittins is co-author of Nikki Sixx's bestselling "The Heroin Diaries".

  • - The Ultimate Collection of Street Photography
     
    £21.99

    A showcase of hidden gems of street photography, exploring the variety of ways in which the common subject matter and locations of the genre have been addressed in differing and varied ways.

  • - Meanings, Shapes, and Motifs
    by Yori Moriarty
    £16.99

    Discover the rich meanings hidden in the enigmatic world of irezumi. A visual catalogue and journey through Japan's tattoo culture with Yori Moriarty, a disciple of Osaka Horitoshi.

  • - The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition
    by Pierre Leonforte
    £74.99

  • - The Complete Works
    by Leonardo Da (Author) Vinci
    £10.99

    Provides the reader with an insight into the life and work of one of history's most intriguing figures, Leonardo Da Vinci. Almost all of his work is presented in this volume - from his paintings and frescos, to detailed reproductions of his remarkable encrypted notebooks.

  • by Penelope Douglas
    £13.49

    "Tiernan de Haas doesn't care about anything anymore. The only child of a film producer and his starlet wife, she's grown up with wealth and privilege but not love or guidance. Shipped off to boarding schools from an early age, it was impossible to escape the loneliness and carve out a life of her own. And when they suddenly pass away, she knows she should be devastated. But has anything really changed? She's always been alone, hasn't she? Jake Van der Berg, her father's stepbrother and her only living relative, assumes guardianship of Tiernan. Sent to live with Jake and his two sons, Noah and Kaleb, in the mountains of Colorado, Tiernan quickly learns that these men now have a say in what she chooses to care and not care about anymore. As the three men take Tiernan under their wing, she slowly finds her place among them...and as a part of them. Because lines blur and rules become easy to break when no one else is watching. One of them has her. The other one wants her. But he's going to keep her."--

  • by Reuel Golden & Susan Michals
    £11.99 - 28.49

  • by William Li
    £15.49

    Eat to Beat Your Diet is an enlightening book penned by the brilliant author, William Li. Published recently on March 21, 2023, this work is a must-read for anyone seeking to revolutionize their eating habits. The genre of this book can be best described as a blend of health, wellness, and self-help. Li, with his profound knowledge and experience, offers a unique perspective on diet and nutrition. He challenges conventional dieting wisdom and introduces a fresh approach to eating healthily and sustainably. The book is a treasure trove of insights, practical tips, and innovative dietary strategies aimed at empowering readers to beat their diet. Published by Random House UK Ltd, a renowned name in the publishing industry, the book promises impeccable quality and an enriching reading experience. The book is written in English, making it accessible to a global audience. Don't miss out on the chance to transform your life with 'Eat to Beat Your Diet'!

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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