We a good story
Quick delivery in the UK

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.
Show more
Filter
Filter
Sort bySort Popular
  • - A Memoir of My Hollywood Years
    by Julie Andrews
    £9.49

    The second volume of beloved actress Julie Andrews' memoirs: Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music and her enduring career in Hollywood. 'An intimate and heart-warming memoir' WOMAN & HOME

  • - The Hilarious Sequel to the #1 Bestseller
    by Nathan W. Pyle
    £10.99

    The sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling (November 2019) phenomenon Strange Planet, featuring more hilarious and poignant adventures from the fascinating inhabitants of Nathan W. Pyle's colourful world.

  • by Jim Hutton & Tim Wapshott
    £10.99

    An account of the last seven years of Freddie Mercury's life by his lover Jim Hutton. A former barber at the Savoy Hotel, Jim never fully assimilated into Mercury's jet-setting lifestyle, but was closer to him than anyone else, and knew all his friends, including Elton John and Phil Collins.

  • by Louisa Taylor
    £15.49

    An exploration of the artistic process, methodology and techniques of 100 great ceramic artists, offering both practical advice and inspiration.

  • - THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
    by Randall Munroe
    £9.49

    The world's most entertaining and useless self-help guide, from the brilliant mind behind the wildly popular webcomic xkcd and the million-selling What If? and Thing Explainer

  • by Philip Jodidio
    £15.49 - 41.99

    Travel the world to investigate one of the greatest renaissances in architecture: wood. How has this elemental material come to steal the show at luxury hot spring structures and cutting-edge urban renewal schemes?

  • by Elizabeth A. T. Smith
    £11.99 - 51.99

    An unprecedented event in architecture history, the Case Study Houses program gave America new models for residential living. This comprehensive account of the project presents each of the 36 prototype homes through floor plans, sketches, and photographs, and explores how architects like Richard Neutra, Charles and Ray Eames, and Eero Saarinen...

  • - Pretty Much Everything
    by Aaron James Draplin
    £25.49

    Esquire. Ford Motors. Burton Snowboards. The Obama Administration. While all of these brands are vastly different, they share at least one thing in common: a teeny, little bit of Aaron James Draplin. Draplin is one of the new school of influential graphic designers who combine the power of design, social media, entrepreneurship, and DIY aesthetic to create a successful business and way of life. Pretty Much Everything is a mid-career survey of work, case studies, inspiration, road stories, lists, maps, how-tos, and advice. It includes examples of his workposters, record covers, logosand presents the process behind his design with projects like Field Notes and the ';Things We Love' State Posters. Draplin also offers valuable advice and hilarious commentary that illustrates how much more goes into design than just what appears on the page. With Draplin's humor and pointed observations on the contemporary design scene, Draplin Design Co. is the complete package for the new generation of designers.

  • by Slim Aarons
    £44.99

    This lavish fourth volume in Abrams' Slim Aarons collection revels in this photographer's decades-long love affair with Italy. From breathtaking aerials of the Sicilian countryside to intimate portraits of celebrities and high society taken in magnificent villas, Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita captures the essence of ';the good life.' Slim Aarons first visited Italy as a combat photographer during World War II and later moved to Rome to shoot for Life magazine, yet even after relocating to New York, he would return to Italy almost every year for the rest of his life. The images collected here document the aristocracy, cultural elite, and beautiful people, such as Marcello Mastroianni, Ursula Andress, Joan Fontaine, and Tyrone Power, who lived la dolce vita in Italy's most fabulous places during the last 50 years. The introduction by Christopher Sweet shares stories from Aarons's years in Italy and new insights about his life and career. Also available from Slim Aarons: Slim Aarons: Women, Slim Aarons: Once Upon a Time, Slim Aarons: A Place in the Sun, and Poolside with Slim Aarons. Praise for Slim Aarons: La Dolce Vita: ';Nostalgia-soaked images.' Harper's Bazaar ';Sumptuous images.' Publishers Weekly ';It's the next best thing to time travel.' DuJour magazine

  • by Sandy Bodecker
    £35.49

    The first book on Nike s iconic DUNK SB, a mid-rise basketball court staple that has in the last two decades become a colourful (and often irreverent) icon of skate and street wear.

  • - Learn to Make Beautiful Panels by Hand
    by Matt Kenney
    £14.99

    The Art of Kumiko is a step-by-step guide to creating a classic Japanese craft in the modern workshop with only minimal tools.

  • - A Visual Exploration
    by Joshua Izzo
    £11.99

    Celebrate the first decade of James Cameron's Avatar and the beginnings of an epic cinematic journey. Delve into the majestic world of Pandora and discover the incredible wealth of creativity that led this story to become the highest-grossing film of all time and the winner of three Academy Awards. The World of Avatar celebrates, explores, and explains the spectacular world of Pandora-its extraordinary geology, flora and fauna, and the customs and beliefs of its people, the mysterious Na'vi. The book uniquely covers key content from all aspects of the burgeoning franchise. It combines original movie stills and artwork with stunning imagery from Cirque du Soleil's Avatar-inspired show Toruk: The First Flight; and Disney World's Pandora-The World of Avatar.With a foreword by Avatar star Zoe Saldana (Neytiri), and an introduction by producer Jon Landau, The World of Avatar concludes with a "sneak peek" of a new Avatar era, fuelling excitement for the long-awaited release of Avatar 2 in December 2022. © 2022 Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation. All rights reserved.

  • by Alan Riding
    £35.49

    For a decade, Serra Pelada evoked the long-promised El Dorado as the world's largest open-air gold mine, employing some 50,000 diggers in appalling conditions. Today, Brazil's gold rush is merely the stuff of legend, kept alive by a few happy memories, many pained regrets-and Sebastiao Salgado's photographs. This collection is a major...

  • by Phaidon Editors
    £30.99

    A stunning tribute to our eternal fascination with the human body - and the latest in the bestselling 'Explorer' Collection

  • - An Exploration of Visual Thinking
    by Sophie Cure
    £13.49

    Eine unterhaltsame und praxisnahe Grafikdesign-Einführungsowohl für professionell als auch allgemein interessierte Leser¿ Verstehen, wie Grafikdesign funktioniert und visuelleKommunikation selbst gestalten¿ Mit Glossar, Rätseln, Aufklebern, Schablonen und farbigemPapier im Loseblatt-AnhangDas wunderschön gestaltete Buch verwendet visuelleHerausforderungen, um praxisnah zu zeigen, wie Typografie,Beschilderung, Plakate und Branding funktionieren. Konzepte undTechniken der visuellen Kommunikation werden auf ansprechendeund interaktive Weise vorgestellt.Illustriert mit Schriften, Plakaten und Piktogrammen vonrenommierten Designern wie Otl Aicher, Pierre Di Sciullo, OttoNeurath und Gerd Arntz, wird das Buch sowohl professionelleGrafiker ansprechen als auch jene, die allgemein mehr über visuelleKommunikation erfahren möchten.

  • - Paintings for the Future
    by Tracey Bashkoff & Tessel M. Baudin
    £41.99

    A groundbreaking study of visionary artist Hilma af Klint. When Swedish artist Hilma af Klint died in 1944 at the age of 81, she left behind more than a thousand paintings and works on paper that she kept largely private during her lifetime. Believing the world was not yet ready for her art, she stipulated that it should remain unseen for another 20 years. But only in recent decades has the public had a chance to reckon with af Klint's radically abstract painting practice - one which predates the work of Vasily Kandinsky and other artists widely considered trailblazers of modernist abstraction. Accompanying the first major survey exhibition of the artist's work in the United States, Hilma af Klint represents her groundbreaking painting series while expanding recent scholarship to present the fullest picture yet of the artist's life and work. Essays explore the social, intellectual, and artistic milieu of af Klint's 1906 break with figuration and her subsequent development, placing her in the context of Swedish modernism and folk art traditions, contemporary scientific discoveries, and spiritualist and occult movements. A roundtable discussion among contemporary artists, scholars, and curators considers af Klint's sources and relevance to art in the 21st century. The volume also delves into her unrealized plans for a spiral-shaped temple in which to display her art - a wish that finds a fortuitous answer in the Guggenheim Museum's rotunda, the site of the forthcoming exhibition.

  • by Running Press
    £22.49

    Step into the magical world with the 'Harry Potter Pensieve Memory Set' by Running Press. Published in 2017 by Running Press, U.S., this enchanting set is a must-have for every Potterhead. The genre of the book is fantasy, and it beautifully encapsulates the mystic elements of the Harry Potter universe. The 'Pensieve Memory Set' is not just a book; it's an experience that transports you to the spellbinding world of Hogwarts, casting a charm that's hard to resist. So, are you ready to dive into the memories and relive the magic?

  • by Michael Ochs
    £15.49

    1000 Record Covers is a captivating book by the renowned author, Michael Ochs. Published in 2014 by Taschen GmbH, this book is a must-have for all music and art enthusiasts. The book takes you on a journey through the golden age of album covers, showcasing a thousand of the most beautiful and iconic record covers from the 60s to the 90s. Each cover tells a story about the music and the era it came from, making it not just a book, but a cultural artifact. Whether you're a music lover, a designer, or a fan of pop culture, 1000 Record Covers is a book that you'll find hard to put down. This masterpiece is a testament to Michael Ochs' ability to weave together art, music, and history into a compelling narrative. Don't miss out on this treasure published by Taschen GmbH.

  • - The World's Leading Electronic Music Production Magazine Delivers the Definitive Guide to Making Cutting-Edge Dance Music
     
    £27.49

    The world's leading electronic music production magazine delivers the definitive guide to making cutting-edge dance music. Featuring 312 color pages packed with technique, tips, illustrations and hands-on walkthroughs, The Secrets of Dance Music Production pulls together everything you need to take a mix from concept to club-ready master - whether you make house or techno, 2-step or D&B, EDM or trance. Topics include studio fundamentals, the golden rules of mixing, essential techniques, improving writing chops, bigger beats, learning from the masters and more.

  • - A Student Guide with Teacher's Manual
    by Chris Ganter
    £13.49

    Suitable for college use, this title opens with an exploration of graffiti's background and history, from Pompeii to the Hip Hop revolution to the present day, as well as how to stay on the right side of the law. It explains the practical techniques of using a spray can, and the step-by-step methods and skills required to create artistic graffiti.

  • - 150 Essential Tools for Architects, Artists, Designers, Developers, Engineers, Inventors, and Managers
    by William Lidwell
    £9.99

    This pocket edition of the bestselling design reference book contains 150 essential principles.

  • 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.

  • by Sue Radford
    £15.49

  • by Tom Shone
    £15.49

  • by Emily Henry
    £11.99

    'At turns hilarious and wise, another knockout from the champ' Taylor Jenkins Reid, DAISY JONES AND THE SIX'One of my favourite authors' Colleen Hoover, IT ENDS WITH US'Smart, sunny, sexy and also a gorgeous story of female friendship' Beth O'Leary, THE FLATSHARE-----Two exes. One pact.Could this holiday change everything?Harriet and Wyn are the perfect couple - they go together like bread and butter, gin and tonic, Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds.Every year, they take a holiday from their lives to drink far too much wine with their favourite people in the world.Except this year, they are lying through their teeth, because Harriet and Wyn broke up six months ago. And they still haven't told anyone.But the cottage is for sale so this is the last time they'll all be here together. They can't bear to break their best friends' hearts so they'll fake it for one more week.But how can you pretend to be in love - and get away with it - in front of the people who know you best?Brimming with characters you can't help but fall for and off-the-charts chemistry, HAPPY PLACE is Emily Henry doing what she does best! -----'The master of witty repartee' Daily Mail'A heart-tugging tale that captures the importance of found family, the pain of growing apart from those we love, and the triumph of finding them-and ourselves-once again' Ali Hazelwood, THE LOVE HYPOTHESIS'One of the current stars of romantic fiction' Independent'Heartfelt and hilarious. This book is my happy place!' Lucy Score, THINGS WE NEVER GOT OVER'Another Emily Henry masterpiece' Hannah Grace, ICEBREAKER'If I could climb inside any book it would be this one' Culturefly'Emily Henry's books should be prescribed. Not only will they make you happy, her latest may just make you fall in love with falling in love again. Absolutely dreamy' Woman's Weekly'The closest thing to going on holiday without leaving your sofa' Beth O'Leary, THE FLATSHARE'Everything I love in a book. From witty banter to charming characters, Emily Henry gripped me from the very first page' Lauren Asher, THE FINE PRINT'Tender and sexy, bittersweet with Henry's trademark warmth, this is a book that sweeps you off your feet and envelopes you with love in its many facets - it feels like hanging out with your best friends' Bolu Babalola, HONEY & SPICE'Emily Henry tenderly portrays the importance of finding the places and people you call home' Taylor Jenkins Reid, DAISY JONES AND THE SIX

  • 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?

  • by Nick Cave & Sean O'Hagan
    £16.99

  • by Dominic Bradbury
    £38.49

    The most complete in-depth survey of global Mid-Century Modern homes ever published - more than 400 stunning homes from 40 countries, designed by more than 290 of the world's greatest architects

  • by Piet Oudolf
    £45.49

    A major monograph on the Dutch garden designer, featuring his gardens and the largest collection of his drawings ever published Step into a Piet Oudolf garden and you are transported into a dreamlike meadowscape, filled with perennials, seasonal color, and texture. Made in close collaboration with Oudolf, this book showcases gardens throughout his career and across the globe - from New York's acclaimed High Line to the newly planted Vitra Campus in Germany. The book offers fresh insight into the work and creative practice of Oudolf, both from a horticultural and artistic perspective, showcasing high-profile and lesser-known gardens, including Chicago's Lurie Garden, Hauser & Wirth Somerset and Menorca, Venice Biennale, Singer Museum, Belle Isle in Detroit, Noma, and others. It offers unprecedented insight into his design process, working methods, and inspirations, and features original sketches and drawings - many of which are published here for the first time. This major new monograph is significant not only for its breadth and the largest collection of Oudolf's drawings ever published, but also for its inclusion of brand-new work, together with newly commissioned essays that place his work in context and offer fresh perspective on his career and significance. The book also includes gatefolds and tip-ins to explain key designs.

  • by Images Iconic
    £41.99

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

Join thousands of book lovers

Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.