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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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  • - A Quick Guide to the Styles of Norse Animal Ornament
    by Jonas Lau Markussen
    £30.99

  • - For the Snare Drummer
    by George Lawrence Stone
    £9.99

  • Save 25%
    - Women of the World in 500 Portraits
    by Mihaela Noroc
    £20.99

  • Save 30%
    by Terry O'Neill & Dylan Jones
    £41.99 - 332.49

    Capturing the iconic, candid, and unguarded moments of the famous and the notorious.

  • Save 15%
    - Ambient sound and radical listening in the age of communication
    by David Toop
    £10.99

    A work of sonic history that covers the rainforests of amazonas to virtual Las Vegas, from David Lynch's dream house, high in the Hollywood hills to the megalopolis of Tokyo. It begins in 1889 at the Paris Exposition when Debussy first heard Javanese music performed. It comprehensively maps a century of ambient music and its legacy.

  • by Teresa Goodridge
    £6.99

    Colorists can relax and unwind with this beautiful book illustrating life on the farm. Thirty-one detailed scenes feature cows in the meadow, chickens in the hen house, fields of flowers, more.

  • Save 19%
    - Manga-inspired Art and Tutorials by Asia Ladowska
    by Asia Ladowska
    £19.49

    Following on from Asia Ladowska's hugely popular online and weekly #SketchwithAsia challenge, is a book filled with Manga-inspired art, tips, and tutorials.

  • Save 27%
    - The Book of the Exhibition
    by British Library
    £21.99

    Harry Potter: A History of Magic is the official book of the exhibition, a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration between Bloomsbury, J.K. Rowling and the brilliant curators of the British Library. It promises to take readers on a fascinating journey through the subjects studied at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - from Alchemy and Potions classes through to Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures.Each chapter showcases a treasure trove of artefacts from the British Library and other collections around the world, beside exclusive manuscripts, sketches and illustrations from the Harry Potter archive. There's also a specially commissioned essay for each subject area by an expert, writer or cultural commentator, inspired by the contents of the exhibition - absorbing, insightful and unexpected contributions from Steve Backshall, the Reverend Richard Coles, Owen Davies, Julia Eccleshare, Roger Highfield, Steve Kloves, Lucy Mangan, Anna Pavord and Tim Peake, who offer a personal perspective on their magical theme.Readers will be able to pore over ancient spell books, amazing illuminated scrolls that reveal the secret of the Elixir of Life, vials of dragon's blood, mandrake roots, painted centaurs and a genuine witch's broomstick, in a book that shows J.K. Rowling's magical inventions alongside their cultural and historical forebears.This is the ultimate gift for Harry Potter fans, curious minds, big imaginations, bibliophiles and readers around the world who missed out on the chance to see the exhibition in person.

  • Save 25%
    by John Derian
    £48.99

    For the first time ever, comes the book John Derian fans have been waiting for. Culled from the thousands of images that have appeared in his biannual collections, here is an astoundingly beautiful assortment of more than 400 full-bleed images in their original form.

  • Save 21%
    - The Most Important Rap Song From Every Year Since 1979, Discussed, Debated, and Deconstructed
    by Shea Serrano
    £14.99

    An informative, illustrated guide to the 35 of the most important rap songs ever released

  • Save 21%
    by Pat Pattison
    £14.99

  • Save 29%
    - A Visual Communication Manual for Graphic Designers, Typographers and Three Dimensional Designers
    by Josef Mulller-Brockmann
    £35.49

    Suitable for those who work with automated text and image design, this work shows examples of working correctly on a conceptual level. It gives the user exact directions for using all of the grid systems presented (8 to 32 grid fields).

  • Save 24%
    by FUEL
    £18.99

    Working as a prison guard in St Petersburgs notorious Kresty Prison, the author diligently recorded over 3,000 criminal tattoos, documenting their meanings within this closed society. This title explores the extremes of this collection.

  • Save 10%
    by Michael Connelly
    £8.99

  • Save 10%
    by Liz Tomforde
    £8.99

    RYANShe's a distraction, that's what she is.I'm the newest Captain of the Devils, Chicago's NBA team, and the last thing I needed this year was for Indy Ivers, my sister's best friend, to move into my apartment. She's messy, emotional, and way too tempting.But when the team's General Manager vocalizes his blatant disapproval of my promotion to Captain, referring to me as an unapproachable lone wolf with no work-life balance, I can't think of a better way to convince him otherwise than pretending to date my outgoing roommate.The only problem? Faking it feels far too natural.Having a fake girlfriend wasn't supposed to be messy but having Indy under my roof and in my bed is complicated, especially when she wants all the romantic parts of life that I could never give her.INDYI never imagined I'd be living with my best friend's brother, NBA superstar Ryan Shay. Even more unbelievable? He needs me to act as his loving girlfriend who's suddenly changed him into a friendly and approachable guy.Because, well . . . he's not. He's controlling of his space and untrusting of others.Our arrangement isn't one-sided, though. I'm in a wedding coming up, one where every one of my childhood friends, including my ex-boyfriend, will be in attendance, and there's no better date than my ex's celebrity hero.Blurred lines make it almost impossible to separate real from fake. Falling for my roommate was never part of the deal, especially when Ryan is quick to remind me that he doesn't believe in love.I'm a romantic and can't help fantasizing that he'll change, but soon enough, I find myself questioning if sharing a roof with my best friend's brother was the right move after all . . . REAL READERS LOVE THE WINDY CITY SERIES: 'SWEET MOTHER this is my new favourite book . . . literally left a mark on my soul'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Read it!! I promise you, you won't regret it!!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I laughed and cried and swooned'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'Someone please slap me for putting this off for so long!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 'I can't believe it's over. I want to turn back to page 1 and start all over again!!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  • Save 21%
    by Lonely Planet
    £13.49

  • Save 10%
    by Stephanie Garber
    £8.99

    The Ballad of Never After is a captivating masterpiece by Stephanie Garber, a renowned author who has consistently thrilled readers with her engaging storytelling. This book, published in 2023, is a testament to her exceptional writing prowess. The narrative unfolds in a genre that blends reality with a touch of the fantastical, creating a unique literary experience. The Ballad of Never After takes readers on a riveting journey, full of unexpected twists and turns, keeping them hooked from the first page to the last. The book was published by Hodder And Stoughton Ltd., a publisher recognized for bringing quality literature to the market. This book is written in English, making it accessible to a broad audience. Don't miss out on this extraordinary literary piece by Stephanie Garber.

  • Save 15%
    by Insight Editions
    £10.99 - 14.99

  • Save 25%
    by Hayao Miyazaki
    £20.99

  • Save 24%
    by Kiki Nelson
    £18.99

    "Sharing more than 125 wide-ranging, simple recipes and the four-week meal plan that helped her lose weight and reverse her risk for diabetes and heart disease, the author presents this updated edition of her plant-based, low-fat cookbook that has been expanded with new information, inspiration, and photos."--

  • Save 31%
    by Malene Birger
    £51.99

    GROSSFORMAT: 28 x 36 cm , 256 Seiten Sprachen: Deutsch, Spanisch, Englisch, Französisch Dritter Band der Bestseller-Reihe mit je mehr als 10.000 verkauften Exemplaren Inspirierende neue Einrichtungsideen von der mehrfach preisgekrönten Designerin Handwerk und Hightech, Kunst und Mitbringsel, kuratierte Dinge und objets trouvés - Malene Birger verbindet sie gekonnt Malene Birger hat viele kreative Talente. Sie arbeitet als Inneneinrichterin und Künstlerin. Sie lässt ihre grafisch-monochrome Malerei für sich sprechen, gestaltet sehr persönliche Objekte und Skulpturen aus Ton und Marmor und hat kürzlich eine Edelschmuckkollektion entworfen. Ursprünglich kommt Malene Birger aus der Mode. Seit ihrem Abschluss an der Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Kopenhagen in den späten 80er-Jahren ist sie beruflich immer ihrem Herzen gefolgt. Und da sie als Nomadin bekannt ist, war dieser Weg schon immer vielfältig und inspirierend. Malene Birgers Gespür für Materialien, Texturen, Kompositionen und ihre eklektischen Kombinationen von Möbeln, Kunst und Objekten sind unverwechselbar. Ihr charakteristischer Einrichtungsstil wurde bereits in zwei erfolgreichen Bildbänden präsentiert. Der dritte Band widmet sich nun besonders der Kunst in ihren Häusern und bietet einzigartige Einblicke in ihre Interior-Projekte in London, Italien, Griechenland und Mallorca. Sprachen: Deutsch, Spanisch, Englisch, Französisch

  • Save 20%
    by Sylvia Plath
    £11.99

    Bell Jar, a captivating novel penned by the iconic Sylvia Plath, is a title that warrants your attention. This engrossing piece of literature, which was published in 2022, is a testament to Plath's profound understanding of the human condition. The genre of the book, which is a blend of autobiographical and psychological elements, is a testament to the author's ability to weave a complex narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is engaging. The Bell Jar is a testament to Plath's ability to capture the complexities of the human psyche with an unparalleled level of depth and sensitivity. Published by the renowned Faber And Faber Ltd., this book is a must-have for any literature enthusiast. If you're a fan of deeply introspective and emotionally charged literature, then Bell Jar is a title that you simply cannot afford to miss.

  • Save 14%
    by Hannah Gadsby
    £9.49 - 15.49

    'There is nothing stronger than a broken woman who has rebuilt herself.' Hannah Gadsby, NanetteHannah Gadsby's unique stand-up special Nanette was a viral success that left audiences captivated by her blistering honesty and her ability to create both tension and laughter in a single moment. But while her worldwide fame might have looked like an overnight sensation, her path from open mic to the global stage was hard-fought and anything but linear. Ten Steps to Nanette traces Gadsby's growth as a queer person from Tasmania - where homosexuality was illegal until 1997 - to her ever-evolving relationship with comedy, to her struggle with late-in-life diagnoses of autism and ADHD, and finally to the backbone of Nanette - the renouncement of self-deprecation, the rejection of misogyny and the moral significance of truth-telling. Equal parts harrowing and hilarious, Ten Steps to Nanette continues Gadsby's tradition of confounding expectations and norms, properly introducing us to one of the most explosive, formative voices of our time.

  • Save 10%
    - Stories
    by Haruki Murakami
    £8.99

    A mindbending new collection of short stories from the unique, internationally acclaimed author of Norwegian Wood and The Wind-up Bird Chronicle. THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER The eight masterly stories in this new collection are all told in the first person by a classic Murakami narrator.

  • Save 10%
    by Graham Brown & Clive Cussler
    £8.99 - 18.99

  • Save 23%
    - And the Clothes he Wears
    by Terry Newman
    £16.99

    Discover the world of Harry Styles in this captivating biography written by Terry Newman. Published in 2022 by ACC ART BOOKS, this book delves into the life and career of one of the most influential figures in the music industry. The book, fittingly titled 'Harry Styles', offers a comprehensive look at the artist's journey, shedding light on his rise to fame, his music, and his impact on pop culture. It's an essential read for fans and anyone interested in the music industry. Newman, a renowned author in the genre of biographies, beautifully captures the essence of Styles' personality and talent. Don't miss out on this 2022 publication from ACC ART BOOKS.

  • Save 24%
    - A Guide to the World's Greatest Kicks, from Sport to Street
    by Mathieu Le Maux
    £18.99

    A visual history of the world s most coveted and popular footwear, from early Keds and Converse All Stars to the latest fashion and design icons.

  • Save 15%
    by Emily St. John Mandel
    £8.49

    The award-winning, bestselling author of &i>Station Eleven&/i> and &i>The Glass Hotel&/i> returns with a novel of art, time, love and plague that takes the reader from Vancouver Island in 1912 to a dark colony of the moon three hundred years later, unfurling a story of humanity across centuries and space.

  • by David Walliams
    £7.99

    The new children's book from No. 1 bestselling author David Walliams - a timeless adventure illustrated by artistic genius, Tony Ross.

  • Save 20%
    - How to Minimize Waste and Maximize Style
    by Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald
    £11.99

    Mend and customize your old clothes creatively to revitalize your outfits - and save the planet.

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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