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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 17%
    - The New York Times bestseller
    by Jerry Saltz
    £9.99

    Irreverent and inspiring advice for awakening your creative potential, from the Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic.

  • Save 31%
    by Robert Correll
    £17.99

    Get excited about the Canon EOS 90D and all it can do!An amazing photo begins with a quality camera and the know-how to use it. If you've selected the Canon EOS 90D, you now have a digital camera that serves a range of photographers, from novices to professionals. It takes some know-how to take advantage of the camera's upgrades to its sensor, shutter speed, and video capabilities. Fortunately, Canon EOS 90D For Dummies canhelp you maximize the potential of the camera and its features.Canon EOS 90D For Dummies lets you skip the photography class and start shooting high-quality images right away The book introduces the camera's settings; explains how to take control of exposure, focus, and color; and shows how to put all this new-found knowledge to work to shoot great portraits or action shots. The book is co-written by a pair of photography pros who share their professional experience on how to apply simple techniques for great shots.* Choose the best setting for your situation* Manage focus and color* Make the most of your lighting* Understand camera settings* Customize your camera to your needsCreate remarkable photos and memories, whether you stick with user-friendly automatic settings or decide to dive into more advanced features. With your Canon EOS 90D and this book at your side, you can shoot quality video and capture moving subjects confidently.

  • Save 30%
    by Philip Jodidio
    £41.99

    From an Olympic ski jump to the world's largest airport terminal, this book contains the complete works of Dame Zaha Hadid, one of the great architects of the 21st century and the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize. With photos, descriptions and drawings, readers can explore the life and philosophy of the Queen of the Curve.

  • Save 23%
    - I Have So Much To Tell You
    by Gunner Stahl
    £15.49

    Intimate pictures of the top artists in rap music from one of the most influential and culturally relevant photographers of his generation Despite only being 26 years old, photographer Gunner Stahl has captured shots of some of the world''s most famous rappers including Drake, Migos, Kayne West, A$sap Rocky, Childish Gambino, Gucci Mane, Post Malone, Migos, and many others. He started by capturing the burgeoning hip-hop scene in Atlanta with an undeniable raw energy that has led to professional opportunities with magazines like Vogue, Fader and Highsnobiety as well as brands like Google, Red Bull, Moncler, Adidas, Stella McCartney, PUMA, and Kylie Jenner''s Thick clothing collection. In Portraits, he will publish unseen images of rap''s most famous artists along with written contributions from rapper Swae Lee and photographer Chi Modu.

  • Save 17%
    by Tuttle Publishing
    £9.99

    This pack contains 500 high-quality origami sheets printed with 12 different vibrant colour combinations.

  • Save 30%
    by Bob McCabe
    £41.99

    Featuring an all-new cover and including a new section on the legacy of the films, Harry Potter: Page to Screen Updated Edition chronicles the complete filmmaking journey of the beloved Harry Potter films.

  • Save 23%
    by Jake Spicer
    £15.49

    Pick up a pencil and discover the joy of drawing the people you love.

  • Save 30%
    by Simone Klabin
    £41.99

    A must-have for every 21st-century foodie, this book gathers the best infographics of all things eating, drinking, and cooking. Whether it's the secrets of sashimi or stress-free party planning, this is gastro-guidance at its most visually appealing and expert, solving kitchen conundrums in simple and memorable graphics, while exploring visual...

  • Save 18%
    - Using Science To Get Over Anxiety, Depression, Anger, Freak-Outs, and Triggers
    by Faith G. Harper
    £11.49

    In a no-nonsense guide on how to cope with mental-health issues, Harper explains what's going on in our skulls, and talks us through the process of retraining our brains to respond appropriately to the non-emergencies of everyday life.

  • Save 31%
    - The Real Story by Ian Schrager
    by Matthew Yokobosky
    £44.99

    In the first official book on the legendary club Studio 54, co-owner Ian Schrager presents a spectacular volume brimming with star-studded photographs and personal stories from the greatest party of all time.

  • Save 29%
  • Save 20%
    by Volkmar Essers
    £11.99

    Through eye-popping colors and simple forms, rejoice in the restless creativity and infectious energy of Henri Matisse, the artist who never stopped making art, and whose vivid palette gave nudes, landscapes, and interior views a whole new modernity. This compact yet comprehensive monograph includes preparatory sketches, full-page reproductions,...

  • Save 25%
    - How to Shoot Great Photographs with Any Camera
    by B Peterson
    £17.99

    This revised edition of Bryan Peterson's popular book demystifies the complex concepts of exposure in photography, allowing readers to capture the images they want. 'Understanding Exposure' shows how to get sharpness and contrast in images, how to freeze action and how to take the best meter readings, while also exploring filters, flash and light.

  • Save 21%
    - Empowering People and Organisations throughVisual Collaboration
    by Williemien Brand
    £14.99

    Suitable for companies that want to develop or improve their corporate communication, this book focusses on the visual aspect of communication. It also provides an informative, easy to follow and fun introduction into the basics of visual thinking and drawing.

  • Save 25%
    by Tom Alphin
    £17.99

    The LEGO Architect explores the world of architecture using the LEGO brick.

  • Save 28%
    by Dark Horse
    £27.49

    Embark on a fascinating journey through the world of Hyrule with 'The Legend Of Zelda: Hyrule Historia'. This masterpiece is penned by none other than Shigeru Miyamoto, one of the most respected figures in the gaming industry. Published in 2013, this book offers an in-depth look into the rich history and intricate lore of the Legend of Zelda series. From its captivating characters to its iconic locations, every aspect of Hyrule is brilliantly brought to life in this book. As a bonus, it also features an exclusive comic by Akira Himekawa. Published by Dark Horse Comics, this book is a must-have for any avid fan of the franchise. Whether you are a longtime fan or a newcomer, 'The Legend Of Zelda: Hyrule Historia' promises to provide an unforgettable journey into the heart of one of gaming's most beloved franchises.

  • Save 21%
    - Savage Beauty
    by Andrew Bolton
    £27.49

    "I never conformed to any sort of fashion ideal. My idea was always to show reality, even though I started at Savile Row and ended up at Givenchy in Paris; to depict the times I live in." -Alexander McQueen, Harper's Bazaar, September 2008

  • Save 30%
    by John Fleming
    £41.99

    Dieses Buch gilt als die aktuellste und umfassendste Kunstgeschichte, die je in einem Band veröffentlicht wurde. Sie präsentiert die Geschichte der Kunst als einen wesentlichen Teil der Menschheitsentwicklung von der Höhlenmalerei bis hin zur Digital-, Video- und Installationskunst des neuen Jahrtausends. Die überarbeitete 7. Ausgabe ist erweitert um neue Entwicklungen in der Archäologie und der kunsthistorischen Forschung.

  • Save 24%
    by FUEL
    £16.99

    Documenting over 3,000 tattoo drawings, this title describes the motifs that represent the uncensored lives of Russian criminal classes, ranging from violence and pornography to politics and alcohol.

  • Save 10%
    by L. J. Smith
    £8.99

    Book 1 in L. J. Smith's incredible vampire series - in love with two vampire brothers, will Elena choose good or evil? Currently streaming on Netflix and ITV-XElena is the school beauty, but she's bored. Until a new boy turns up in her class. Stefan is dark and mysterious - and she's determined to get to know him better. But Stefan is just as determined to resist her ... until a series of attacks in the area terrify the town and Stefan is held responsible. Elena is the only one who offers to help and, falling in love with her, Stefan tells her his terrible story. He is a vampire, on the run from his evil brother, Damon, who doesn't share Stefan's qualms about drinking human blood. And Damon is the one Stefan suspects of really being behind the recent attacks ... Can Elena help prove his innocence - without revealing his secret?

  • Save 29%
    by Alina Wheeler
    £29.99

  • Save 14%
    by Johanna Basford
    £9.49 - 11.49

  • Save 23%
    by Thurston Moore
    £15.49

    A study of a life lived in an environment of wild music and endless wonder, Sonic Life is the long-awaited memoir of iconic American musician and Sonic Youth frontman, Thurston Moore. A music-obsessed retrospective, beginning with his childhood epiphany of rock 'n' roll in the early 1960s into an infatuation with the subversive world of 1970s punk and no wave blasting forth from New York City - where he eventually runs off to join a band in 1978. By 1981 Moore would form the legendary and notorious experimental rock group Sonic Youth, who proceeded to record and tour relentlessly for almost 30 years, always progressing, always exploring.Along the way we meet a constellation of artists and musicians who colluded and collided with Sonic Youth including Velvet Underground, Stooges, Patti Smith, Television, Sex Pistols, Clash, Nirvana, Hole, Beastie Boys, Neil Young and a cavalcade of other musical visionaries, as well as figures from the art world - Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring and Gerhard Richter.Simply put, Thurston Moore and Sonic Youth changed the sound of modern alternative rock music and opened the minds of a generation of artists to new possibilities within the form. This is essential reading.

  • Save 27%
    by Chris Beetles
    £25.49

    The definitive biography of the iconic English artist, packed with weird and wonderful artwork

  • Save 29%
    by Johnny Marr
    £31.99

    Title: Marr's Guitars, Author: Johnny Marr, Publication Year: 2023-10-17, Publisher: THAMES & HUDSON, Language: eng

  • Save 15%
    by Alan Rickman
    £10.99

    Through his never-before-seen diaries - a twenty-five-year passion project - Alan Rickman invites readers backstage and into his life. He takes us behind the scenes on films and plays ranging from Sense & Sensibility, the Harry Potter series, Private Lives and many more. Detailing the extraordinary and the ordinary, he writes in a way that is anecdotal, indiscreet, witty, gossipy and utterly candid.

  • Save 20%
    by Kim Krans
    £11.99

    From the author of the New York Times bestseller The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guidebook comes a never-before-published oracle deck and guidebook that takes readers on a journey of self-discovery through the realm of archetypes, the place where myth and dreams meet.

  • Save 27%
    by Anthony Breznican
    £25.49

    Become a master of the Marvel Cinematic Universe!The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is vast, incredibly varied, and richly complex. Different worlds, different timelines, countless characters. This is the guide to that universe. Created in close collaboration with Marvel Studios, it will frame the MCU's biggest events: what happened, when, where, and why.Follow the entire story of the MCU from before the Big Bang to the Blip and beyond. Along the way, learn more about the evolution of the Iron Man armors, the hunt for the Infinity Stones, and the formation of The Multiverse. Want to know how many times aliens have invaded Earth, or the complete history of Cap's shield? Look no further!A treasured keepsake for any movie buff, filled with exclusive infographics, illuminating timelines, and amazing movie stills, this book will have pride of place on any MCU fan's shelf.© 2023 MARVEL

  • Save 10%
    by Anonymous
    £8.99 - 11.99

  • Save 23%
    by Steven Roennfeldt
    £16.99

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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