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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 23%
    by Alex Van Halen
    £16.99

  • Save 25%
    by Elizabeth Metcalfe
    £20.99

    A celebration of classic English interior style, which is being refreshed and updated by today's young creatives.

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    by Staci Robinson
    £10.99 - 23.49

  • Save 24%
    by Annie Zaleski
    £18.99

    A detailed look at the stories and songcraft behind the complete discography of voice of a generation, Taylor Swift.

  • Save 20%
    by Harlan Ellison
    £11.99

    A collection of award-winning short stories, including the viral "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison, an eight-time Hugo Award winner, five-time Bram Stoker Award winner, and four-time Nebula Award winner. > Featuring these stories and many more: "'Repent, Harlequin, ' Said the Ticktockman" -- Hugo Award winner "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" -- Bram Stoker Award winner "Mefisto in Onyx" -- Bram Stoker Award winner "Jeffty Is Five" -- British Fantasy Award winner "Shatterday" -- Twilight Zone episode "The Whimper of Whipped Dogs" -- Edgar Allan Poe Award winner "Paladin of the Lost Hour" -- Hugo Award winner, Twilight Zone episode A must-read for sci-fi book lovers and fans of Ray Bradbury, Ursula K. Le Guin, and Isaac Asimov, this career-spanning compilation of classic short stories is also perfect for readers who enjoyed Dangerous Visions, A Boy and His Dog, or other Harlan Ellison books.

  • Save 29%
    by The Gourmand
    £28.49

    Join the culinary experts at The Gourmand journal on an in-depth exploration of the literary, linguistic, historic, and gastronomic legacy of lemons, where the line between food and art is happily blurred. Featuring original recipes that celebrate the versatility and complexity of the king of citrus in the second volume of the best-selling series.

  • Save 10%
    by Liz Tomforde
    £8.99

    KaiI'm a single dad and starting pitcher for Chicago's MLB team.I'm stretched too thin, but I don't want help raising my son.Each of his previous nannies only lasted a few weeks before I let them go.Now, my coach is putting his foot down by hiring the one person I can't fire-his daughter.Miller Montgomery is the last woman I should fall for. Too wild, too young, and too unattached.Chicago is just a quick stop for her. I thought I'd be counting down the days until she left, but summer feels too short when I start thinking about forever.MillerAs a high-end pastry chef who recently won the most prestigious award in my industry, I'm desperate to prove I deserve it. But with a new title comes new pressure, and I can't create a fresh and inspiring dessert to save my life.With only two months to get back on track, I should be focusing in the kitchen, but instead, I let my dad talk me into using my time off to nanny for his star player's kid.Kai Rhodes forgot how to have fun, and I'm eager to jog his memory. But when he and his son start to feel like home, I have to remind us both that my time in Chicago ends with the summer.Besides, I've always been a runner, and the last thing I want is to get caught. 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 10%
    by Jen Beagin
    £8.99

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    by Ana Huang
    £8.99

    He'd never wanted anyone enough to chase them . . . until he met her.Charming, easy-going, and rich beyond belief, Xavier Castillo has the world at his fingertips.He also has no interest in taking over his family's empire (much to his father's chagrin), but that hasn't stopped women from throwing themselves at him . . . unless the woman in question is his publicist.Nothing brings him more joy than riling her up, but when a tragedy forces them closer than ever, he must grapple with the uncertainty of his future - and the realization that the only person immune to his charms is the only one he truly wants.***Cool, intelligent, and ambitious, Sloane Kensington is a high-powered publicist who's used to dealing with difficult clients.However, none infuriate - or tempt - her more than a certain billionaire heir, with his stupid dimples and laid-back attitude.She may be forced to work with him, but she'll never fall for him . . . no matter how fast he makes her heart beat or how thoughtful he is beneath his party persona.He's her client, and that's all he'll ever be. Right?

  • Save 10%
    by Liz Tomforde
    £8.99

    'He's everything I try to avoid. Arrogant. Athlete. Too attractive for his own good. But he's impossible to stay away from, especially when we're 37,000 feet in the air...'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!!'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐'Evan and Stevie are just so perfect for each other! I just love everything about them, especially how he helps her feel more confident in her body'⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ZANDERSChicago hockey isn't complete without me - everyone's favourite player to hate. I know my role, and I play it well. In fact, I thoroughly enjoy spending the majority of my game time in the penalty box before leaving the arena with a new girl on my arm each night.What I don't like is the new flight attendant on our team's private plane. She works for me, not the other way around. But I'll be sure to remind her of that, and I can guarantee, by the end of the season, she'll be begging to quit her job.But every road trip blurs the lines, and I can't quite figure out if I keep pushing that flight attendant call button in order to push her buttons, or if it's more than that.STEVIEI've been a flight attendant for years. I thought I'd seen it all, but when my new job lands me onboard working for the most egotistical and self-righteous diva in the NHL, I start to second guess everything. Including the promise I made to myself of never hooking up with an athlete again . . . no matter how annoyingly tempting he may be.Evan Zanders is unfiltered, unapologetic, and too attractive for his own good. He loves his image, but I hate everything about it.Everything but him.

  • Save 29%
    by Bts
    £28.49

    Beyond the Story, a captivating novel written by the acclaimed author Bts, is a must-read for every book lover. Published by Pan Macmillan in 2023, this book takes the reader on an unforgettable journey. The genre of the book is not easily defined, as it transcends the conventional boundaries of storytelling, blending elements of mystery, adventure, and deep introspection. It is a testament to Bts's unique storytelling ability that he is able to weave such a complex narrative with ease and elegance. Beyond the Story is more than just a book; it's an exploration of the human condition, a testament to the power of the written word, and a tribute to the enduring spirit of literature. Don't miss out on this literary masterpiece from one of the most innovative authors of our time.

  • Save 23%
    by Allison Bornstein
    £15.49

    Celebrity fashion stylist Allison Bornstein's Wear It Well is a guide to using fashion as a tool for self-discovery and getting dressed as an act of ultimate self-care, taking the anxiety out of finding your personal style, showing you how to make your closet a sanctuary, and bringing back the joy of getting dressed. Fashion is wellness in this guide to making dressing a ritual designed to experience more self-love, joy, and calm. Wear It Well teaches us to love our wardrobes again, break free of the wardrobe struggles that keep us from enjoying getting dressed, and how fashion can be a tool for self-discovery and self-care. Allison Bornstein is a professional stylist who made a name for herself styling celebrities like Katie Holmes, Violette, and pioneering director Cathy Yan. Now, introducing her proven method she has used with hundreds of women, she will show you how to find your personal style, curate your closet, and overcome some of these common wardrobe struggles: - "I don't have time" - "I hate all of my clothes" - "Nothing fits right" - "It's too old/too young looking" - "I don't have a personal style" Bornstein shares her AB Closet Editing System that will help you detox both your thoughts and clothes by getting rid of items that don't fit or that you never wear, and learning to fill your closet with ONLY clothes that bring you more joy, confidence, and empowerment. Like vision-boarding for your wardrobe and life, you will use her Three Word Method to choose words that you most want to identify with (ex: "Artsy," "Minimal," "Romantic"), so that you can better understand your desires and how you want to look and feel. Wear It Well will inspire you to make getting dressed a sacred time for personal reflection and self-exploration and to create a closet that is a safe and inspiring space - so you can bring the joy backing into dressing.

  • Save 21%
    by Rob Dial
    £13.49

    'Valuable insights, unique lessons and practical steps to achieve your goals.' JAY SHETTY'Rob Dial's work has already helped millions of people transform their mindset and achieve their goals. By reading Level Up, you will know exactly how to create the life you've always wanted.' HAL ELROD, author of The Miracle Morning'Your key to a brighter future.' LEWIS HOWES, author of The Greatness Mindset-----Level Up will revolutionize the way you approach your life and your goals.World-renowned high-performance coach, Rob Dial, presents a ground-breaking roadmap to unlock your full potential and transform your life. Drawing from cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology, he unveils the science behind mental focus and motivation, cracks the code to peak performance and shows how to apply these secrets to your own life.Whether you're struggling with distractions, overwhelmed by your schedule, or simply seeking a path to achieve your goals, Level Up is the game-changer you've been waiting for.

  • Save 12%
    by Donald Lemke
    £11.49

    Play a game of chess Hogwarts-style, with this officially licensed set inspired by the first film in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone. This kit is the first in our new Tall AND Deep mega format (1" deeper than the mega kits) to allow for larger components-in this case, 32 chess pieces!

  • Save 10%
    by Christian Blauvelt
    £8.99

    The Star Wars galaxy is a dangerous place. Be prepared! Would you survive in the spice mines of Kessel?Could you escape from a giant space slug?From tackling extreme weather and finding shelter, to avoiding social pitfalls, learn what to do to stay alive in a galaxy far, far away. & TM Lucasfilm Ltd.

  • Save 22%
  • Save 22%
    by Marc Kirschenbaum
    £13.99

    Amaze your friends and family with these easy-to-fold paper sculptures! This beginner-friendly kit contains everything you need to learn the art of Japanese paper folding! It teaches you how to create 30 of the most popular origami models (including ones with "interactive" moving parts!)--from animals, puppets, boxes and boats to the classic crane. The 30 elegant and easy-to-fold origami models in this kit include: Cute animals like the Folksy Fox and Lounging Frog--that your family will love! Action figures like the Dragon Puppet and Coyote Storyteller--paper puppets that "talk"! Paper airplanes like the High-tail-it Plane--give them a toss and watch them soar! Origami boxes such as the Bird Basket and Handy Candy Box--perfect for storing small trinkets and for presenting small gifts! And many more! The kit includes 78 sheets of beautiful origami paper in two sizes (6" and 4") plus a 64-page full-color book with easy-to-follow instructions to guide you through the projects.

  • by Ruth Woods
    £20.99

    "This book is an exploration of modern basketry, a craft that has transcended from craft to art form. Its pages guide the reader through a visual journey of the background and works of fourteen Australian basketry artists. It is both a celebration of the creative voice each with basketry at its core. Stunningly designed and illustrated, these pages serve as a compendium of beautiful makers, guiding the reader on a range of basketry techniques; some with an interesting twist on the traditional. It will invite the viewer to explore different mediums, plant fibres, and recycled materials--to use in their own sustainable, creative practice. Also included is a practical directory of plants and recycled materials. The reader will be encouraged to explore these fibres--many of which they can find locally and through creative play and exploration develop beautiful works. Finding Form with Fibre is a visual delight to enjoy, encourage and inspire"--

  • Save 21%
    by Alice Gendron
    £13.49

    With funny and relatable illustrations throughout, find out what it's really like to live with ADHD.When Alice Gendron was diagnosed with ADHD aged 29, she knew she didn't fit the usual ADHD stereotypes. And she knew she wasn't alone. With 10 percent of the population worldwide living with ADHD, it's still highly misunderstood.Can you have ADHD and still be able to focus? Do you have to be hyperactive to get a diagnosis?The Mini ADHD Coach will set the record straight. Through Alice's much-loved illustrations, you'll learn:- How ADHD can impact your daily life, from getting dressed and commuting to dating and making dinner- How to deal with strong emotions after your ADHD diagnosis- What ADHD expressions, such as analysis paralysis, hyperfocus and time blindness, really mean- And how to finally understand yourselfFull of insider tips, daily hacks and an important glossary of ADHD language, this book will show you that you are not alone and that by with working with your brain, not against it, it is possible to thrive with ADHD.

  • Save 23%
    by Mitchell Albala
    £15.49

  • Save 20%
    by Phoebe Im
    £11.99

  • Save 24%
  • Save 28%
    by Colin King
    £27.99

    Arranging Things by Colin King is a captivating read that was published in 2023 by Rizzoli International Publications. This book, which falls under the genre of interior design, takes readers on a journey through the art of arranging. King, an esteemed author in the field, uses his expertise to guide readers on how to create visually pleasing and functional spaces. His unique approach to design is clearly evident in his work, making it a must-read for anyone interested in enhancing their living spaces. With its insightful content and stunning visuals, Arranging Things is more than just a book; it's a guide to creating an aesthetically pleasing environment. Published by Rizzoli International Publications, this book is a testament to King's creativity and his distinctive approach to design.

  • Save 14%
    by Neil deGrasse Tyson
    £9.49

  • Save 21%
    by Charles Bramesco
    £14.99

    Colours of Film is a captivating book by Charles Bramesco, a renowned author in the literary world. Published by QUARTO in 2023, this book delves into the intricate relationship between cinema and color. Bramesco, with his eloquent writing style, explores how filmmakers use color to evoke emotions, tell stories, and bring their visions to life. The genre of this book can be best described as a blend of Film Studies and Visual Arts, offering a unique perspective on the use of color in films. This book is a must-read for movie enthusiasts, film students, and anyone with an interest in visual storytelling. Published by the esteemed QUARTO, Colours of Film is a testament to Bramesco's deep understanding and love for cinema. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of film and discover the magic of color with Colours of Film.

  • Save 30%
    by Ralph Lauren
    £41.99

    Home Design Inspiration. A stunning celebration of Ralph Laurens signature home collections-including the designers own homes-which have inspired American home design for nearly half a century, presented by Lauren himself.

  • Save 23%
    by Kristof Ramon
    £34.49

    What does it take to become a road racing legend and compete in the toughest sport in the world? Get closer to the action and go behind the scenes with the teams and riders at all the major tours and classics through the lens of world-class pro-cycling photographer, Kristof Ramon. The ideal gift for road racing fanatics.

  • Save 29%
    by Deeda Blair
    £31.99

    Style icon and preeminent hostess Catherine “Deeda” Blair shares her inspirations for entertaining with understated elegance and distinction, accompanied by menus, recipes, table settings, and charming stories about her extraordinarily colorful life.Deeda Blair is one of the last great American swans, revered by cult followers for her enduring beauty, fashion taste, and easy elegance. She embodies a sense of decorum and practices a relaxed, graceful etiquette that is much lauded but often missing from today’s soirées and gatherings. An invitation to Blair’s New York home has been a rare privilege, but now, in her first book, Blair invites readers in and reveals how they too can develop their own uniquely personal style. Central to the narrative are six fantasy meals, each accompanied by a menu, recipes, table settings, and floral arrangements that are inspired by the people and places that have shaped Blair’s own inimitable and envied taste and style. Each meal is set in Blair’s exquisite home and is accompanied by photographer Ngoc Minh Ngo’s evocative images of the imaginative table settings Blair has created for her timeless dishes. Accompanying Blair’s coveted eighty recipes are personal anecdotes and helpful serving suggestions. Renowned design writer and tastemaker Deborah Needleman collaborated closely with Blair to capture her vision for entertaining with fantasy and enchantment, as well as her reflections on life and how her experiences have influenced the way she lives, works, and entertains.

  • Save 14%
    by NBC Universal
    £9.49

    "An illustrated guide to embracing your inner ogre and living your truth, mud, farts, and all"--

  • Save 22%
    by Becky Chambers
    £13.99

    A USA Today Bestseller!"Tender and healing... I'm prescribing a preorder to anyone who has ever felt lost. Stunning, kind, necessary." -Sarah Gailey on book 1: A Psalm for the Wild-BuiltA Prayer for the Crown-Shy is a story of kindness and love from one of the foremost practitioners of hopeful SF.After touring the rural areas of Panga, Sibling Dex (a Tea Monk of some renown) and Mosscap (a robot sent on a quest to determine what humanity really needs) turn their attention to the villages and cities of the little moon they call home.They hope to find the answers they seek, while making new friends, learning new concepts, and experiencing the entropic nature of the universe.Becky Chambers's new series continues to ask: in a world where people have what they want, does having more even matter?

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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