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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 21%
    by Peter Biskind
    £13.49

    The definitive look at how the 70s movie makers changed the face of cinema

  • Save 24%
    by Gustave Dore
    £15.99

  • Save 21%
    - My Proven Program to Lose Weight, Build Strength, Gain Will Power, and Live your Dream
    by Sylvester Stallone
    £14.99

    More than just a handbook on fitness and nutrition. It's a provacative and candid inside look at the trials and triumphs of one of Hollywoods most famours stars. Throughout his career, Sly has always been body conscious, and as he experimented with intense training methods for various films he has learned what works and what definitely doesn't.

  • Save 10%
    by Joseph D'Amelio
    £8.99

    This handy guide provides numerous insights and shortcuts to drawing and sketching effectively. Describing mandatory skills for beginning and advanced students, the text covers such subjects as diminution, foreshortening, convergence, shade and shadow, and other visual principles of perspective drawing.Accompanying a concise and thoughtfully written text are more than 150 simply drawn illustrations that depict a sense of space and depth, demonstrate vanishing points and eye level, and explain such concepts as appearance versus reality; perspective distortion; determining heights, depths, and widths; and the use of circles, cylinders, and cones.Artists, architects, designers, and engineers will find this book invaluable in creating works with convincing perspective.

  • Save 14%
    by Bob Dylan
    £9.49

    An unprecedented publishing event - the first volume in a series of memoirs by one of the most important and influential musicians and songwriters of our time.

  • Save 18%
    - Revised And Expanded
    by Paul Zollo
    £17.99

    The classic collection of candid interviews with the greatest songwriters of our time, including Bob Dylan, Brian Wilson, Patti Smith, Paul Simon, Tom Petty, and dozens more

  • - A Short Introduction to Non-Pedigreed Architecture
    by Bernard Rudofsky
    £19.49

  • Save 23%
    by Ian Haydn Smith
    £15.49

  • Save 21%
    by Philomena Cunk
    £13.49

  • Save 28%
    by Studio MDHR
    £25.99

    "To all those with a taste for adventure...come explore the previously undiscovered regions of the Inkwell Isles! Get transported back once again to the classic rubber hose cartoons of the 1930s animation with an art book celebrating the newest addition to the acclaimed platformer, Cuphead...The Delicious Last Course! Take a gander at the celebrated expansion's traditional hand-drawn frame-by-frame animation and peek at the early concepts, production work, and unused ideas that went into the making of The Delicious Last Course's new characters, bosses, and stages! Relive the most cherished and challenging moments of Cuphead and Mugman's adventure with their new pal Ms. Chalice, all in a way you've never seen before! Dark Horse Books and Studio MDHR are thrilled to present The Art of Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course! This vintage-style art extravaganza is the perfect book for fans of Cuphead!"--

  • Save 23%
    by Nigel Slater
    £15.49

  • Save 21%
    by Lonely Planet
    £14.99

    Lonely Planet's Argentina is our most comprehensive guide that extensively covers all the country has to offer, with recommendations for both popular and lesser-known experiences. Marvel at Iguazu Falls, hike through Patagonia, and immerse yourself in the culture of Buenos Aires; all with your trusted travel companion.

  • Save 24%
    by J.R.R. Tolkien
    £18.99

    With Christopher Tolkien as your guide, take a tour through this colourful gallery of enchanting art by J.R.R. Tolkien, as published originally in the first groundbreaking Tolkien Calendars of the 1970s.

  • Save 10%
    by Brandon Sanderson
    £8.99

  • Save 28%
    by Margot Robbie
    £30.49

    For the press tour following the record-breaking release of Greta Gerwig's award-winning, acclaimed Barbie movie, producer and star Margot Robbie and her stylist Andrew Mukamal immersed themselves in some of Barbie's most iconic outfits and curated vintage pieces, then approached designers, from Giorgio Armani to Donatella Versace, to create looks inspired by the doll-size originals. Many of these looks were not seen as the official Barbie press tour was cut short--so Margot and Andrew worked with renowned fashion photographer Craig McDean to shoot her in the looks exactly as they were curated: Schiaparelli in Los Angeles, Vivienne Westwood in London, vintage Chanel with matching Steamline luggge at the airport, and beyond..

  • Save 14%
  • Save 10%
    by Shain Rose
    £8.99

    "Dominic Hardy was a taker, vicious in his pursuit of conquering the world, and I wanted him to conquer me now . . ."¿¿A HOT, DARK ROMANCE FROM THE TIKTOK SENSATION - SHAIN ROSE IS YOUR NEW OBSESSION¿¿Fake dating my enemy should be easy . . . as long as I don't fall in love with him.Dominic Hardy might have a fancy engineering degree, but he doesn't know a thing about baking. He doesn't even like sugar.So when he inherits my stepfather's resort - with my bakery in the middle of it - neither of us are happy.But then Dominic gives me a proposal I can't refuse. I'll keep my bakery, with one condition:Fake date him for five months.Keep his ex away by pretending we're in love.Stare into his piercing green eyes.Maybe share a kiss.But I loathe him and his filthy mouth.Even when he's using it on me.There's a fine line between love and loathing, and I think I've made the mistake of blurring it.¿¿BOOK FOUR OUT SEPTEMBER 2024¿¿

  • Save 29%
    by Iris Apfel
    £28.49

    Iris Apfel's legacy29 August 1921 to 1 March 2024. In the summer of 2023, as Iris Apfel welcomed her 102nd birthday, she put pen to paper to write this very special project: what Iris called her legacy book. Comprising of over 200 personal photos and adorned with beautiful, unseen fabric patterns from her Old World Weaver's collection, Iris's incredible energy radiates from every page. Here she shares her creative work, life stories, adventures, and her unwavering belief in the essential power of colour and creativity on a life well lived. 'It has been an honour to know and to learn from Iris.' Ruvén Afanador'A force of nature.' Tommy Hilfiger'One of the industry's oldest tastemakers.' VogueThis is not a book of secrets - I have no secrets. Sorry to disappoint if that's what you're looking for. I have some good stories though. And a few ideas. This book is about living, creating and colour. Because creativity and colour matter. I don't want you to dress like me or think like me - that's not the idea of this book. I want you to find the colours, confidence and creative inspiration that reflect you. My life has been filled with love, wonder and a very deep, incurable curiosity. This book is my treasure trove of inspiration, influences and ideas: My source. Be brave. Find your source. What makes you happy?Much love, Iris x

  • Save 23%
    by Ben Newell
    £15.49

    Venture into the tiny worlds of terrariums and discover how to create a universe of your own. Like an artist, you'll learn how to use planting and hardscaping to make stunning terrarium compositions. Plus, master the fundamentals of successful growing - soil, water, and light - so your plants thrive.Put theory into practice with step-by-step projects of 13 terrariums:- Repurpose a spice jar to create a stunning yet small terrarium on a budget- Replicate natural environments in your home with planting and hardscaping choices, such as the fallen branch terrarium- Express yourself by including playful figurines to create fun imaginary worlds- Try a bioactive terrarium, adding custodians to thrive in these mini ecosystemsWith a combination of projects and deep dives into plant groups and care advice, you'll be well on your way to curating your own terrarium wonderland with Hello Tiny World.

  • Save 21%
    by Elsa Beskow
    £13.49

    A beautiful collection of twenty pull-out frameable prints featuring iconic vintage illustrations from Elsa Beskow's best-loved books.The picture books of Swedish author-illustrator Elsa Beskow (1874-1953) have been beloved by adults and children alike for more than 100 years. Her nostalgic artwork transports readers to an idyllic Sweden at the turn of the 20th century.The Art of Elsa Beskow includes iconic illustrations from some of the world-famous artist's best-known books &ndash: Around the Year, Children of the Forest, The Flowers' Festival, Peter in Blueberry Land, Woody, Hazel and Little Pip and many more. From flower folk to curious elves, loving families to adventurous children, the prints showcase Elsa Beskow's classic whimsical style and celebration of nature. Printed on sturdy, high-quality card, using plant-based inks, each illustration can be pulled out and framed to make a charming addition to any space in the home: add vintage artwork to a nursery, living room or bedroom. The full-color prints, a selection of portrait and landscape images, are designed to fit in a 11x14 inch frame with mount or 8x10 inch frame without a mount. This gorgeous gift book is sprinkled with quotes and line drawings as well as interesting information about Beskow's life and work and will appeal to collectors and new fans alike.The Elsa Beskow collection, available in English from Floris Books, includes beautiful picture books, mini classics, box sets, an annual calendar and more.

  • Save 24%
    by Jake Cunningham
    £18.99

  • Save 10%
    by Stephanie Garber
    £8.99

    Two villains, one girl, and a deadly battle for happily ever after. Evangeline Fox ventured to the Magnificent North in search of her happy ending, and it seems as if she has it. She's married to a handsome prince and lives in a legendary castle. But Evangeline has no idea of the devastating price she's paid for this fairytale. She doesn't know what she has lost, and her husband is determined to make sure she never finds out . . . but first he must kill Jacks, the Prince of Hearts. Blood will be shed, hearts will be stolen, and true love will be put to the test in A Curse for True Love, the breathlessly anticipated conclusion to the Once Upon A Broken Heart trilogy.

  • Save 10%
    by Julia Quinn
    £8.99

    From Sunday Times bestselling author Julia Quinn and television pioneer Shonda Rhimes comes a powerful and romantic novel, inspired by the original series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, created by Shondaland for Netflix.'We are one crown. His weight is mine, and mine is his . . .'In 1761, on a sunny day in September, a King and Queen meet for the first time. They are married within hours. Charlotte is beautiful, headstrong, and fiercely intelligent - George is instantly captivated. But as Charlotte falls in love, the King starts to push her away. Because George has secrets . . . secrets with the potential to shake the foundations of the monarchy.Thrust into her new role, scared and alone, Charlotte must learn to navigate the intricate politics of the court, and to understand that she has been given the power to remake society. She must fight - for herself, for her husband, and for all her new subjects. For she will never be just Charlotte again. It's time for her to fulfil her destiny . . . as Queen....................Readers have fallen head over heels for Queen Charlotte!'A great story about how love overcomes all. Incredibly touching to read''A beautiful story of not just love, but strength and character. This novel was just as good as the show''To truly understand the series, you have to read this book. It's even better reading it''George and Charlotte will make you laugh, cry, give you hope, and break your heart'

  • by David Blackwell & Kathy Blackwell
    £12.49

  • Save 20%
  • by Marc Auge
    £9.49

    A provocative study of the ‘non-space’ which defines our age’s love for excess of information and space

  • Save 23%
    by Madison Beer
    £15.49

    Discovered at twelve years old, Madison Beer was one of the first artists to have her entire life documented online. Over the past decade, she has navigated the spotlight as a child, through her teenage years, and now as a young woman in her twenties.In The Half of It, Madison pulls back the curtain to show the behind-the-scenes of her journey, from reckoning with mass hate online and the time her private pictures were leaked, to battling suicidal thoughts while making her highly acclaimed debut album, Life Support, and her recovery since then. This memoir is an honest and unflinching account of self-love, mental health, and advocacy from one of the fastest-rising musical voices and most influential social media presences of her generation. It hammers home the point, more striking and urgent than ever, that no matter how close the internet may make us feel to people, we truly don't know the half of it.

  • Save 23%
    by Terry Newman
    £16.99

    A stunning photographic guide to Taylor Swift's fashion highlights from the author of Harry Styles and the Clothes He Wears.

  • Save 27%
    by MiHoYo
    £21.99

    Delve into the world of Genshin Impact in this beautiful memento showcasing hundreds of illustrations.

  • Save 24%
    by Ann Blockley
    £18.99

    Innovative techniques in painting woodlands from renowned artist Ann Blockley. Watercolourist Ann Blockley is known for her striking and intriguing paintings of natural landscapes. In this beautiful guide she explores woodlands in a variety of interpretations, from tangled groves and ancient trees to fiery leaves and springtime orchards. With simple instructions and easy-to-follow demonstrations throughout, the book draws inspiration from forest poetry, birdsong and folklore. There's practical advice on working outside, experimenting with mixing colours (especially greens), playing with water effects, using salt and granulation, mark-making and spattering with found objects such as leaves and twigs, creating texture with gesso and working with collage. Other techniques include working with oak gall ink and charcoal, and how to incorporate words, text and photo transfer. The book is illustrated throughout with stunning examples of Blockley's colourful, expressive work, including a case study of her own woodland garden. Also showcased are works by fellow artists from The Arborealist group, the Royal Institute, and the Pastel Society to inspire you further. Pushing the boundaries of watercolour and other mixed media, this delightful wander through the woods is the ideal companion for both beginners and the more experienced landscape painter who wishes to take their painting to the next level.

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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