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
  • Save 29%
    by Willie Nelson
    £31.99

  • Save 10%
    by Adalyn Grace
    £8.99 - 13.49

  • Save 20%
    by Isabella Dorta
    £11.99

    The Letters I Will Never Send, a captivating book by Isabella Dorta, is a must-read for all book lovers. Published in 2023 by Random House UK Ltd, this book takes the reader on an unforgettable journey. With a unique blend of emotions, the author has successfully managed to convey a heart-touching story that resonates with the readers. The genre of the book is a mix of romance and drama, making it an engaging read for anyone who appreciates well-written prose. The Letters I Will Never Send is a testament to Dorta's exceptional storytelling abilities. So, don't miss out on this masterpiece and get your copy today!

  • Save 25%
    by Stig Guldberg
    £52.49

    The first authoritative monograph on the life and work of the celebrated Danish-American designer Jens Quistgaard - an unsung hero of Danish Modern and Mid-century Modern design Jens Quistgaard (1919-2008), considered one of the founders of Scandinavian Modern style, spent 30 years as chief designer at the American company Dansk Designs, resulting in more than 4,000 products. His design philosophy - that utilitarian, everyday items should function harmoniously - influenced his approach to everything from spoons and pans to crockery and pepper mills, and is as relevant today as it was half a century ago. Quistgaard's work is represented at major museums in Europe and the USA, including Design Museum Denmark, MoMA, New York, and the British Museum, London, with many of his designs still in production to this day. With never-before-seen sketches, archival photography, case studies, ephemera, and an illustrated inventory of his designs, this book delves deep into Quistgaard's life and work to reveal his critical contribution to design history.

  • Save 15%
    by Ben Judah
    £10.99 - 16.99

  • Save 27%
    by Lee Sartori
    £21.99

    Friends: The One With The Crochet is the official Friends Crochet Pattern Book written by Lee Sartori. This highly anticipated book was published in 2023 by Titan Books Ltd. It's an absolute treat for fans of the iconic series, and a must-have for crochet enthusiasts. The book is a compilation of crochet patterns inspired by the beloved TV show, Friends. It allows you to bring to life your favorite characters and memorable moments from the series, all through the art of crochet. The author, Lee Sartori, is renowned for her creative and easy-to-follow patterns. Regardless of your crochet skill level, this book is designed to guide you every step of the way. Published by Titan Books Ltd, a leading publisher known for its quality publications, this book is not just a collection of patterns, but a tribute to one of the most popular TV shows of all time. So, grab your crochet hook and get ready to create your very own Friends-inspired masterpiece.

  • Save 10%
    by Daniel Gibbs
    £8.99

    An engaging and optimistic account of a neurologist's diagnosis with Alzheimer's disease, a condition he treated in many of his patients during his twenty-five year career. Combining his clinical knowledge and personal experience, Dr Daniel Gibbs convincingly advocates for further research into the often pre-symptomatic stages of Alzheimer's.

  • Save 24%
    by Uta Hagen
    £15.99

    The classic book on acting, in an attractive updated editionSince its original publication in 1973, Uta Hagen's Respect for Acting has remained a durable classic and a must-read for all students of acting. As an acting instructor at the Herbert Berghof Studio, Hagen helped to develop the talents of world-class actors like Robert DeNiro, Matthew Broderick, Gene Wilder, Amanda Peet, Austin Pendleton, Whoopi Goldberg, and more. In this book, Hagen offers an indispensable account of the techniques that professionals use to elevate their acting to an art form. This updated edition illuminates Hagen's original text with a new foreword written by Katie Finneran, retaining the David Hyde Pierce foreword, along with added background on HB Studio--one of the original New York performing arts training and practice spaces--and an excerpt from Hagen's autobiography SOURCES.In working through this book, actors will learn physical, verbal, and emotional practice that empower them to connect their own self-concept to the characters they play. Specific, detailed exercises help actors learn to address a range of problems actors face, like maintaining immediacy and relevance, and developing the dimensions of a role over a long performance run. Respect for Acting is a book for actors and audiences who understand the need for truth in the creative process.* Discover the acting book that has shaped professional theater performances for decades* Learn the history and background of Herbert Berghof Studio, one of New York's foremost acting schools* Practice the craft of acting with concrete exercises and instruction on technique* Delve into the deep questions that arise when actors truly inhabit the lives of their charactersActors at all levels of their craft will love this stunning updated version of the essential Respect for Acting.

  • Save 10%
    by Taylor Jenkins Reid
    £8.99

    Carrie Soto Is Back is a captivating novel penned by the renowned author, Taylor Jenkins Reid. Published in the summer of 2023, this book is a much-awaited addition to Reid's impressive repertoire. The story unfolds in a genre that Reid has masterfully crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The publication of this book is courtesy of Random House UK Ltd, a name synonymous with quality literature. As the title suggests, the book marks the return of the beloved character, Carrie Soto, taking the readers on an unforgettable journey. The narrative, characters, and plot are skillfully woven together, making it a must-read for all literature enthusiasts. Get your copy today and dive into the world of Carrie Soto once again.

  • Save 20%
    by Inga Buividavice
    £11.99

    Painting Calm teaches you to find your inner artist, connect to soothing nature (and your feelings), and embrace the tranquility of painting in this earthy, watercolour instruction book from nature lover, teacher and artist Inga Buividavice.

  • Save 21%
    by Abbey Sy
    £14.99

  • by Remi Harris, Tim Pettingale & Joseph Alexander
    £17.99

  • Save 23%
    by Stephen McGann
    £15.49

  • Save 27%
    by David Hockney
    £21.99

  • Save 10%
    by Danielle L. Jensen
    £8.99

    DISCOVER THE SPELLBINDING DARK FANTASY TIKTOK SENSATION FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES NO 1 BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF A FATE INKED IN BLOOD . . . 'Do not walk to pick up this book. Run' JENNIFER L. ARMENTROUT, bestselling author of FROM BLOOD AND ASH'You will devour it! Badass females, slow burn romance, enemies to lovers . . . Do I even need to say more?' 5***** READER REVIEW'Enemies to Lovers and full of Angst . . . Loved the book so much I can't put it into words' 5***** READER REVIEW___________Raised as a warrior, Princess Lara knows two things:King Aren of the Bridge Kingdom is her enemy.And she must be the one to bring him to his knees.The Bridge Kingdom is the only route through a storm-ravaged world, and it uses its power to deprive Lara's homeland of vital resources. So when she's sent to be King Aren's bride, Lara will do whatever it takes to bring down the kingdom's defences, even if it means seducing her new husband.Yet as she learns more about the war to possess the bridge, Lara's feelings for Aren transform from hostility to passion.And she faces a terrible dilemma:Which kingdom to save, and which to destroy . . .Tropes/themes: 1. Political Intrigue2. Alternate World3. Enemies to Lovers4. Action & Adventure5. Romantasy ___________'This book is just everything!!! It's such an atmospheric read that completely immerses you. This book has me completely captivated, it honestly has stolen a piece of my heart' 5***** READER REVIEW'Heart-pounding. I enjoyed every moment of this book' 5***** READER REVIEW'I don't think I'll ever be over how amazing this book is . . .The world and characters were so immersive' 5***** READER REVIEWPRAISE FOR THE BRIDGE KINGDOM SERIES'Exquisite, phenomenal and sexy' Olivia Wildenstein, USA Today bestselling author of Feather'An epic, action-packed tale of love, revenge, and betrayal' Jennifer Estep, New York Times bestselling author of Kill the Queen'Heart-pounding romance and intense action wrapped in a spellbinding world. I was hooked from the first page!' Elise Kova, USA Today bestselling author of A Deal with the Elf KingPRAISE FOR DANIELLE L. JENSEN'Richly-woven, evocative and absolutely impossible to put down . . . I loved every word' Sarah J. Maas, bestselling author of A Court of Thorns and Roses'Stellar world-building and multidimensional characters' Kirkus'Stunning world-building, a vivid cast of secondary characters, and a steamy slow-burn romance' BookistA Fate Inked in Blood, No. 1 Sunday Times bestseller, March 2024A Fate Inked in Blood, New York Times bestseller, March 2024

  • Save 10%
    by Hazel Soan
    £8.99

    With simple instructions and step-by-step paintings, bestselling artist and author Hazel Soan shows how to capture your favourite animals in watercolour, oils and pencils, in no time at all.

  • Save 11%
    by Scott Cawthon
    £7.99

    "Have you ever had something stuck in your head? After a session in the VR booth at the Mega Pizzaplex Kai can't shake the feeling that the tiger animatronic has somehow stayed with him. A new attraction at the Mega Pizzaplex leaves Kane's mind full of intrusive thoughts that are not his own. And Danny's idea to get the attention of his high school crush comes with unimaginable consequences. But in the world of Five nights at Freddy's truth is often scarier than fiction"--

  • Save 16%
    by Mark O'Shea
    £20.99

    An "illustrated guide to the incredible diversity of snakes around the world. Snakes are found on every continent except Antarctica and have evolved to occupy a vast range of habitats, from mountains to oceans and deserts to rain forests. Snakes of the World explores their extraordinary diversity, with an in-depth introduction covering anatomy, behavior, habitats, reproduction, conservation, and other essential topics. This expert guide also includes profiles of some of the approximately 4,000 species of snakes, featuring examples from every family and subfamily. Each family profile highlights the remarkable appearance, characteristics, and lifestyle of notable snake species. Covering how snakes use venom or constriction to subdue their prey, how a snake's appearance can aid camouflage or boast of its killing capacity, and how habitat destruction is jeopardizing the future of many species, Snakes of the World is an invaluable guide to these fascinating reptiles."--Back cover.

  • Save 21%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £13.49

  • Save 15%
    by Dipo Faloyin
    £10.99

  • Save 23%
    by Corkie Bolton
    £15.49

    Everything You Need to Know to Build Your Skills as an Artisan JewelerMetalsmith Society's Guide to Jewelry Making is the ultimate handbook to get you started on your jewelry-making journey. Corkie Bolton, jeweler extraordinaire and founder of Metalsmith Society, has compiled the ultimate compendium on the craft for beginners. You'll get a deep dive into indispensable tools and materials needed to create a well-rounded workspace. Corkie also answers every question you might have about essential yet tricky-to-master techniques such as sawing, stamping and annealing.What's more, through ten beginner-friendly projects, you'll put your budding skills to the test and light the spark of inspiration for designing your own pieces. Necklace lovers will learn stonesetting and making clasps with the Thick Bezel Pendant and Simple Chain Necklace, while ring projects like the Interlocking Ring and Hidden Detail Ring will have you practicing polishing and embellishing your creations.Embark on your rewarding jewelry-making career with confidence. With this comprehensive book at your bench, you will have everything you need to get started and keep going!

  • by Future Press
    £38.49

    Immerse yourself in the fantasy world of Elden Ring with the Official Strategy Guide, Vol. 1. This comprehensive guide, penned by the renowned Future Press, is your ultimate companion to navigate the vast landscapes and intricate lore of the game. Published in 2022, this guide is an essential resource for both newcomers and seasoned veterans of the Elden Ring universe. The guide not only provides strategies and tips for gameplay but also delves into the rich narrative and complex characters that have become a hallmark of the genre. Published by Future Press Verlag und Marketing GmbH, this strategy guide is a testament to their commitment to providing high-quality and insightful content for gamers. Don't miss out on this indispensable tool for your Elden Ring journey.

  • by Tiffany Nicholas
    £7.99

  • Save 25%
    by Anastasia Young
    £20.99

  • Save 24%
    by Siddharth Kara
    £18.99

    Cobalt Red is a riveting literary piece by the renowned author Siddharth Kara. Published by MACMILLAN USA in 2023, this book offers an immersive reading experience that will leave you breathless and longing for more. The genre of the book is not specified, but knowing Siddharth Kara's previous works, you can expect a well-crafted narrative that delves deep into human emotions and societal issues. Cobalt Red is a testament to Siddharth Kara's storytelling prowess, and it's a book that deserves a spot on every avid reader's bookshelf. Don't miss out on this gem from MACMILLAN USA, one of the leading publishers in the industry.

  • Save 21%
    by Todd M. Casey
    £25.99

    A master class in a book, this volume offers a comprehensive, contemporary, and accessible foundation of color theory and advanced techniques every oil painter at every skill level needs in their toolbox.Written by well-known artist, expert teacher, and successful art-instruction author Todd M. Casey, The Oil Painter's Color Handbook provides everything the oil painter needs to understand all aspects of color. Beginning with an in-depth look at the use of color throughout art history, Casey then breaks down the process of understanding color into easily digestible lessons - each clearly explained and richly illustrated with both historic and contemporary paintings - so that the reader can learn progressively and layer more complex ideas as each skill is mastered. Through clear instruction, step-by-step demonstrations, and challenging exercises, the readers will learn to apply these techniques and concepts to their own painting.

  • Save 29%
     
    £28.49

    Sprachen: Deutsch, Englisch Format: 23,5 x 30 cm , 256 Seiten Einzigartig: Das Standardwerk zur minimalistischen Fotografie! Zeitgemäß und populär: Internationale Newcomer und etablierte minimalistische Fotokünstler Fotoobjekte reduziert auf das Wesentliche als Gegenentwurf zum Chaos in der Welt Für Anhänger des Minimalismustrends und alle, die dem Auge in unserer überladenen Welt eine Pause gönnen möchten Wir leben in turbulenten Zeiten - was bei vielen Menschen die Sehnsucht nach der Reduktion aufs Wesentliche weckt. Der Trend zum Minimalismus spiegelt sich in den Bereichen Wohnen, Umweltbewusstsein und Achtsamkeit wider, aber auch in Kunst und Fotografie. Das Auge des minimalistischen Fotografen lenkt den Blick auf die Ästhetik des Gewöhnlichen und wandelt sie um in etwas Außergewöhnliches, Inspirierendes. Die Fotografien verwenden dabei stets klare Linien, oftmals in geometrischen Kompositionen. Minimalistische Künstler wie Maria Svarbova, Maarten Rots, Matthieu Venot oder Natalie Christensen schöpfen ihre Motive aus dem Alltag. Mal sind es schematische Beschreibungen der Topographie, mal rein flächige, abstrakte Kompositionen. Mal sind sie detailliert, mal weiträumig. Stets geht es darum, zu reduzieren. Sprachen: Deutsch, Englisch

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.