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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 27%
    by Andrew Loomis
    £21.99

    The illustrator Andrew Loomis (1892-1959) is revered amongst artists - including comics superstar Alex Ross - for his mastery of figure drawing and his clean, realist style.

  • Save 17%
    - 150 Essential Tools for Architects, Artists, Designers, Developers, Engineers, Inventors, and Managers
    by William Lidwell
    £9.99

    This pocket edition of the bestselling design reference book contains 150 essential principles.

  • Save 27%
    - Pretty Much Everything
    by Aaron James Draplin
    £25.49

    Esquire. Ford Motors. Burton Snowboards. The Obama Administration. While all of these brands are vastly different, they share at least one thing in common: a teeny, little bit of Aaron James Draplin. Draplin is one of the new school of influential graphic designers who combine the power of design, social media, entrepreneurship, and DIY aesthetic to create a successful business and way of life. Pretty Much Everything is a mid-career survey of work, case studies, inspiration, road stories, lists, maps, how-tos, and advice. It includes examples of his workposters, record covers, logosand presents the process behind his design with projects like Field Notes and the ';Things We Love' State Posters. Draplin also offers valuable advice and hilarious commentary that illustrates how much more goes into design than just what appears on the page. With Draplin's humor and pointed observations on the contemporary design scene, Draplin Design Co. is the complete package for the new generation of designers.

  • Save 23%
    by Gottfried Bammes
    £15.49

    This fantastic book is all you need if you want to start drawing the figure, or if you want to develop your life-drawing skills.

  • Save 21%
    - A Student Guide with Teacher's Manual
    by Chris Ganter
    £13.49

    Suitable for college use, this title opens with an exploration of graffiti's background and history, from Pompeii to the Hip Hop revolution to the present day, as well as how to stay on the right side of the law. It explains the practical techniques of using a spray can, and the step-by-step methods and skills required to create artistic graffiti.

  • Save 31%
    by Stefano Tonchi
    £51.99

    An unprecedented publication showcasing Gucci as never before, including thought-provoking essays, commentaries, and authoritative anecdotes along with previously unpublished contemporary and archival photographs. Published in conjunction with the opening of the new Gucci Museum in Florence, Gucci is the ultimate celebration of the world-renowned fashion house. Told through a loose grouping of words, concepts, shapes, and moods, the book tells its story through new conceptual forms and the free links between images, symbols, and objects. Edited by Gucci Creative Director Frida Giannini, with essays and inserts by contributors including Katie Grand, Peter Arnell, Rula Jebreal, Christopher Breward and Stefano Micelli, Gucci: The Making Of is a dynamic record of a much-coveted brand that will be a must this season for anyone with a love of fashion and an interest in contemporary culture. This comprehensive volume showcases the genius of the fashion house through an exclusive lens with inside looks into the inspirations behind the design.This gorgeous book designed by Arnell offers an in-depth look into Gucci's origins, identity, influence, and innovation, including fabrication methods and appropriation of signature materials, past and present, and its influence among high society and Hollywood. The book is a heartfelt and personalized tribute to the heritage and influence of this iconic, multifaceted brand. In recognition of its ongoing partnership with UNICEF and the release of this luxury edition, Gucci will make a donation of US $250,000 to support UNICEF's Schools for Africa initiative.

  • Save 28%
    - Street Photographer
    by Vivian Maier
    £27.49

    A collection of discovered street photography from post-war America.

  • Save 32%
    - The Birth of Modern Luxury Updated Edition
    by Pierre Leonforte
    £74.99

  • Save 27%
    by Andrew Loomis
    £21.99

    The human head and hands are the most difficult elements in figure drawing. This title offers a solution for such drawing.

  • Save 21%
    - Achieve precise color when painting landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and more
    by William F Powell
    £14.99

    If you thought there was no hope of finding a comprehensive paint color-mixing resource, along comes the 1,000 Color Mixing Recipes for Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor.

  • Save 14%
    by Arnold Schwarzenegger
    £9.49

    Total Recall is a captivating book penned by the renowned Arnold Schwarzenegger. Published in 2013 by Simon & Schuster Ltd, this book transcends the conventional genre barriers to offer a unique reading experience. Arnold Schwarzenegger, known for his multifaceted career, has poured his heart into this book, making it a must-read for anyone interested in his life's journey. The book is a testament to his indomitable spirit and unyielding will to succeed. Regardless of whether you are a fan of his acting, politics, or bodybuilding, Total Recall provides a comprehensive look into the life of this extraordinary man. Don't miss out on this masterpiece from Simon & Schuster Ltd.

  • Save 20%
    - Or, You Can't Survive on Ideas Alone From the creator of Netflix phenomenon Outside
    by Bo Burnham
    £11.99

    Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, mostly absurd collection of poetry and essays from comedy superstar and creator of Netflix phenomenon Inside Bo Burnham.

  • Save 25%
    by Robert Descharnes & Gilles Neret
    £14.99

    An essential overview of Salvador Dali's mind-melting ideas and seismic art historical impact, this compact publication reviews the master of Surrealism's complete paintings, supplemented with sketches and ephemera. Presented by Robert Descharnes and Gilles Neret, many of these works have rarely been seen before but epitomize Dali's depictions...

  • - New Complete Edition
    by Josef Albers
    £14.99

    One of the most influential books on colour ever published, Josef Albers' "Interaction of Color" is a masterwork. This book replicates Albers' revolutionary exercises, explaining concepts such as colour relativity and vibrating and vanishing boundaries through the use of colour, shape, die-cut forms, and movable flaps.

  • Save 24%
    - Glazing and Firing at Cones 4-7
    by John Britt
    £18.99

    According to Ceramics Monthly, approximately 75 per cent of potters glaze their pieces at mid-range temperatures. This is a complete studio guide to successful glazing at mid-range temperature. It explores all the fundamental techniques, as well as offering artisan tips for specialist glazing.

  • Save 23%
    by Betty Edwards
    £15.49

  • - The World's Leading Electronic Music Production Magazine Delivers the Definitive Guide to Making Cutting-Edge Dance Music
     
    £27.49

    The world's leading electronic music production magazine delivers the definitive guide to making cutting-edge dance music. Featuring 312 color pages packed with technique, tips, illustrations and hands-on walkthroughs, The Secrets of Dance Music Production pulls together everything you need to take a mix from concept to club-ready master - whether you make house or techno, 2-step or D&B, EDM or trance. Topics include studio fundamentals, the golden rules of mixing, essential techniques, improving writing chops, bigger beats, learning from the masters and more.

  • Save 25%
    by Michael Ochs
    £14.99

    1000 Record Covers is a captivating book by the renowned author, Michael Ochs. Published in 2014 by Taschen GmbH, this book is a must-have for all music and art enthusiasts. The book takes you on a journey through the golden age of album covers, showcasing a thousand of the most beautiful and iconic record covers from the 60s to the 90s. Each cover tells a story about the music and the era it came from, making it not just a book, but a cultural artifact. Whether you're a music lover, a designer, or a fan of pop culture, 1000 Record Covers is a book that you'll find hard to put down. This masterpiece is a testament to Michael Ochs' ability to weave together art, music, and history into a compelling narrative. Don't miss out on this treasure published by Taschen GmbH.

  • Save 17%
    - 307 Assignments and Ideas
    by Gregory Halpern & Jason Fulford
    £16.49

    Over 250 inspiring and fun photography assignments from leading photographers and educators, including John Baldessari, Elinor Carucci, Sandra Phillips, Stephen Shore, and Alec Soth

  • Save 20%
    by Donald A. Norman
    £17.99

    The Design of Everyday Things is a compelling and insightful book by the renowned author, Donald A. Norman. Published by the MIT Press Ltd in 2014, this book falls under the genre of cognitive science and human-computer interaction. The Design of Everyday Things provides a critical examination of the design process, shedding light on how everyday items can be improved to better serve the needs of their users. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in design, usability, and cognitive science. It's a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between the objects we use every day and the ways we interact with them. Published by MIT Press Ltd, it's a testament to the importance of intuitive and user-friendly design in our everyday lives.

  • Save 27%
    by John Harris
    £21.99

    World-renowned visionary artist John Harris' unique concept paintings capture the Universe on a massive scale, from epic landscapes and towering cities to vast alien vistas. This title focuses on his futuristic art as well as his book covers for SF authors, including Arthur C Clarke, Orson Scott Card, John Scalzi, and Ben Bova among others.

  • Save 14%
    - How Stories Work and Why We Tell Them
    by John Yorke
    £9.49

    'The best book on the subject I've read. Quite brilliant' Tony Jordan, creator/writer, Life on Mars, HustleWe all love stories. But why do we tell them? And why do all stories function in an eerily similar way? John Yorke, creator of the BBC Writers' Academy, has brought a vast array of drama to British screens. Here he takes us on a journey to the heart of storytelling, revealing that there truly is a unifying shape to narrative forms - one that echoes the fairytale journey into the woods and, like any great art, comes from deep within. From ancient myths to big-budget blockbusters, he gets to the root of the stories that are all around us, every day.'Marvellous' Julian Fellowes 'Terrifyingly clever ... Packed with intelligent argument' Evening Standard 'The most important book about scriptwriting since William Goldman's Adventures in the Screen Trade' Peter Bowker, writer, Blackpool, Occupation, Eric and Ernie

  • Save 15%
    by Alain de Botton
    £10.99

    THE NUMBER ONE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER From one of our greatest voices in modern philosophy, author of The Course of Love, The Consolations of Philosophy, Religion for Atheists and The School of Life The Architecture of Happiness explores the fascinating hidden links between the buildings we live in and our long-term wellbeing'Engaging and intelligent... Full of splendid ideas, happily and beautifully expressed' Independent 'Alain de Botton takes big, complex subjects and writes about them with thoughtful and deceptive innocence' Observer'Clever, provocative and fresh as a daisy' Literary ReviewBestselling author Alain de Botton has written about love, travel, status and how philosophy can console us. Now he turns his attention to one of our most intense but often hidden love affairs: with our houses and their furnishings. He asks: What makes a house truly beautiful?Why are many new houses so ugly?Why do we argue so bitterly about sofas and pictures - and can differences of taste ever be satisfactorily resolved?Will minimalism make us happier than ornaments? To answer these questions and many more, de Botton looks at buildings across the world, from medieval wooden huts to modern skyscrapers; he examines sofas and cathedrals, tea sets and office complexes, and teases out a host of often surprising philosophical insights. The Architecture of Happiness will take you on a beguiling tour through the history and psychology of architecture and interior design, and will forever alter your relationship with buildings. It will change the way you look at your current home - and help you make the right decisions about your next one.

  • Save 29%
    by Ilse Crawford & Edwin Heathcote
    £29.99

  • Save 23%
     
    £15.49

    The Paintings That Revolutionized Art is a groundbreaking book that was published by Prestel in 2015. This book is a must-have for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It explores the masterpieces that have shaped the world of art and challenged the status quo. From the Renaissance to the modern era, each painting is a testament to the artist's innovation and creativity. The author dives deep into the history and significance of each artwork, providing readers with insightful commentary and analysis. This book is not just a collection of beautiful images; it's a journey through time, showcasing the evolution of art and the power of human creativity. Published by Prestel, a renowned publisher known for their high-quality art books, this book is a valuable addition to any art lover's collection.

  • Save 10%
    by Kip Thorne
    £17.99

    A journey through the otherworldly science behind Christopher Nolan's award-winning film, Interstellar, from executive producer and Nobel Prize-winning physicist Kip Thorne.

  • Save 21%
    by Martha Cooper
    £14.99

    Documenting the work of graffiti writers who illegally painted subway cars in New York City, the authors recall how they gained entry to the New York graffiti community in the 1970s and 1980s and describe the techniques that they used to photograph it.

  • Save 21%
    by Megan Hess
    £13.49 - 16.99

    Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is an illustrated biography of Coco's Chanels life from the internationally reknown illustrator and author, Megan Hess.Itfeatures key moments from Cocos amazing life and iconic items from the fashion empire that she built. Think an illustrated picture book for adults, told through Megans stylish and feminine illustrations with a fun, whimsical and magical bent.Coco Chanel takes us on a romp through the three distinct chapters of Cocos life: from Coco's early life and building the brand, to the empire she created, to the legacy she left behind, and how her style is still influential and iconic today.Hess'sbook literally paints apicture of the woman whoforever changed the waywomen dress.The AustralianCoco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a FashionIconis a beautifully presentedbiography of the designerBooks + Publishing NationalStyle lovers, unite! Thisamazing guided tour ofChanel's game-changingempire is made for coffeetablesCleoAustralian illustrator Megan Hess,whose work graces prestigious designers and brands including Chanel, Carrier andTiffany and Co., creates a whimsical adventure through the world of MademoiselleChanelPRIMOLife

  • Save 23%
    by Andrea Kettenmann
    £11.49

    Feminist icon, symbol of Mexican culture, political activist, groundbreaking artist: discover the many facets of Frida Kahlo, who transformed the afflictions of her life into unremittingly powerful paintings. In this introduction, Kahlo's body of bold, arresting works are presented alongside her turbulent life to shed light on the audacious...

  • Save 24%
    by Christopher Herwig
    £18.99

    Photographer Christopher Herwig has covered more than 30,000km by car, bike, bus and taxi in 13 former Soviet countries discovering and documenting these unexpected treasures of modern art. From the shores of the Black Sea to the endless Kazakh steppe, these bus stops show the range of public art from the Soviet era and give a rare glimpse into the creative minds of the time. The book represents the most comprehensive and diverse collection of Soviet bus stop design ever assembled from: Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, Moldova, Armenia, Abkhazia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. With a foreword by writer, critic and television presenter Jonathan Meades.

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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