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Architecture & Design

Are you looking to be inspired by some of the finest designers and architects? You find a wide selection of fascinating architecture and design books at Tales. The design books can inspire you to renew your style or house, but you can also use them in your creative process both as a student or professional. If you are more into buildings and the process behind them, take a look at our architecture books that will take you around the world to the most wonderful and groundbreaking buildings on Earth. All of them will look good on your coffee table.
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  • Save 27%
    - Collections and Creations
    by Daniele Bott
    £21.99

    Chanel, a captivating book written by Daniele Bott, is a must-read for all fashion enthusiasts. Published in 2007 by Thames & Hudson Ltd, this book delves into the iconic world of Chanel, one of the most influential fashion houses. The author, an expert in the field, brings to light the brand's timeless elegance and the genius behind its creation. The book is a beautiful blend of fashion, history, and art, making it a unique addition to any bookshelf. Written in English, it offers an extraordinary journey through the evolution of style and luxury. Don't miss the chance to explore the fascinating story of Chanel through the eyes of Daniele Bott.

  • Save 27%
    - Bringing the House Home
    by Soho House UK Limited
    £25.49

    Eat, Drink, Nap, a captivating book penned by Soho House UK Limited, is a must-read for anyone seeking a balance between life's daily hustle and the need for relaxation. Published by Cornerhouse in 2014, this book is a testament to the author's unique perspective on achieving a well-rounded lifestyle. The genre of this book is hard to pin down as it beautifully merges elements of self-help, lifestyle, and culinary arts. Soho House UK Limited, through this book, guides readers on how to incorporate elements of relaxation into their everyday lives. From tips on what to eat and drink to the importance of taking a nap, the author provides a comprehensive guide to living a more relaxed and fulfilling life. If you're looking for a book that is not only engaging but also provides practical advice, then Eat, Drink, Nap is the perfect choice. Don't miss out on this masterpiece from Cornerstone, a publisher renowned for its wide range of insightful books.

  • Save 20%
    by Barbara Hess
    £11.99

    From vast, splattered canvases to quiet pools of color, enter the world of Abstract Expressionism, the movement which put feelings into paint and turned New York into the global center for contemporary art. This book features works from 20 key artists, including Jackson Pollock, Philip Guston, Robert Motherwell, Mark Rothko, and Willem de Kooning.

  • Save 17%
    - The Magical World of Rosaleen Norton
    by Nevill Drury
    £18.99

    During the 1950s and early 1960s the Sydney-based trance-artist and Pan-worshipper, Rosaleen Norton, was well known in Australia as ‘the Witch of Kings Cross’ and was frequently portrayed in the tabloid press as an evil ‘devil-worshipping’ figure from the red-light district. Norton attracted attention from both the public at large and also the local police for engaging in bizarre pagan sex-rituals with her lover, the poet Gavin Greenlees. Details of these activities would surface from time to time in the local courts when Norton was defending her metaphysical beliefs and seeking to defuse claims that her magical paintings and drawings were obscene. Norton was also associated with the scandal that eventually engulfed the professional career of renowned musical conductor, Eugene (later, Sir Eugene) Goossens who had arrived in Australia in 1947 and became a member of Norton’s magical coven six years later.Norton dedicated her magical practice to the Great God Pan and to a lesser extent Hecate, Lilith and Lucifer. She was also intrigued by the visionary potential of Kundalini yoga, out-of-the-body trance exploration and Aleister Crowley’s Thelemic sex magick and combined all of these elements in her ritual activities.Pan’s Daughter is the only biography of Rosaleen Norton and provides the most detailed and authoritative account of her magical beliefs and practices. First published in Britain by Mandrake in 1993, it is now reissued in a revised and expanded edition.

  • Save 22%
    by Matthew Hranek
    £27.99

    A covetable celebration of watches and the stories at the heart of men's obsession with them.

  • Save 24%
    - Tear, Paste, Protest
     
    £18.99

  • Save 23%
    - A Guide for Designers, Architects and Artists
    by Paul Jackson
    £15.49

    This book explains, in simple steps and non-mathematical terminology, how to create repeat patterns in a line, on the plane, as tiles and as Escher-like repeats. The book also shows how to make 'wallpaper repeats', where the elements of the pattern merge into each other, apparently seamlessly.Using letters as the basic elements, the book demonstrates how all repeat pattern-making comes out of four simple operations: translation, rotation, reflection and glide reflection. It will provide the definitive one-stop pattern-making resource for professional designers and students across disciplines, from textiles and fashion to graphic design and architecture.

  • - A Colorful Book for Bengali Kids
    by Aruna K Hatti
    £15.49

  • Save 29%
    by Simon Wood
    £35.49

    The first and only publication of its kind, Sneaker Freaker has been at the forefront of the global sneaker scene for nearly two decades. With over 650 redesigned pages, fresh photography, insane historical detail, and otaku-level minutiae, this monster anthology combines the magazine's finest and content created exclusively for TASCHEN into...

  • - A Counting Book for Bengali Kids
    by Aruna K Hatti
    £15.49

  • by Tina DeJarld
    £42.99

    Students seeking the fastest, easiest, most comprehensive way to learn Adobe InDesign choose Adobe InDesign Classroom in a Book (2020 release) from Adobe Press. The project-based step-by-step lessons show users the key techniques for working in InDesign. Students will build a strong foundation of typographic, color, page layout, and document-construction skills that will enable them to produce a broad range of print and digital publications—from a simple postcard to an interactive Adobe PDF with form fields. The real-world tasks in this comprehensive book are presented in easy-to-follow lessons and are designed to train beginning Adobe InDesign users in the program—from fundamental features to powerful layout and output skills. The online companion files include all the necessary assets for readers to complete the projects featured in each lesson. All buyers of the book get full access to the Web Edition: A Web-based version of the complete ebook enhanced with video and multiple-choice quizzes.

  • Save 24%
    by Caroline Akselson
    £18.99

    The Great British Sewing Bee: Sustainable Style is a captivating book penned by the talented Alexandra Bruce. Published in 2020 by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, this book dives into the world of sustainable fashion and sewing. It's a unique blend of practical guide and inspiration source for anyone interested in sustainable style. The book is filled with beautifully illustrated instructions and patterns that guide you through the process of creating your own sustainable wardrobe. The author, Alexandra Bruce, expertly combines her extensive knowledge of sewing and fashion to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to sustainable style. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in sewing, fashion, or sustainability. Published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, it reflects their commitment to producing quality books that inspire and educate readers. The book is written in English.

  • Save 12%
    - A Land of Prayer: A Photo Travel Experience
    by Andrey Vlasov
    £44.99

  • Save 24%
    by Hugh Nini & Neal Treadwell
    £39.49

  • Save 30%
    by Virgil Abloh
    £41.99

    Title: Virgil Abloh. Nike. ICONS, Author: Virgil Abloh, Publication Year: 2020-11-15, Publisher: Taschen GmbH, Language: eng

  • Save 24%
    - The Story of Makeup
    by Lisa Eldridge
    £17.49

    Makeup, as we know it, has only been commercially available in the last 100 years, but applying decoration to the face and body may be one of the oldest global social practices. In Face Paint, Lisa Eldridge reveals the entire history of the art form, from Egyptian and Classical times up through the Victorian age and golden era of Hollywood, and also surveys the cutting-edge makeup science of today and tomorrow. Face Paint explores the practical and idiosyncratic reasons behind makeup's use, the actual materials employed over generations, and the glamorous icons that people emulate, it is also a social history of women and the ways in which we can understand their lives through the prism and impact of makeup.

  • Save 19%
    - 20 Stylish Secrets I Learned While Living in Paris
    by Jennifer L. Scott
    £12.99

    Inspired by Paris, this lighthearted and deceptively wise contemporary memoir serves as a guidebook for women on the path to adulthood, sophistication, and style. Jennifer Scotts self-published success is now a beautifully packaged and fully illustrated gift book, perfect for any woman looking to lead a more fulfilling, passionate, and artful life.Paris may be the City of Light, but for many it is also the City of Transformation. When Jennifer Scott arrived in Paris as an exchange student from California, she had little idea she would become an avid fan of French fashion, lifestyle, and sophistication. Used to a casual life back home, in Paris she was hosted by a woman she calls Madame Chic, mistress of a grand apartment in the Sixteenth Arrondissement. Madame Chic mentors Jennifer in the art of living, with elegance and an impeccably French less-is-more philosophy. Three-course meals prepared by the well-dressed Madame Chic (her neat clothes covered by an apron, of course) lure Jennifer from her usual habit of frequent snacks, junk food, sweatpants, and TV. Additional time spent with Madame Bohemienne, a charming single mother who passionately embraces Parisian joie de vivre, introduces readers to another facet of behind-closed-doors Parisian life. While Francophiles will appreciate this memoir of a young womans adventure abroad, others who may not know much about France will thrill to the surprisingly do-able (yet chic!) hair and makeup lessons, plus tips on how to create a capsule wardrobe with just ten useful core pieces. Each chapter of Lessons from Madame Chic reveals the valuable secrets Jennifer learned while under Madame Chics tutelagetips you can master no matter where you live or the size of your budget. Embracing the classically French aesthetic of quality over quantity, aspiring Parisiennes will learn the art of eating (deprive yourself not; snacking is not chic), fashion (buy the best you can afford), grooming (le no-makeup look), among other tips. From entertaining to decor, you will gain insights on how to cultivate old-fashioned sophistication while living an active, modern life. Lessons from Madame Chic is the essential handbook for a woman that wants to look good, live well, and enjoy that Parisian je ne sais quoi in her own arrondissement.

  • Save 25%
    - A Handbook for Footwear Designers
    by Fashionary
    £21.99

    Shoe Design by Fashionary Shoe Design by Fashionary is an essential resource for footwear designers, featuring over 300 shoe styles ranging from ancient to contemporary. This comprehensive handbook is designed to accelerate the design process, offering a wealth of information and tools that are both practical and inspiring. The book is divided into three main sections: the Shoe Style Library, the Shoe Encyclopedia, and the Shoe Template Collections. Each section provides extensive and detailed information crucial for anyone involved in shoe design. The Shoe Style Library showcases a vast array of shoe styles, providing a rich source of inspiration and reference. Whether you're looking into historical designs or modern trends, this library has it all. The Shoe Encyclopedia is packed with essential and practical information on shoe design. It covers everything from shoe anatomy and construction to components, care, measurements, manufacturing processes, patterns, materials, labels, and trade fairs. This section is invaluable for understanding the intricate details of shoe design and production. The Shoe Template Collections include multi-angle templates that make drawing shoes from different perspectives much easier. All templates have been professionally modified for the best tracing experience, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in the design process. This section features over 60 common shoe templates, from flats to high heels, presented in various views such as top, side, front and back, and 3/4 view. Additionally, the book includes a special section on shoe last templates, which are crucial for creating different shoe heights and styles. This session features 12 significant shoe lasts, covering various heel heights, toe shapes, and types of footwear, allowing designers to develop precise and diverse designs. Shoe Design by Fashionary stands out as the most practical shoe encyclopedia ever created. It combines an extensive library of styles and templates with in-depth encyclopedic knowledge, making it an indispensable tool for both budding and experienced footwear designers. Whether you are sketching a new collection or refining existing designs, this book provides the resources and inspiration needed to excel in the world of shoe design.

  • Save 15%
    - Tips, techniques, and step-by-step instructions for creating colorful poured art in acrylic
    by Amanda VanEver
    £10.99

    Learn the creative, innovative technique of making art by pouring paint with The Art of Paint Pouring. Featuring easy step-by-step projects, practical tips, and beautiful art from an established paint-pouring expert, this book helps artists of any skill level make colorful, textured art by pouring acrylic paint onto a canvas. There are many techniques for making poured art, and this book details them all. You will learn to swipe, pour, and more using the manyhow-to projects provided in this book. Also included are chapters on the following:Tools and materials, including affordable options for items that will help you create poured artBasic color theory and how to choose paint colors that will create pleasing mixturesEye-catching full-page artworkTips for creating the paint consistency that you wantInstructions for keeping your work area clean, even while working with a potentially messy techniqueWritten and illustrated by a well-recognized paint-pouring artist, The Art of Paint Pouring is a comprehensive reference that eliminates the need to search online for multiple videos that you would continually have to pause and re-watch. If you are new to paint pouring, you will love the beginners’ tips and instructions that allow anyone to master this contemporary craft. Start creating stunning works of poured art with The Art of Paint Pouring. Also from the Fluid Art series, refresh your paint-pouring skills and learn new techniques with: The Art of Paint Pouring: Swipe, Swirl & Spin and The Art of Paint Marbling.

  • Save 25%
    - 125 Ways to Research Complex Problems, Develop Innovative Ideas, and Design Effective Solutions
    by Bruce Hanington
    £19.49

    Universal Methods of Design, Expanded and Revised presents 125 research methods for design in a concise and accessible format, now updated with new information on digital design and software and 25 new chapters.

  • Save 29%
    - A Complete Sourcebook
    by Naomi Pollock
    £35.49

    A major survey of the Japanese designers, artisans, manufacturers and technologies that have shaped the world of modern design.

  • Save 30%
    by Stone Island
    £38.49

    The first book on the iconic, urban-inspired streetwear brand.

  • Save 24%
    by Frida Ramstedt
    £18.99

  • Save 28%
    - The Visual Dictionary of Fashion Design
    by Fashionary
    £27.49

    FASHIONPEDIA is a visual fashion dictionary covering all the technical terms from style to material to production with illustrations and infographics. It encompasses rich, extensive information and yet is so easy to read. Whether you're an industry insider or a fashion connoisseur, FASHIONPEDIA is all you'll ever need to navigate the fashion scene.

  • Save 32%
    by Bridget Foley & Tom Ford
    £68.49

  • Save 30%
    - The Complete Fashion Collections
    by Jo Ellison & Louise Rytter
    £41.99

    Louis Vuitton Catwalk, a stunning masterpiece by Jo Ellison, is a must-have for fashion enthusiasts and book collectors alike. Published in 2018 by Thames & Hudson Ltd, this book offers an exclusive look into the world of high fashion. The book delves into the rich history and exquisite craftsmanship of the Louis Vuitton brand. It provides an unparalleled exploration of the brand's remarkable journey from its inception to its current status as a global fashion powerhouse. The author, Jo Ellison, brilliantly captures the essence of Louis Vuitton's iconic style, making this book a captivating read. This book is a testament to the timeless elegance and innovation that Louis Vuitton represents. Whether you're a fashion aficionado or simply appreciate well-written books, Louis Vuitton Catwalk is a worthy addition to your collection.

  • Save 31%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £54.99

    Throne of Glass Box Set (Paperback) by Sarah J. Maas is an extraordinary collection that should not be missed. Published by Bloomsbury UK in 2023, this set is a treasure trove for fans of the fantasy genre. Sarah J. Maas, an acclaimed author, weaves a captivating tale of adventure, intrigue, and magic in her signature style. The Throne of Glass series has been praised for its complex characters, intricate plotlines, and breathtaking world-building. This box set is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the world of Throne of Glass, whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series. Don't miss out on this incredible collection from Bloomsbury UK.

  • Save 23%
    by Andy Symington, Tom Masters, Kate Armstrong, et al.
    £15.49

    Lonely Planet Mexico is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Explore the ancient Maya world, go horse-riding through fragrant pine forest, and experience Mexico City's hopping cultural scene; all with your trusted travel companion.

  • Save 14%
    by Sharon Jones
    £9.49

  • Save 28%
    by Fashionary
    £24.49

    Textilepedia, a book that was published by Fashionary International Limited on the 17th of December, 2020, is an intriguing read that everyone should get their hands on. It's a book that delves into the world of textiles, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the subject. The author, whose name remains anonymous, has done an excellent job in compiling and presenting the information in a way that is both engaging and informative. The book falls under the genre of educational literature, making it a must-read for anyone interested in fashion, textiles, or simply looking to expand their knowledge. Fashionary International Limited, known for their quality publications, has once again delivered a masterpiece that is 'Textilepedia'. The book is written in English, catering to a wide range of readers globally. Don't miss out on this enlightening read!

Architecture

Our selection of cultural books also include architecture books. If you are fascinated by beautiful or memorable buildings we have the books for you. 

Architecture is the art form everyone is in contact with everyday. We move across a wide variety of buildings everytime we go out the door. Schools, work spaces, museums and even your own home is a form of architecture. Some buildings however have that extra effect on you. They make you shop and wonder, and most importantly they are products of their time. They are part of our history and tell the story of the time they were made. Some architects also go beyond that creating something never seen before and these are the buildings that we remember and they might even become attractions or landmarks like the beloved Eiffeltower in the city of lights.   

You could also get inspired as an architect or architectural student yourself. The architecture books invite you into the process of making a building out of the ordinary. If you are interested in sustainability you could also find architecture books about that. In the last couple of years we have also seen an increase in sustainable architecture, where materials are reused or alternative and good for our planet. They are the buildings of the future. 

We also have a collection of garden architecture books. In recent years open air spaces have been desired especially in the big cities, where fewer and fewer have access to a garden or park. Therefore we need innovative ways of finding new green areas in the cities also in order to be sustainable. For that matter we need to plant more trees and have nature surrounding us both for our planet, but also for the wellbeing of ourselves. Find ideas for new kinds of creating just that in our selection of architecture books. 



Fashion and design

Everyone wants to be stylish, and in our selection of design and fashion books you can get inspired by some of the best style icons and designers in the world. You can get that extra tip that will help you become the most stylish person in the room or one of the new style icons of Instagram.  Whether it’s about interior or clothes you will find it all among our fashion books and design books.

Fashion is a way of showing who you are. The way you dress reflects your personality and it is a way of showing how you feel or wants to feel that day, although it can be difficult to mix your outfit in the right way, and that is where the fashion books can help. Another wonderful thing about the fashion and design books is that they look stylish in themselves, and they will look gorgeous as a coffee table book. They add that extra level of style to your furnishing, and you display all your knowledge about fashion. So that is why you find the most beautiful and cool fashion books for decor at Tales. 

In our selection you find the popular fashion book In Paris by the French Instagram it-girl Jeanne Damas and Lauren Bastide. In the book they try to cover the secrets of the parisienne; who she is, what she wears and where she is heading. The fashion book contains interviews with 20 of the most inspiring French women from the city of light, and concludes that being a parisienne is not just about how you look and dress, but a way of life. 

If you yourself dream of having a designer carriere, you could also find fashion books for designing in Tales’ selection of culture books. Get the perfect guide to sewing, draping, and picking patterns for your next stylish creation. 

If you need inspiration to renew your furnishing you could - in addition to selecting a stylish book among our fashion books for coffee tables - also find design books about that. They help you pick the most tasteful furniture on the market and most importantly how to style them, and you could end up with the most wonderful interior in your own house. 


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