We a good story
Quick delivery in the UK

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.
Show more
Filter
Filter
Sort bySort Popular
  • - Style to Live By
    by OH
    £6.99

    The Little Guide to Coco Chanel by Orange Hippo! is a captivating read that beautifully encapsulates the life and legacy of the fashion icon, Coco Chanel. Published in 2021 by Welbeck Publishing Group, this book delves into the fascinating world of fashion, specifically focusing on the timeless style of Coco Chanel. The author, Orange Hippo!, skillfully paints a vivid picture of Chanel's life, her rise to fame, and her influential role in shaping the fashion industry. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion, history, or the inspiring life of Coco Chanel. The Little Guide to Coco Chanel is not just a book; it's a journey through the life of one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion. Grab your copy today and immerse yourself in the world of Coco Chanel, brought to you by the Welbeck Publishing Group.

  • Save 27%
    by Chris McDonnell
    £21.99

    The official behind-the-scenes guide to what The New Yorker calls "one of the most emotionally ambitious and goofiest series on television."

  • Save 20%
    by Barbara Lamprecht
    £11.99

  • Save 10%
    by Bruno Munari
    £8.99

    How do we see the world around us? The Penguin on Design series includes the works of creative thinkers whose writings on art, design and the media have changed our vision forever. Bruno Munari was among the most inspirational designers of all time, described by Picasso as the new Leonardo . Munari insisted that design be beautiful, functional and accessible, and this enlightening and highly entertaining book sets out his ideas about visual, graphic and industrial design and the role it plays in the objects we use everyday. Lamps, road signs, typography, posters, children s books, advertising, cars and chairs these are just some of the subjects to which he turns his illuminating gaze.

  • Save 21%
    - Eat Like Your Favorite Character-From Bento to Yakisoba (A Cookbook)
    by Diana Ault
    £13.49

    Embark on a foodie's journey through the world of anime and learn to recreate delicious dishes from your favourite anime series.

  • Save 21%
    - Over 1,000 Small Inspirational Artworks
    by Rebecca Vincent
    £14.99

    Tiny Tattoos is an enchanting book by Rebecca Vincent, a renowned author in the world of art and design. Published in 2020 by the Octopus Publishing Group, this book falls under the genre of Art & Design. Tiny Tattoos takes you on a journey through the intricate world of miniature tattoos, showcasing the beauty and intricacy of these small works of art. Rebecca Vincent's profound knowledge and passion for the subject are evident throughout the book, making it a must-read for tattoo enthusiasts and artists alike. The book also serves as an excellent gift for those interested in the art of tattooing. Don't miss out on this captivating book from the Octopus Publishing Group.

  • Save 23%
    by Lynda Barry
    £15.49

    The idiosyncratic curriculum from the Professor of Interdisciplinary Creativity will teach you how to draw and write your story

  • Save 29%
    by Nintendo
    £33.99

    Take a globetrotting journey all over the world--and beyond!--with this companion art book to the hit video game for the Nintendo Switch(TM) system!In October of 2017, Super Mario Odyssey(TM) took the gaming world by storm. Now, discover the art and expertise that went into creating one of Nintendo''s best-loved games! This full-color hardcover volume clocks in at 368 pages and features concept art, preliminary sketches, and notes from the development team, plus insight into some early ideas that didn''t make it into the game itself! Explore the world of Super Mario Odyssey from every angle, including screen shots, marketing material, and more, to fully appreciate this captivating adventure

  • Save 25%
    - The History of High-End Audio Design
    by Gideon Schwartz
    £55.99

    A beyond-cool look at the world of high-end audio design for passionate collectors, obsessive audiophiles, and design fans

  • Save 24%
    by Phaidon Editors
    £37.99

    Five centuries of fascinating female creativity presented in more than 400 compelling artworks and one comprehensive volume

  • Save 30%
    by Philip Jodidio
    £41.99

    Discover the world's finest crop of new homes. This dependable global digest features such talents as Shigeru Ban, MVRDV, and Marcio Kogan alongside up-and-comers like Xu Fu-Min, Vo Trong Nghia, Desai Chia, and Shunri Nishizawa. Organized by architect and brimming with crisp photography and plans, the result is a sweeping survey of the...

  • Save 20%
    by Joe Roberts
    £23.99

    Monograph of Joe Robert's latest work, including paintings, drawings, and essays.

  • Save 11%
    - Draw Every Little Creature in the Cutest Style Ever!
    by Angela Nguyen
    £7.99

    '...it is surprisingly easy and fun, suitable for all ages and levels of art experience and rather addictive.' www.myshelf.com

  • Save 26%
    - Over 100 Essential Techniques to Sharpen Your Skills
    by Christopher Hart
    £12.49

    A guide to creating anime characters and scenes, offering all the secrets of anime drawing that make characters look complete. The instruction is in-depth and accessible.

  • Save 22%
    by Nathan Williams
    £29.49

    Inspiring, in-depth profiles of 80 leading creative directors.

  • Save 24%
    - Accidental Icon
    by Iris Apfel
    £18.99

    ?I never want to be an old fuddy-duddy;I hold the self-proclaimed record for being the World's Oldest Living Teenager and I intend to keep it that way.??Iris ApfelOne of the most dynamic personalities in the worlds of fashion, textiles, and interior design?and hands down the most vital, witty nonagenarian in the solar system?Iris Apfel is a true original. Now, this contemporary legend, whose authenticity, candor, and infectious energy have earned her fans of all ages worldwide, has created an entertaining, thought-provoking, visually arresting, and exciting volume that captures her irrepressible joie de vivre.Astute maxims, anecdotes from childhood to the present, essays on style and various subjects?from the decline of manners to risk-taking?fill the book, as do lists proclamatory, revelatory, and advisory. A bold, highly colorful design that varies from page to page presents a characteristically improvisational pastiche of vibrant images including personal photographs and mementos, images from top international fashion photographers, specially commissioned art by renowned illustrators, and a range of surprising novelties.This is a rare book by a rare bird, indeed.

  • Save 17%
    - How To Say Something Funny About Anything
    by Sally Holloway
    £9.99

  • Save 26%
    by Gwyneth Holland
    £19.99

    Das Verstehen von Trends ist eine grundlegende Fähigkeit für jeden, der in der Modebranche arbeitet. In diesem Buch untersuchen Gwyneth Holland und Rae Jones, wie man einen gut recherchierten Trend produziert, von der ersten Inspiration über die konkrete Idee bis hin zum realen Produkt. Durchgehend illustriert mit Beispielen von praktizierenden Trendforschern und Branchenkennern.

  • Save 20%
    by Rolf G. Renner
    £11.99

    Struggling artist turned icon of the modern, urban experience, Edward Hopper is most famed for his haunting nocturnal diner scene Nighthawks. This book introduces his mastery of place, mood, and melancholy through vivid color juxtapositions; stark, theatrical lighting; as well as harshly contoured figures, at once part of, and alien to, their...

  • Save 23%
    by Peter Fiell & Charlotte
    £15.49

    You'll find 1000 bright ideas in this journey through 20th-century lighting design. Presented chronologically by decade, you'll find the most interesting electric lights, from Tiffany's beautiful leaded-glass shades to outlandish 1960s designs and the latest high-tech LED lamps.

  • Save 25%
     
    £14.99

    Trawl through centuries of tattooing in this eye-popping history of the art of body decoration. From modest, discreet symbols to astonishing full-body adornments, the wonders of 1000 Tattoos will entertain, amaze, and inspire. Whether you're considering getting ink done yourself or are simply curious about what lengths others have gone: this is...

  • Save 26%
    - How to Draw Original Characters from Simple Templates
    by Christopher Hart
    £12.49

    The Master Guide to Drawing Anime is a must-have book for all aspiring anime artists. This comprehensive guide by Christopher Hart, a renowned author in the field of art and design, provides a step-by-step approach to drawing your favorite anime characters. Published in 2015 by Sixth & Spring Books, this book has become a staple in the libraries of many anime enthusiasts. The book not only teaches you how to draw, but also provides detailed insights into the genre of anime itself. So, whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this book will surely enhance your drawing skills. Don't miss out on this master guide by Christopher Hart, brought to you by Sixth & Spring Books.

  • Save 21%
    - Inspiration and Technique
    by Anna (Author) Kiper
    £14.99

    Presents a complete fashion school for drawing and painting fashion figures, garments, and accessories for aspiring fashion illustrators and designers. Designed for newcomers and improvers, this title shows them how to construct the head and figure, compose for impact, and use all available media.

  • Save 29%
    by Bethesda Softworks
    £33.99

    Bethesda Game Studios, the award-winning creators of Fallout® 3 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim®, welcome you to the world of Fallout® 4 - their most ambitious game ever, and the next generation of open-world gaming. The Art of Fallout 4 is a must-have collectible for fans and an ultimate resource for every Wasteland wanderer. Featuring 368 oversize pages, never-before-seen designs, and concept art from the game's dynamic environments, iconic characters, detailed weapons, and more -- along with commentary from the developers themselves.

  • Save 21%
    - Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels
    by Scott McCloud
    £13.49

    Learn How to . . .Choose the right moments to clarify and strengthen your stories.Frame actions and guide your readers' eyes through each comics page.Choose words and pictures that communicate together.Create varied and compelling new characters.Master body language and facial expressions.Create rich, believable worlds for your readers to explore.Pick the tools that are right for you.Navigate the vast world of comics styles and genres.

  • 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 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

  • Save 10%
    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.

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. 


Join thousands of book lovers

Sign up to our newsletter and receive discounts and inspiration for your next reading experience.