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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 23%
    by Birgitta Helmersson
    £16.99

    Zero Waste Patterns is an enlightening book by the renowned author Birgitta Helmersson. Published in 2023, this book falls under a genre that combines lifestyle, environment, and fashion in an interesting and unique manner. The book provides valuable insights into sustainable living and encourages readers to make conscious choices in their daily lives. It offers practical and innovative solutions to reduce waste, particularly in the fashion industry. The book is filled with easy-to-follow patterns and designs that can help you create zero waste garments and accessories. The author, Birgitta Helmersson, has expertly combined her knowledge and experience to present a book that is not only informative but also engaging and inspiring. Zero Waste Patterns is published by Quadrille Publishing Ltd, a publisher known for its commitment to high-quality and impactful books. Reading this book will surely change your perspective on waste and inspire you to lead a more sustainable lifestyle.

  • Save 29%
     
    £28.49

    Formgiving. An Architectural Future History, the new book by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group), and the latest installment in its TASCHEN trilogy, is a visionary attempt to look at the horizon of time, from the Big Bang into the most distant future. The volume addresses six evolutionary trajectories, and the development of artificial intelligence,...

  • Save 27%
    - An Illustrated Guide to Building a Fashion Brand
    by Fashionary
    £23.49

  • Save 27%
    - Early Songs and Drawings
    by JONI MITCHELL
    £21.99

    Originally handcrafted in 1971 as a gift for friends, this edition of Joni Mitchell's best-loved poems, illustrations, watercolours and hand-lettered song lyrics is now publicly available for the first time. The perfect Christmas present for any Joni Mitchell fan

  • Save 15%
    - An Illustrated Sourcebook
    by Chika Miyata
    £10.99

    How to Draw Almost Everything by Chika Miyata is a delightful guide for anyone interested in honing their drawing skills. Published by Quarry Books in 2016, this book is a must-have for both budding and experienced artists. The genre of this book is art instruction, and it serves as a fantastic resource for individuals wanting to explore their artistic abilities. Chika Miyata, a renowned illustrator, provides a comprehensive collection of sketches covering almost every subject you can think of. From fruits and animals to vehicles and people, Miyata's book is a treasure trove of easy-to-follow instructions and inspirational ideas. Quarry Books is proud to present this gem to the world, and it's a book that deserves a spot on every artist's shelf.

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

    "The long path to the throne has only just begun for Aelin Galathynius. Loyalties have been broken and bought, friends have been lost and gained, and those who possess magic find themselves at odds with those who don't. As the kingdoms of Erilea fracture around her, enemies must become allies if Aelin is to keep those she loves from falling to the dark forces poised to claim her world"--

  • Save 27%
    - The Slow Home
    by Natalie Walton
    £23.49

    A stunning visual journey through the homes of people from around the world who have taken steps to simplify their lives and embrace the principles of slow living

  • Save 23%
    by Tomoko Nakamichi
    £15.49

    "Pattern Magic" is the cult pattern-cutting book from Japan. Taking inspiration from nature, from geometric shapes and from the street, this book harnesses the sheer joy of making and sculpting clothes.

  • Save 21%
    by "Banksy"
    £13.49 - 16.99

    _______________Banksy. His work. Photographed. With comments by Banksy. In a book. This is that book. _______________

  • Save 24%
    by Eleanor Nairne
    £18.99

    A condensed edition of the best-selling Basquiat monograph. Pristine reproductions of Basquiat's seminal paintings, drawings, and notebook sketches, as well as texts by editor Hans Werner Holzwarth and curator and art historian Eleanor Nairne, bring us up close and personal to a legend synonymous with 1980s New York.

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

    Fashionary Bag Design book is the most practical bag encyclopedia, a complete handbook for bag designers and bag lovers. Differential from ordinary bag design books, the Fashionary Bag Design is a complete handbook focusing on the practical needs of handbag designers.

  • by Teresa Torres
    £15.99

  • Save 21%
    - Resisting the Attention Economy
    by Jenny Odell
    £14.99 - 19.99

    "e;A complex, smart and ambitious book that at first reads like a self-help manual, then blossoms into a wide-ranging political manifesto."e;Jonah Engel Bromwich, The New York Times Book ReviewNAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY: Time*; The New Yorker *;NPR*;GQ*;Elle*;Vulture*;Fortune*; Boing Boing*;The Irish Times*;The New York Public Library*; The Brooklyn Public LibraryPorchlight's Personal Development & Human Behavior Book of the YearNothing is harder to do these days than nothing. But in a world where our value is determined by our 24/7 data productivity . . . doing nothing may be our most important form of resistance. So argues artist and critic Jenny Odell in this field guide to doing nothing (at least as capitalism defines it). Odell sees our attention as the most preciousand overdrawnresource we have. Once we can start paying a new kind of attention, she writes, we can undertake bolder forms of political action, reimagine humankind's role in the environment, and arrive at more meaningful understandings of happiness and progress. Far from the simple anti-technology screed, or the back-to-nature meditation we read so often, How to do Nothing is an action plan for thinking outside of capitalist narratives of efficiency and techno-determinism. Provocative, timely, and utterly persuasive, this book is a four-course meal in the age of Soylent.

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

  • Save 30%
    by Jens Muller
    £41.99

    Logo Modernism, a remarkable book penned by Jens Müller, is a captivating exploration into the world of modern design. Published in 2015 by Taschen GmbH, this book delves into the innovative and transformative period of modernist design. The genre of this book is art and design, and it beautifully encapsulates the essence of modernism in logos. Müller, with his keen eye for design and detail, takes the reader through a journey of the most influential logos of the modernist era. The book is a testament to the author's expertise and Taschen GmbH's commitment to publishing high-quality, insightful books. Written in English, Logo Modernism is a must-read for anyone interested in design, art, or the evolution of logos.

  • Save 23%
    by Betty Edwards
    £15.49

  • Save 23%
    - A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design
    by 99% Invisible, Kurt Kohlstedt & Roman Mars
    £15.49

    An alternative guide to the hidden everyday objects in a city, from the hugely successful podcast 99% Invisible

  • Save 18%
    - The Story of the Iconic Fashion House
    by Karen Homer
    £11.49

    Introducing 'Little Book of Louis Vuitton' by the renowned author Karen Homer. This captivating book, published in 2021, takes you on a journey through the world of luxury fashion. The author skillfully weaves the rich history of the iconic brand Louis Vuitton, showcasing its evolution and impact on the fashion industry. This book belongs to the genre of fashion and design, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the legacy of Louis Vuitton. Published by the reputable Welbeck Publishing Group, this book is a testament to the timeless appeal of Louis Vuitton. Don't miss out on this fascinating exploration of one of the world's most influential fashion brands.

  • Save 24%
    - An Intimate Self-Portrait
    by Carlos Fuentes
    £18.99

    Published in its entirety, Frida Kahlo's amazing illustrated journal documents the last ten years of her turbulent life.

  • Save 18%
    by Carleigh Bodrug
    £20.49

    "PlantYou laid the foundation for eating a healthy and simple whole foods, plant based diet. PlantYou Scrappy Cooking takes this one step further. As people are looking more and more to reducing meat consumption as a way to curb environmental impact, the need for easy, delicious recipes only grows. Add to that equation Carleigh Bodrug's emphasis on reducing food waste, and you have the recipe for a delicious and ridiculously easy way to make tater tots from broccoli stalks, turn banana peels into plant based bacon, and use every bit of your food for amazing meals. With sections on how to stop wasting food (and money), outfitting your kitchen, as well as "Got This? Make That!" pantry sweeps and Kitchen Raid recipes (where you can cross-reference just about any vegetable, grain or bean going bad in your fridge or pantry and find a recipe to use it in), Scrappy Cooking is a go-to for anyone who wants to eat the diet that's healthiest for you, your wallet, the animals, and the planet. Includes recipes for: The Whole Darn Squash (Pasta), Skillet Lasagna, One Pan Orzo Casserole, Vodka Penne With Broccolini, Cauliflower Wedges With Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Chickpea Pot Pie, Orange Peel Chickn', Use Up Your Cabbage Dumplings, Loaded Tortilla Bowls, Sheet Pan Tacos With Carrot Top Chimichurri, Lord of the Fries, Rebel "Ribs", Veggie Masala Burgers, Palak "Paneer", Vegan Meaty Hand Pies, We-Got-the-Beet Chips, Pickle-Mania Chips, The Knead for Flatbread, It's a (Flax) Wrap, Cornmeal Biscuits, Bang Bang Broccoli-cious Steaks...and more!"--

  • Save 14%
    by Abraham Verghese
    £9.49

    From the New York Times-bestselling author of Cutting for Stone comes a stunning and magisterial new epic of love, faith and medicine, set in Kerala, South India.

  • Save 29%
    by Julian Watson
    £28.49

    In an era of high-tech and climate extremes, we are drowning in information while starving for wisdom. Enter Lo-TEK, a design movement building on indigenous philosophy and vernacular infrastructure to generate sustainable, resilient, nature-based technology. With a foreword by anthropologist Wade Davis and spanning 18 countries from Peru and...

  • Save 27%
    by Michael Johnson
    £25.49

    Michael Johnson is one of the world¿s leading graphic designers and brand consultants. His studio, johnson banks, is responsible for the rebranding of many notable clients, including Virgin Atlantic, Think London, BFI, Christian Aid and MORE TH>N, and he has garnered a plethora of awards in the process. In Branding , Johnson strips the most famous, everyday brands down to their basic components, enabling us to understand why we select one product or service over another and allowing us to comprehend how seemingly subtle influences can affect our key life decisions. The first part of the book shows how the birth of a brand begins not with finding a solution, but rather with identifying the correct question ¿ the missing gap in the market ¿ to which an answer is needed. Johnson proceeds to unveil all the secret elements involved in creating a successful brand ¿ from the strapline that gives the brand a narrative and a purpose, to clever uses of typography that unite design and language to reinforce a fundamental message. With more than 1,000 vibrant illustrations showcasing the world¿s most successful corporate identities, as well as generic templates that enable readers to create their own brand or piece of advertising with ease, Branding is an authoritative guide through every step of the lengthy development process required to create the simplest and most immediately compelling brands.

  • Save 27%
    by Pablo Hidalgo
    £25.49

    Explore the epic Star Wars saga through incredible cross-sectionsMore than 100 magnificent artworks bring the vehicles of Star Wars to life. New cross-sections, amazing detail, and comprehensive text make this the ultimate reference to the craft of a galaxy far, far away.... SEE- Poe Dameron's X-wing in action- The terrifying power of Darth Vader's TIE Advanced x1- Obi-Wan Kenobi's fast and agile Jedi starfighterDISCOVER- The inner workings of Rey's speeder - The advanced technology of the Rebel Alliance's U-wing - The devastating weaponry of the Death StarEXPLORE - The famous corridors of the Millennium Falcon- The brutal design of the Knights of Ren's Night Buzzard - The mighty and fearsome Final Order Star Destroyer & 2020 Lucasfilm Ltd

  • Save 27%
    by Ramin Zahed
    £21.99

    Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse: The Art of the Movie is an enthralling book by Ramin Zahed. Published by Abrams & Chronicle Books in 2023, this book provides a deep dive into the artistry and creativity behind the hit movie. The genre of the book is art and film, and it is a must-read for all Spider-Man and movie art enthusiasts. Zahed, known for his insightful and detailed approach, brings the Spider-Verse to life through this book. He takes the readers on a journey across the multiverse, showcasing the unique art styles and techniques used to create different Spider-Man universes. Published in 2023, this book is a testament to the evolution of film art over the years. Abrams & Chronicle Books, renowned for their high-quality publications, have ensured that the art and insights in this book are beautifully presented, making it a perfect addition to any fan's collection.

  • Save 27%
    by Hugo Jacomet
    £21.99

    An exquisite and expansive large-scale publication documenting and celebrating the finest producers of men's sartorial style in the most elegant country in the world.

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

  • Save 10%
    by Sarah J. Maas
    £8.99

  • Save 21%
    - Find Inspiration Every Day in the Natural World
    by Lorna Scobie
    £13.49

    Nature-inspired art activities and creative prompts for every day of the year

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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