best coffee table books of all time
Best Coffee Table Books of All Time
Enjoying a cup of coffee with a nice book is one of the most relaxing things to do. There are many books and magazines that can be read in such situations, some of which are mentioned in this write-up.
David R. Brower's idea about the coffee table book.
"A page size big enough to carry a given image's dynamic. The eye must be required to move about within the boundaries of the image, not encompass it all in one glance."
Coffee table books are non-fictional works by famous artists, who showcase their work mostly in the form of pictures and photographs. You will find some of the most rare and unseen photographs in these books. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the pictures in these books speak for themselves.
From famous celebrities to wildlife photography, and from historic events to travel photography, these books have it all. I have mentioned some of the best books from my collection of coffee table books. Hope you enjoy reading them.
Psst... the books are listed in no particular order.
PostSecret: Extraordinary Confessions from Ordinary Lives by Frank Warren
Published By: HC
Published On: November 29, 2005
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0060899190 (ISBN13: 9780060899196)
Rating: 3/ 5 stars
Review:
The PostSecret venture started as an idea by the writer, where he asked complete strangers to write down their unshared secrets in a postcard, and anonymously and mail them to him. The book comprises a collection of these postcards, which contain powerful emotions in the form of secrets that are revealed. This one will surely touch your emotional chords.
National Geographic: The Photographs by Leah Bendavid-Val
Published By: National Geographic Society
Published On: October 01, 1994
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0870449869 (ISBN13: 9780870449864)
Rating: 4/ 5 stars
Review:
This book is a collection of National Geographic's most beautiful photographs over the past 25 years, along with facts related to the photos, and information regarding the people who took the photographs. In the introductory chapter, the evolution of photographic principles that have helped National Geographic stay at the forefront, have been explained.
Maharajas: Resonance from the Past by Charles Allen
Published By: Mercury Books
Published On: March 01, 2005
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1904668674 (ISBN13: 9781904668671)
Rating: 4/ 5 stars
Review:
This book is a tale of the rulers of the 565 Princely States of India, told through photographs of museums and unseen snaps from the personal collection of royal descendants. Their (rulers) origin, armors, and jewelry collection pictures, wonderfully built forts and palaces, all are showcased through almost 200 photographs in this book.
Vanity Fair: The Portraits - A Century of Iconic Images by Edward Graydon Carter, David Friend, Christopher Hitchens (Introduction)
Published By: Abrams Books
Published On: September 01, 2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0810972980 (ISBN13: 9780810972988)
Rating: 3/ 5 stars
Review:
This Vanity Fair product has a collection of about 300 iconic portraits from Vanity Fair's 95-year history. All the celebrated photographers have contributed to this book with their amazing pictures. From Pablo Picasso, Cary Grant, to writers, stars, style icons, legends from the past, and current celebs, all have been captured in this beautiful portrait collection.
Vintage Cocktails by Brian Van Flandern (Photography)
Published By: Assouline Publishing
Published On: September 22, 2009
Language: English
ISBN-10: 2759404137 (ISBN13: 9782759404131)
Rating: 2/ 5 stars
Review:
The pictures of some of the most famous cocktails, incorporated in Vintage Cocktails, have been taken at the famous Carlyle Hotel. French 75, White Russian, Singapore Sling, Gin Fizz, etc., have all the ingredients in the right quantity to make them the perfect cocktail. The book takes you through the recipes of these classy cocktails, in handwritten style. A perfect book for every home bartender.
Great, Grand & Famous Hotels by Fritz Gubler, Raewyn Glynn (Editor)
Published By: Great Grand Famous Pty Ltd
Published On: 2008
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0980466709 (ISBN13: 9780980466706)
Rating: 4/ 5 stars
Review:
If you love staying at luxury hotels or are keen to know about them, then Great, Grand & Famous Hotels is for you. It has information about some of the most famous hotels in history, along with photographs of their ballrooms, lobbies, bars, etc. Alongside legendary hotels like The Ritz, Paris, Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur, Raffles, Singapore, etc., modern masterpieces like The Burj al Arab, Icehotel, etc., have also been covered.
Ultimate Food Journeys by Julie Oughton, Sarah Tomley, Marek Walisiewicz
Published By: DK Publishing
Published On: September 19, 2011
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0756686008 (ISBN13: 9780756686000)
Rating: 3/ 5 stars
Review:
Foodies are always interested to know about famous foods and the different places where you get them. Ultimate Food Journeys is a complete 'where to eat what' guide. The book explores the origins and the best places to have some of the most famous dishes around. With images of these dishes, along with the ingredients that go into them, this book will surely make your mouth water.
Norman Rockwell 332 Magazine Covers by Christopher Finch
Published By: Abbeville Press
Published On: July 02, 2013
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0789211440 (ISBN13: 9780789211446)
Rating: 5/ 5 stars
Review:
Norman Rockwell created a sensation with his cover illustrations for the Saturday Evening Post that were painted between 1916 and 1963. This book is a tribute to the great man, by Christopher Finch, whose book contains reproduced editions of all the illustrated covers in full color with commentaries by Finch.
Mario Testino. in Your Face by Mario Testino (Photographs)
Published By: Taschen
Published On: November 01, 2012
Language: English
ISBN-10: 3836542803 (ISBN13: 9783836542807)
Rating: 5/ 5 stars
Review:
Mario Testino has consolidated some of his best works from his career spanning over 30 years, ranging from fashion, sexually charged images, to autobiographical photos in Mario Testino. in Your Face. The book contains shots of some of the most inaccessible subjects in the most fantastic manner. The book is full of color, and the photograph collection will make you fall in love with it.
Building Stories by Chris Ware
Published By: Pantheon
Published On: October 02, 2012
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0375424334 (ISBN13: 9780375424335)
Rating: 5/ 5 stars
Review:
Building Stories, a graphical novel collection, has a pictographic listing of 14 items, including pamphlets, newspaper foldouts, cardboard game boards, and bound books. So, it is you who will build the story by making use of all these pieces, and following the guidelines on how to read this novel. You can randomly pick any piece and start building the story from it. This keepsake box will be a unique addition to your collection of coffee table books.