Not sure what to get your bibliophile friend or relative for the holidays? How about a beautiful book? The coffee table tomes listed below are designed to be savored and look best in traditional paper. The sheer size and details of the illustrations are too much for most tablets or e-readers. If you want to test drive one of these before purchasing I suggest you check out our big books table in New Nonfiction area on the first floor of the library. You can see the table from one of our windows facing Witherspoon Street.
We have recently acquired many books covering art, architecture, history and cooking. Here is an idiosyncratic list of ten of my favorite new titles:
“A History of the World in Twelve Maps”
A survey of maps from Ancient Greece to Google Earth.
A survey of twelve maps from ancient Greece to Google Earth examines how they have influenced how the world is seen, revealing how historical geographical depictions were subject to deliberate manipulations to promote a range of special interests. – See more at: http://princetonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1335942057_a_history_of_the_world_in_12_maps#sthash.dPWES4fj.dpuf
A survey of twelve maps from ancient Greece to Google Earth examines how they have influenced how the world is seen, revealing how historical geographical depictions were subject to deliberate manipulations to promote a range of special interests. – See more at: http://princetonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1335942057_a_history_of_the_world_in_12_maps#sthash.dPWES4fj.dpuf
“The Art of French Pastry“
Pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer shows you how to create masterpieces with dough.
award-winning pastry chef Jacquy Pfeiffer, cofounder of the renowned French Pastry School in Chicago – See more at: http://princetonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/item/show/1338029057_the_art_of_french_pastry#sthash.DlAx2d5D.dpuf
“The Vatican: All the Paintings: The Complete Collection of Old Masters, Plus More Than 300 Sculptures, Maps, Tapestries, and Other Artifacts”
Not some, not most…ALL the paintings! (with companion DVD)
“Classico E Moderno: Essential Italian Cooking“
Chef Michael White shares nearly 250 recipes covering all the regions and cuisines of Italy.
“Earth from Space“
Magnificent and colorful satellite images give us new perspectives on our beautiful and fragile planet.
“The New York Times Complete World War II, 1939-1945: The Coverage from the Battlefields to the Home Front“
For the WWII buff: complete coverage of the war from the New York Times. It also includes a DVD with nearly 100,000 articles.
“Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home“
A definitive guide for creating simple and beatiful interiors.
“Skyscrapers: A History of the World’s Most Extraordinary Buildings — Revised and Updated“
At 18 inches tall this is one skyscraper of a book. This updated edition covers 10 new building in addition to many classic building around the world.
“100 Works of Art That Will Define Our Age“
100 paintings, sculptures, drawings, installations, performances, and video pieces that may (or may not) define this age. The book covers works from 1989 to the present and is sure to inspire debate.
“Vanity Fair 100 Years: From the Jazz Age to Our Age“
A beautifully illustrated history of a full century of American culture.
Happy holidays and happy reading!