James Cook and the Exploration of the Pacific
Adrienne Kappler et. al This lovely and fascinating book is published in conjunction with an exhibition organised by the Bonn Kunstalle. It is a rare gathering of items collected during the Cook voyages from diverse collections, and consequently some extraordinary pieces are illustrated – makes you want to see the exhibition.

The Tres Riches Heures, Duke of Berry
Jean Longon et al.
In this edition, the famous medieval illuminated manuscript is presented as a facsimile reproduction, with explanations and translations.

Byzantium: 330 to 1453
Robin Cormack
Highlighting over 300 works from the collections of the holy monasteries of Sinai and Mount Athos, the Treasury of Saint Mark’s in Venice, and museums and institutions across the globe, this landmark publication – which accompanies a spectacular exhibition – explores the artistic identity of this turbulent empire and its influence on European and Islamic traditions.

Elizabethan Architecture
Mark Girouard
A new title from Yale about an intriguing period, the book covers many aspects such as social structure, the influences of both foreign craftsmen and local history, and the intellectual life of the times.

George Barbier: The Birth of Art Deco
Barbara Martorelli (ed.)
An exhibition catalogue from the Musei Civici Veneziani, of the gorgeous illustrations of George Barbier – whose style has probably been hugely influential on much contemporary fashion and possibly interior decorating styles (when you can get away from French provincial, almost the antithesis of the fanciful, decadent, stylish and wondrous world created by Barbier).

Art Deco Complete
Alistair Duncan
Doesn’t include architecture, but even if you’re not a fan of art deco, a stunning book, with an illustration of the most amazing glass tea service you could imagine – vorticism meets elegance.

Painting Abstraction: New Elements in Abstract Painting
Bob Nickas
Moving onto the contemporary, this title illustrates the fascinating diversity of abstract painting today – highly recommended for anyone interested in contemporary painting.

Fashionista: A Century Of Style Icons
Simone Werle
Subtitled ‘a century of Style icons’ – for once a book with claims to style really delivers the goods.

My Favourite Dress
Gity Monsef et. al
This is a quality must-have for the person who loves high end fashion and individual style. Famous and influential arbiters of taste present their favourite frock – very nice. And ten per cent of sales goes to Save the Children, a UK charity that intervenes on behalf of children in emergencies, worldwide.

Hue
Kelly Wearstler
An elegant book about the glamorously maximalist interior designer, Kelly Wearstler. Interiors that are both very contemporary and reminiscent of Hollywood 20s and 30s grand style.

The Sea: An Anthology of Maritime Photography Since 1843
Pierre Bohan
From shipyards to lonely contemplation, this book contains a beautiful and diverse meditation on all things nautical – fisherman, fish, boats, storms, coastlines, industry and photographic exploration of the aesthetic.