There are a series of books in-store that beckon at me from across the other side of the shop. They are big, beautiful and I just want to hold and have them. Georgia O'Keeffe: An American Perspective, Birds by Katrina Cook, Klimt by Rachel Barnes and New Worlds: Maps from the Age of Discovery* are just some of the titles published in majestic size - each book is 44cms tall. The reproductions are glorious and most of the titles focus on some aspect of art. So, Cook's Birds*, has paintings, sketches and plates, accompanied by extensive captions that interweave an appreciation of the illustration and artist with fascinating details about the species and its habitat. The Georgia O'Keeffe book is just page after stunning page of her work, reproduced in a size that detail can be appreciated. The maps, in New Worlds: Maps from the Age of Discovery are extraordinary, with glorious detail and precision.

These books make great presents (and for what they are, come very reasonably priced) but spend some time leaving through them and you will be like me, wanting them all for yourself.