Books by Gestalten

Wanderlust USA – Compact Edition, The Great American Hike
Authors: gestalten & Cam Honan

Wanderlust USA – Compact Edition is an inspiring coffee table book for anyone who wants to discover the grandeur of American nature on foot. This compact edition brings together the most beautiful and iconic hiking trails in the United States in a stylish and accessible format, ideal for home, on the go, or as a gift for outdoor enthusiasts.

From world-famous national parks to lesser-known, rugged trails: this photo book takes you along the most impressive hikes America has to offer. Together with adventurer and long-distance hiker Cam Honan, you will explore 30 carefully selected hiking routes, ranging from relaxed day trips to challenging multi-day treks. Think of the imposing depths of the Grand Canyon, the vast wilderness of Yosemite, and the rugged, snowy landscapes of Alaska's Denali National Park.

In addition to these main routes, the book contains an extra selection of 20 bonus hikes spread across the US. Clear maps, practical hiking tips, and captivating stories are combined with breathtaking nature photography. Wanderlust USA shows how diverse the American landscape is and invites you to experience the freedom, silence, and power of nature for yourself.

What to expect

• 30 legendary hiking routes across the United States
• Extra chapter with 20 additional hikes
• Practical tips on preparation, safety, and equipment
• Detailed maps and background information
• Impressive photography of national parks and wilderness
• Suitable for both beginner hikers and experienced trekkers

About the Authors

gestalten is a leading international publishing house from Berlin, known for its high-quality coffee table books on travel, nature, design, and contemporary culture. gestalten's books are known for their strong visual style and depth of content.

Cam Honan is a globally recognized hiker, writer, and photographer. He has walked over 96,500 kilometers in 61 countries on six continents and was described by Backpacker Magazine as one of the world's most traveled hikers. Through his platform The Hiking Life and his books, he shares practical knowledge, personal experiences, and a deep respect for nature and adventure.

The Nature of Swimming – Updated Edition
Unique Bathing Locations and Swimming Experiences
Author: gestalten

The Nature of Swimming – Updated Edition is an inspiring coffee table book celebrating an ancient human tradition: swimming and bathing in nature. For generations, people have been drawn to water – from vast oceans and serene lakes to babbling rivers and icy mountain streams. This beautifully designed photo book impressively captures that deep connection with the natural element of water.

This updated edition presents more than 70 unique outdoor swimming spots worldwide. Think of crystal-clear mountain lakes, rugged coastlines, natural hot springs, and carefully designed swimming locations that blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Some places are entirely formed by nature, others are created by humans with respect for the landscape – all share the same essence: the tranquility, freedom, and sensory experience of open-air swimming.

With breathtaking photography and narrative context, The Nature of Swimming shows how outdoor swimming not only offers relaxation but also a way to reconnect with nature. This book is a source of inspiration for wild swimmers, nature lovers, travelers, and anyone drawn to water, wellness, and slow living.

What to expect

• More than 70 unique swimming and bathing locations worldwide
• Wild swimming in seas, lakes, rivers, and remote landscapes
• A mix of natural bathing spots and architecturally designed locations
• High-quality photography with a focus on tranquility, space, and experience
• An ode to the timeless relationship between humans and water

About the author

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher, founded in 1995 in Berlin. The publisher is known for its high-quality coffee table books in the fields of design, architecture, travel, nature, lifestyle, and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with leading creative professionals and translates trends and timeless themes into inspiring, visually strong publications. Worldwide, gestalten is appreciated for its attention to detail, aesthetics, and content quality.

Thainess – Thai Creativity Today
Authors: gestalten & Paul Rojanathara

Thainess – Thai Creativity Today is an inspiring coffee table book that offers a sharp and contemporary perspective on the creative energy shaping Thailand today. The book showcases how a new generation of artists, designers, chefs, and cultural innovators are bringing together tradition and innovation, positioning Thailand as an international creative force.

Through 40 carefully curated portraits, Thainess provides an in-depth look at the country's cultural avant-garde. From fashion and design to gastronomy and visual arts: each profile demonstrates how Thai creatives reinterpret their heritage and deploy it as modern 'soft power' with global impact. Rich photography, portraits, and contextual images bring the projects and personalities to life.

With an introductory essay and foreword, the photo book places this creative movement in a broader cultural and international context. Thainess is thus not only a visually impressive coffee table book but also a substantively strong guide for anyone interested in contemporary Asian culture, creative entrepreneurship, and global trends.

What to expect

• 40 profiles of influential and emerging Thai creatives
• Insight into the role of culture and creativity as modern 'soft power'
• High-quality photography with project images, portraits, and atmospheric impressions
• An accessible, internationally oriented approach to contemporary Thailand
• Inspiration for lovers of design, art, culture, and innovation

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for its high-quality coffee table books on design, architecture, art, travel, and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with influential makers and thinkers worldwide, translating cultural trends into books with a strong visual and substantive signature.

Paul Rojanathara is a cultural strategist and creative director, specializing in soft power, emerging trends, and storytelling. He gained international recognition with the documentary Influencers, and his work and insights have appeared in publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, and HuffPost. With Thainess, he offers a sharp and current perspective on Thailand's creative renaissance.

Warpaint – Male Makeup and Identity Through Time
Authors: gestalten & Joshua Sims

Warpaint – Male Makeup and Identity Through Time is a stimulating and visually powerful coffee table book that reveals the often-underexposed history of male makeup and self-adornment. From ancient rituals and war paint to glam rock, punk, pop icons and contemporary street culture: this book shows how men throughout time used makeup to express identity, power, rebellion and belonging.

Through rich visual selections and sharp cultural analyses, Warpaint explores the male face and body as a canvas for transformation. Makeup proves to be not only an aesthetic choice but also a social, political and psychological statement. At a time when masculinity is being redefined and the market for men's grooming and cosmetics is growing strongly, this photo book offers a timely and in-depth reflection on appearance as both conformity and rebellion.

With historical objects, archive images and contemporary photography, Warpaint connects past and present. The result is an inspiring coffee table book for lovers of fashion, culture, identity, subcultures and social history.

What to expect

• A cultural history of male makeup, from ritual body paint to modern street style
• Images of historical artifacts, archives, and contemporary male makeup and body art
• Insightful essays on power, identity, masculinity, and expression
• A unique perspective on beauty, self-image, and cultural codes

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The brand is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, fashion, architecture, art and visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with leading creative thinkers and makers, translating cultural developments into books with a strong visual and substantive impact.

Joshua Sims is a journalist and author specializing in style, design, and subcultures. In his work, he explores the relationship between fashion, identity, and social norms, with a particular focus on masculinity and the social significance of clothing and appearance. He has written extensively on menswear and the evolution of male self-expression and is considered a perceptive commentator on contemporary culture.

Flex Appeal – The Changing Face of ’70s Skateboard Culture
Authors: gestalten & Stefan Ytterborn

Flex Appeal – The Changing Face of ’70s Skateboard Culture is a visually rich coffee table book that captures the explosive rise of skateboard culture in California in the late 1970s. During this period, skateboarding evolved from a niche activity into a powerful subculture, driven by technical innovation, a distinctive design language, and a new youthful identity.

Central to the book is Fibreflex, one of the most influential skateboard brands of that era. Through Stefan Ytterborn's unique collection of skateboards from the years 1975–1979, a time capsule of a pivotal moment in skate history unfolds. Iconic decks, trucks, and wheels are combined with vintage advertisements, photography, and graphic design that bring the visual code of the era to life.

With contributions from photographer Jörgen Brennicke and creative input from David Gonzalez, Flex Appeal shows how skateboarding not only changed performance and technique but also permanently influenced fashion, design, and youth culture — long before the sport became mainstream. This photo book is a must-have for skateboard enthusiasts, collectors, design fans, and anyone interested in subcultures and visual history.

What to expect

• A carefully curated archive of original Fibreflex skateboards and components from 1975–1979
• Rare vintage advertisements, photography, and graphic ephemera from the early days of skateboard culture
• Essays on the influence of Californian skate culture on design, performance, and youth identity
• An authentic and nostalgic portrait of a creative, rebellious, and groundbreaking period

About the authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publishing house from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, architecture, fashion, art, and contemporary culture. Gestalten documents visual trends and cultural movements with a strong focus on quality, content, and aesthetics.

Stefan Ytterborn is a visionary entrepreneur and founder of innovative brands such as POC and CAKE. He is known for his ability to connect technology, performance, and lifestyle. With Flex Appeal, he shares his personal passion for skateboard culture and demonstrates how products, design, and stories together form identity and community.

Off Course – The New Cool in Golf
Authors: gestalten & Paul Rojanathara

Off Course – The New Cool in Golf shows how golf is undergoing a radical cultural transformation. What was once dominated by strict etiquette, hierarchy, and dress codes is now evolving into an open and creative lifestyle where fashion, music, design, and self-expression are central. Golf is no longer just a sport, but a cultural platform.

This contemporary coffee table book brings together the new faces of golf: players, designers, streetwear brands, and collectives that are reshaping the game. Sneakers replace classic golf shoes, streetwear conquers the fairway, and influences from skate, art, and online culture give the game a completely new energy.

This photo book is structured like an 18-hole round and combines essays, portraits, and powerful images into a cultural handbook of modern golf. Off Course shows how tradition and innovation come together and how golf evolves from an exclusive country club to a global cultural statement. An inspiring book for golfers, creatives, fashion fans, and lovers of contemporary culture.

What to expect

• Portraits of players, designers, and creative collectives renewing the identity of golf
• Stories about streetwear, underground scenes, and alternative golf culture worldwide
• Strong photography and essays that show how golf is changing from a sport to a lifestyle and cultural code
• A fresh look at golf as a platform for self-expression, community, and creativity

About the authors

gestalten is a leading international publisher from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, fashion, architecture, art, and contemporary culture. Gestalten documents creative movements and cultural shifts with a strong focus on visual quality and in-depth content.

Paul Rojanathara is an author and cultural strategist, specializing in identifying emerging trends and cultural movements. For over twenty years, he has collaborated with international brands and institutions at the intersection of art, design, and pop culture. His work focuses on how cultural change enables new forms of identity, community, and creativity.

This Is Where We Live – Illustrated Stories of Place and Space
Authors: gestalten & Antonis Antoniou

This Is Where We Live – Illustrated Stories of Place and Space is a visually impressive coffee table book that shows how illustration reshapes our perception of space, architecture, and living environments. In over 200 illustrations, contemporary illustrators explore how places are not only built, but also felt, narrated, and imagined.

From floor plans transforming into fictional worlds to cities depicted as dreamscapes, this book demonstrates how cross-sections, axonometric drawings, maps, and playful diagrams serve as powerful storytelling tools. Illustration is used here to question, interpret, and redefine space—sometimes realistically, sometimes poetically or conceptually.

At the intersection of illustration, architecture, and design culture, This Is Where We Live functions as both a visual atlas and a manifesto. This photobook invites readers to look differently at the spaces in which we live, work, and move, and shows how drawing can help develop new perspectives on place, rhythm, and daily life. An inspiring book for illustrators, architects, designers, and lovers of visual culture.

What to expect

• More than 200 illustrations that approach space as a source of imagination, exploration, and cultural meaning
• Visual stories by leading and emerging illustrators with diverse drawing styles
• Essays on the cultural, political, and conceptual role of spatial imagination
• A unique combination of illustration, architecture, and narrative design

About the Authors

gestalten is an internationally renowned publishing house from Berlin, founded in 1995. The publisher is known for high-quality coffee table books on design, architecture, illustration, fashion, and contemporary visual culture. Gestalten collaborates with leading creative professionals and documents trends and ideas that influence the way we live and design.

Antonis Antoniou is a designer, curator, and author specializing in visual storytelling and spatial representation. He gained international recognition with influential publications such as A Map of the World and Mind the Map, in which he explores how illustration can make complex spaces, systems, and ideas insightful and imaginative. His work is at the crossroads of art, design, and architecture.

The Picture Book Book
Authors: Seymour Chwast & Steven Heller

The Picture Book Book is a colorful and inspiring coffee table book that offers a unique overview of the groundbreaking work of Seymour Chwast, one of the most influential graphic designers and illustrators of the 20th and 21st centuries. This richly illustrated photo book compiles more than 40 of his iconic picture books, demonstrating how graphic design and storytelling playfully and intelligently come together.

Editor Steven Heller contextualizes Chwast's work, showing how his bold typography, strong graphic forms, and subtle humor have pushed the boundaries between children's books, art, and design. Chwast's picture books are not only intended for children but also appeal to adults through their layered meaning, visual sharpness, and cultural relevance.

The Picture Book Book is both a visual reference and a collector's item. The book bridges the gap between high-quality design and accessible visual culture, making it a must-have for lovers of graphic design, illustration, picture books, and visual culture. Perfect as a coffee table book, source of inspiration, or gift for creatives.

What to expect

• A carefully curated selection of over 40 picture books by Seymour Chwast
• Essays and interpretations by Steven Heller on Chwast's influence on design and illustration
• A luxuriously designed collector's item at the intersection of art, literature, and graphic design
• Inspiration for designers, illustrators, educators, and lovers of visual storytelling

About the authors

Seymour Chwast (°1931) is a co-founder of the legendary Push Pin Studios and is considered a pioneer of modern graphic design. His work has permanently changed the visual language of illustration, typography, and picture books. Chwast's work is included in collections of institutions such as MoMA and the Louvre. In 2023, he received the prestigious Cooper Hewitt Design Visionary Award. To this day, he remains an influential voice within the international design world.

Steven Heller is a design historian, writer, and former art director of The New York Times. He is the (co-)author and editor of more than 200 books on design, illustration, and visual culture. He is also a co-founder of the MFA Designer as Entrepreneur program at the School of Visual Arts in New York. Heller has received awards including the Smithsonian National Design Award (Design Mind) and the AIGA Medal for his lifetime contribution to the field.

Herrlich Hosting. Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime
Authors: gestalten & Hannah Kleeberg

Herrlich Hosting. Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime is a contemporary coffee table book about hospitality, food, and togetherness, where atmosphere and feeling are more important than etiquette and perfection. In her debut book, Berlin-based food creative Hannah Kleeberg shows how hosting can evolve into a form of self-expression—playful, stylish, and personal.

This photo book is not about fine dining, but about fun dining: meals as moments, recipes as memories, and tables as creative stages. With a fresh, idiosyncratic perspective, Kleeberg combines food, styling, and rituals into a new language of communal eating, where spontaneity and pleasure are central. Butter becomes sculpture, table settings become scenography, and every gathering takes on its own character.

Herrlich Hosting invites you to let go and experiment. The richly illustrated chapters showcase imaginative settings, seasonal recipes, and accessible ideas that can be applied in any home and at any time. This makes the book not only an inspiring coffee table book but also a practical guide for anyone who loves to bring people together in a personal and creative way.

Perfect for lovers of food, interior design, styling, design, and modern hospitality.

What to expect

• A visually inspiring journey through creative dining tables and intimate settings
• Hosting ideas focused on atmosphere, ritual, and feeling rather than perfection
• Simple, seasonal recipes for spontaneous dinners and informal gatherings
• A fresh perspective on table decoration, food, and togetherness as a lifestyle

About the Author

Hannah Kleeberg is a Berlin-based food creative and founder of Herrlich Dining, a culinary studio that approaches food as an art form. Her work is known for the playful, stylish, and accessible way she combines food, fashion, and design. With her distinctive aesthetic and creative concepts, she works for international brands, events, and a large online community of over 250,000 followers. In 2024, she opened Studio Herrlich in Berlin, a creative meeting place where even artists like Dua Lipa come to enjoy her iconic potato salad. With Herrlich Hosting, Kleeberg confirms her position as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary food and lifestyle culture.

God is a Pickle, Recipes and Stories for Preserving the Seasons
Authors: gestalten, Šárka Otevřel Camrdová & Marek Bartoš

God is a Pickle takes you from the kitchens of the Czech Republic to global tables, showing how preserving is more than just cooking—it's a ritual of memory, resilience, and identity. This inspiring coffee table book combines over 100 recipes for pickled vegetables, jams, chutneys, and seasonal dishes that utilize these delicacies.

This photo book explores the Czech tradition of pickling, where pickles take on an almost religious character, and shows how local customs reflect universal values of seasonal eating, sustainability, and ritual. With beautiful photography, stories, and historical context, God is a Pickle becomes a source of inspiration for both everyday cooking and for anyone interested in culinary culture and heritage.

God is a Pickle is a perfect combination of practical recipes and a cultural exploration of how simple, timeless cooking techniques shape our identity and memories.

What to expect

• Over 100 recipes for pickles, jams, chutneys and seasonal dishes
• Engaging stories and photography that show how Czech traditions express identity and resilience
• Inspiration for anyone interested in seasonal cooking, preserving and culinary culture

About the authors

Šárka Otevřel Camrdová is a Prague-born food writer and editor, based in New York. With over ten years of experience at publications such as Elle and Herbarium, she explores the intersection of food and culture and translates culinary traditions for an international audience.
Marek Bartoš is a Prague-based photographer and founder of Snack & Friends. He collaborates with chefs and publishers to visually tell food stories, bringing every dish and tradition to life through images.

Naarmate de grenzen tussen technologie, werk en ontspanning steeds meer vervagen, voelen we ons van nature aangetrokken tot de eenvoud en rust van de natuur als tegenwicht voor de dagelijkse hectiek. Maar wat als die rust ook onderdeel zou kunnen zijn van onze dagelijkse balans tussen werk en privé?

The House of Green is een collectie van de meest indrukwekkende architectuur- en interieurprojecten waarin natuur een integraal onderdeel vormt van het ontwerp. Het boek verkent de voordelen van groen in woningen, werkplekken en andere leefomgevingen. Van designliefhebbers die hun woning willen vernieuwen tot moderne professionals die op zoek zijn naar duurzame oplossingen: The House of Green laat zien hoe harmonie en evenwicht gerealiseerd kunnen worden in een steeds drukker wordende wereld.

Out of the Woods, Architecture and Interiors Built from Wood
Auteur: gestalten

Out of the Woods is een prachtig koffietafelboek over moderne architectuur en interieurdesign waarin hout centraal staat als duurzaam, warm en tijdloos bouwmateriaal. Dit inspirerende designboek laat zien hoe architecten wereldwijd hout opnieuw ontdekken als hét materiaal van de toekomst – van minimalistische stadswoningen en luxe chalets tot indrukwekkende houten hoogbouw en moderne vakantiehuizen.

Al duizenden jaren bouwen mensen met hout, maar juist vandaag beleeft het materiaal een ware renaissance. Dankzij innovatieve technieken en moderne toepassingen vormt hout een duurzaam alternatief voor beton en staal. In Out of the Woods ontdek je hoe hedendaagse architectuur warmte, tactiliteit en natuurlijke schoonheid combineert met vooruitstrevend design en ecologisch bewustzijn.

Het boek neemt je mee langs spectaculaire woningen in uiteenlopende landschappen: van Alpenhuizen en Scandinavische retreats tot tropische villa’s en moderne appartementen met plywood interieurs. Met indrukwekkende fotografie, inspirerende ontwerpen en inzichten van toonaangevende architecten biedt dit boek een unieke blik op de wereld van duurzame woonarchitectuur.

Een stijlvol koffietafelboek voor liefhebbers van architectuur, interieurdesign, duurzaam wonen en modern bouwen met natuurlijke materialen.

Wat je kunt verwachten

• Inspirerende voorbeelden van moderne houten architectuur en interieurs
• Luxe woningen, chalets, appartementen en houten hoogbouwprojecten wereldwijd
• Prachtige fotografie van duurzame woonprojecten en natuurlijke materialen
• Inzichten van architecten over innovatie, duurzaamheid en houtbouw
• Een must-have designboek voor liefhebbers van architectuur en interieur

Over de auteur

gestalten is een internationaal gerenommeerde uitgever uit Berlijn, gespecialiseerd in boeken over architectuur, design, lifestyle en visuele cultuur. De uitgever staat bekend om hoogwaardige koffietafelboeken die inspireren met vernieuwende ideeën, sterke fotografie en eigentijdse vormgeving. Met Out of the Woods brengt gestalten een ode aan de schoonheid, veelzijdigheid en toekomst van bouwen met hout.

Onsen and Ryokan of Japan, Traditional Spas and Natural Bathing Culture
Authors: gestalten & Lia van Ryokanwanderings

Immerse yourself in the world of Japanese onsen and ryokan: places where tranquility, ritual, and timeless beauty converge.
• An atmospheric journey through the world of Japanese wellness, hospitality, and traditional design
• Ideal for lovers of Japan, architecture, slow living, and sensory experiences
• Featuring stunning photography and personal stories

The photo book Onsen and Ryokan of Japan offers an intimate look at the rich bathing culture and refined aesthetics of Japanese hot springs (onsen) and traditional inns (ryokan). These special places are deeply rooted in age-old rituals, where hospitality, simplicity, and nature are central.

Through carefully selected locations and atmospheric photography, this coffee table book takes you into the serene world of Japanese wellness and hospitality. It shows how these unique accommodations manage to find a balance between tradition and modernity, between inner peace and refined design. A book to dream away with and to inspire you to a more conscious way of traveling and living.

What you can expect:

• A deep dive into Japanese onsen and ryokan culture, including rituals, customs, and philosophy
• A visual exploration of the unique architecture and natural integration of these sacred places of relaxation
• Inspiring stories and stunning images that reveal the soul of Japanese hospitality and craftsmanship

About the author:

Lia van Ryokanwanderings lives and works in Tokyo, where she dedicates herself entirely to documenting Japanese ryokan and onsen. As a writer, designer, and founder of a boutique fashion brand that reinterprets vintage kimonos into contemporary garments, Lia knows like no other how to capture the essence of Japanese tradition, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Her love for tranquility, ritual, and Japanese culture beautifully converges in this book.