Books on Art and Culture

The Life and Career of Marilyn Monroe in Pictures

• An ode to Marilyn Monroe's multifaceted personality through the lens of Eve Arnold
• With over 100 photographs, in color and black and white, including newly discovered and restored images
• Including a new introduction by Michael Arnold, Eve Arnold's grandson and one of the custodians of the Arnold archive, and a foreword by Anjelica Huston

In the early 1950s, Marilyn Monroe met the famous photographer Eve Arnold at a party. Monroe, impressed by Arnold's work with Marlene Dietrich, said, "If you can do that well with Marlene, imagine what you could do with me?" This marked the beginning of a unique collaboration in which Arnold succeeded in capturing Monroe's multifaceted personality, resulting in the 1987 book "Marilyn Monroe: An Appreciation". The coffee table book Marilyn Monroe, By Eve Arnold is a revised and redesigned photo book of this original 1987 edition.

This photo book photographically delves extensively into Monroe's life, showcasing newly discovered and restored photographs, both in color and in black and white. Eve Arnold's profound biography of Monroe, told in her own words, gives us a rare insight into the stories behind the photos and her unique relationship with Monroe. This beautiful photo book is not only a visual tribute but also a historical document that shows how two female artists held their own and achieved success in a male-dominated world.

About the author:
Eve Arnold, an American photojournalist who traveled the world to capture diverse subjects, from celebrities to the daily lives of ordinary people, was uniquely skilled at revealing hidden worlds. Her work included the civil rights and Black Power movements, Arab women in harems and hammams, and the struggles of the underprivileged. Her career began in 1946 at Kodak in New Jersey, after which she became the first woman to join Magnum Photos. Her photographs of Marilyn Monroe on the set of The Misfits (1961) are among her most memorable works and showcase the curiosity that characterized her career.

Marilyn Monroe Style, By Eve Arnold is an essential book for every fashion and photography enthusiast, offering a profound insight into the timeless allure of one of Hollywood's greatest icons.

The Ultimate Coffee Table Book of the Work of World-Renowned Photographer Terry O'Neill

Discover the iconic, candid, and unfiltered moments of the greatest celebrities and notorious figures, captured by the legendary photographer Terry O'Neill. Known for his unparalleled ability to capture the true character of his subjects, Terry O'Neill documented the world of fame and celebrity for over 50 years.

Keith Richards once said, "Terry was all over the '60s – he knew everybody and everything that mattered." And Sir Michael Caine added, "Terry O'Neill is quite rightly among the best photographers in the world. He knows how to capture something special."

This magnificent photo collection, compiled from over six decades of work, offers an in-depth look at O'Neill's impressive career. From backstage reports with icons like Frank Sinatra and David Bowie to intimate portraits of statesmen such as Winston Churchill and Nelson Mandela. O'Neill's oeuvre encompasses everything from early photos of emerging bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones to portraits of majesties like Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.

For the first time, an extensive archive has been compiled, sifting through more than 2 million negatives to reveal unseen images documenting O'Neill's 53-year career. His use of 35mm cameras on film sets and pop shows in the 1960s transformed formal portrait photography, creating a new visual art form.

Terry O'Neill's work includes countless magazine covers, album sleeves, film posters, and fashion editorials featuring over 1,000 stars. His legacy is one of the most compelling and epic catalogs of the celebrity era. He has worked for the world's most prestigious magazines, and his contribution to the art and science of photography has been honored with the rare Centenary Medal from the Royal Society of Arts.

This photo book is a must-have collection that will grace any coffee table and pay homage to the most iconic moments of our time.

Fabulous Faces of Classic Hollywood – A Coffee Table Book of Iconic Hollywood Portraits

This breathtaking coffee table book, Fabulous Faces of Classic Hollywood, presents over 200 rarely seen portraits from the golden age of cinema, spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s. Selected from the renowned archives of the John Kobal Foundation, this book showcases Hollywood's biggest film stars at their peak.

From legends like Joan Crawford, Marlene Dietrich, Cary Grant, and Marilyn Monroe to lesser-known stars such as Anna May Wong and Ramon Novarro – these magnificent black-and-white portraits bring to life the glamour and timeless beauty of Hollywood's most iconic faces. A must-have for film enthusiasts, collectors, and anyone passionate about vintage photography.

Featuring an essay by bestselling author Robert Dance, this coffee table book reveals what it truly means to become an international icon in the world of film. Fabulous Faces of Classic Hollywood is a perfect gift for lovers of classic films and photography, and a showpiece for any coffee table.

There are stories that are more than just stories – they are living memories, breathing legacies. Such is 'Het Ramses Shaffy Archief' (The Ramses Shaffy Archive), a collector's edition that is more than a book: it is a time capsule, a tribute to one of the Netherlands' most iconic artists.

Fifteen years after his passing, Ramses Shaffy is brought back to life – not as a polished memory, but in all his complexity. A man of contradictions: brilliant and vulnerable, captivating and broken. A free spirit who enchanted the Netherlands with his music and presence.

The creators of this archive spared no effort. With the support of the Ramses Shaffy Foundation, Allard Pierson, family, and friends, they have created a magnificent collection. A collection that reveals all facets of Shaffy's life: handwritten letters, lyrics, drawings, album covers – even his personal household items.

One detail typifies the meticulousness and authenticity of this project: a large envelope with the cryptic text 'Keep full ashtray upright'. Literally a snapshot of his life, including the ash, preserved as an intimate portrait.

The book itself is a work of art. With a golden cover referring to his famous song 'Pastorale', symbolized by the sun. The format is imposing – 32 by 46 centimeters, 10 centimeters thick – a true collector's item. On the cover, a lenticular print shows two Ramseses: the young, energetic artist and the man in the autumn of his life.

But the archive goes beyond paper. An enclosed USB stick contains nearly 30 minutes of previously unreleased sound recordings – a voice brought back to life. For the first 175 copies, photographer William Rutten even added a numbered and signed photo.

This is more than a book. It is a cacophony of images, music, and stories – as complex and layered as Ramses Shaffy himself. A tribute to the man who enchanted the Netherlands with classics such as 'Sammy', 'We zullen doorgaan' (We will continue), and 'Zing, vecht, huil, bid, lach, werk en bewonder' (Sing, fight, cry, pray, laugh, work, and admire).

An archive that doesn't musealize Ramses but allows him to breathe, live, and sing – exactly as he always did. A unique work from publisher Komma.

The Ultimate Collection of David Bowie Photos

This luxurious coffee table book, released in honor of the fifth anniversary of David Bowie's passing, is the most comprehensive and impressive collection of iconic Bowie photographs ever assembled. This beautifully designed, large-format hardcover photo book is a visual tribute to one of the greatest stars in music history.

Why This Book?

• A Timeless Collection: This photo book brings together the work of 25 top photographers from all over the world, who share their most iconic, inspiring, and surprising photos of David Bowie.
• Unique Insights: In addition to breathtaking photos, this book contains personal essays and reflections from the photographers, in which they share their experiences with Bowie. From his early years at the Arts Lab in Beckenham to world tours, these stories offer a unique and intimate look behind the scenes of this legendary artist.
• Exclusive Images: The collection includes a wide range of photos, from portraits and album covers to rare private moments and spontaneous snapshots. This makes the collection powerful, emotional, and inspiring all at once.
• International Marketing Campaign: This book is supported by an extensive promotional campaign, including radio, print, and online promotions. In addition, worldwide events with photographers will take place, including Q&As and signing sessions, as well as exhibitions in galleries.

This definitive collection is a tribute to David Bowie, a true innovator who was beloved by photographers. His legacy lives on in this impressive coffee table book, which is an absolute must-have for Bowie fans and photography enthusiasts. Don't miss this opportunity to acquire a unique piece of music history.

“All the photos of David Bowie you could possibly ever need. The most noteworthy collection of David Bowie images ever accumulated. Whether you want to own the book as a collector’s item or display it on your coffee table, this definitive work is a tribute fit for an icon.” – Interview magazine

Surrealism - Official Catalogue of the Centre Pompidou Exhibition

This unique coffee table book is the official catalogue of the Centre Pompidou's Surrealism exhibition, celebrating the 100th anniversary of André Breton's Surrealist Manifesto. The exhibition runs from September 4, 2024, to January 13, 2025, in Paris, and will then travel to Spain, Germany, and the United States.

Featuring no fewer than 250 masterpieces by world-renowned surrealist artists such as Magritte, Dalí, Ernst, Carrington, and Tanning, this book offers unparalleled insight into one of the most influential art movements ever. Additionally, it includes original pages from the Surrealist Manifesto, making this coffee table book extra special.

Surrealism immerses you in the groundbreaking world of this revolutionary movement, with essays by leading academics and an innovative, multidirectional layout. This book is an indispensable reference work for art lovers, collectors, and anyone who wants to better understand surrealist art.

A perfect gift for lovers of art history and surrealist art!

Space Posters and Paintings: NASA's Art Collection from the 1960s Onward

• Spectacular artworks beautifully depict NASA's successes and missions
• Includes an extensive selection of paintings, illustrations, and posters
• Discover works from the NASA Art Program, starting in the 1960s
• The first of a two-part set, with Part II dedicated to logos and mission patches

The countdown has begun! In 2025 and 2026, NASA is set to launch two groundbreaking missions that will venture further into space than ever before and aim for the establishment of the first permanent lunar base.

"Space Posters and Paintings, Art About NASA" offers a magnificent collection of paintings and illustrations that showcase the history of space exploration. Since 1962, the NASA Art Program has given artists unique access to daily life at NASA, from technicians at work to astronauts suiting up and the launches themselves. What began as an educational initiative has led to impressive and stylized posters that depict humanity's grand ambitions, from astronauts on the moon to space shuttles and distant planets.

This coffee table book is a true treasure for anyone fascinated by NASA, space travel, and space.

About the Author
Bill Schwartz has over 25 years of experience in the production, distribution, licensing, and branding of internationally acclaimed entertainment. In addition to licensing and acquiring thousands of hours of films, TV series, and documentaries, Bill has produced 20 broadcasts, including "Terror On The Titanic," "Howard Hughes: The Real Aviator," and "Valkyrie: The Plot To Kill Hitler." His passion project was the documentary "Journey to Mars" about NASA's Viking Pathfinder, the first vehicle to reach and explore the surface of Mars. His close involvement with NASA and the opportunity to create a photo book with inspiring images of NASA milestones was an opportunity he couldn't pass up.

A stunning coffee table book featuring the legendary actress and singer Brigitte Bardot

Rare and Unpublished Photos of an Iconic Star
This beautiful photo book offers a unique glimpse into the French film legend Brigitte Bardot. The book contains many rare and never-before-seen photos from the archives of renowned photographers Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill. These images show Bardot in her full glory, both on and off the film set, during the height of her career in the 1960s and early 1970s.

A Must-Have for Bardot Fans
"Being Bardot" reveals more than 150 impressive photos, both in color and black and white, supplemented with contact sheets and personal memories from the photographers. These intimate portraits capture the unparalleled charm and irresistible character of Bardot, one of the most beloved stars of the 20th century. From playful moments to spontaneous shots, this book is a tribute to her lasting legacy in film, music, and animal rights activism.

An Essential Book for Lovers of Cinema and Photography
This photo book is an essential collector's item for anyone interested in film history, photography, and the life of Brigitte Bardot. With contributions from renowned photographers and an extensive collection of never-before-published photos, this book offers an unparalleled look into the life of one of the most iconic women of our time.

“New book gives fans a look at never-before-seen photos of Brigitte Bardot.” — Yahoo

“Rare photographs of the French actress Brigitte Bardot, from the archives of Douglas Kirkland and Terry O’Neill, are featured in a new book, Being Bardot.” — The Times

“Being Bardot, the new archival photography book from ACC Art Books and Iconic Images, honors the French starlet’s legacy, offering an inside
look into her highly photographed world.” — CR Fashion Book

• The first coffee table book by London-based photographer Alan Schaller, whose work is exhibited worldwide.
• A highly relevant subject: human loneliness as a result of the digital world and living in a big city – poignant images in this beautiful photo book.

Discover the masterpieces of Alan Schaller, the renowned London photographer who captures the essence of human life with his black-and-white photos. His work is a visual spectacle of abstraction, surrealism, and geometry, imbued with powerful contrasts. With international recognition and publications in renowned media such as The Guardian, The New York Times, and The Independent, Schaller has left his mark on the world of photography. As a proud ambassador for Leica cameras and co-founder of the Street Photography International Collective, he continuously pushes the boundaries of creativity and expression. Experience the enchantment of his work now, where contrasts, architecture, and everyday scenes merge into breathtaking compositions.

Be inspired by Alan Schaller's powerful images and discover a new dimension of photography.

Girls with Pearls is an homage to the work of Johannes Vermeer, but with a modern twist. Like Vermeer, photographer Caroline Sikkenk uses light, colours, and composition to create a sense of wonder, and through her own contemporary interpretation, a message of diversity and unity is conveyed. Explore the world of Vermeer in text and images!

Ever since her studies at the Photo Academy in Amsterdam, Caroline Sikkenk has been captivated by the Dutch Masters and their extraordinary attention to light and detail. This fascination led to a series of photographs inspired by Vermeer's works. The photos were taken in Delft at historical locations connected to Vermeer. The models are people Caroline happened to encounter, for example, on the street, at the hairdresser's, or at a concert. Moreover, Vermeer's painting Girl with a Pearl Earring has become such an iconic image that it no longer matters whether the model is a girl or a boy, young or old, or what the colour of their skin or hair is. The clothing is contemporary fashion, and each garment is unique, as is the pearl worn by the model. Each model is thus a unique pearl in their own right!

The photographs from this project have been exhibited at the Vermeer Centre in Delft (some of which are now part of the permanent collection of the Vermeer Centre), the Mauritshuis in The Hague, and in New York at the MvVO Art show. From February 6 to April 1, 2023, the exhibition 'Pearls of Light' can be seen in the Oude Kerk in Delft.

Watch the photos in a video on YouTube

• The first coffee table book by French photographer Christophe Jacrot.
• This renowned French photographer of melancholy creates a poignant world of images.
• Perfection and poetry come together in his unique approach to extreme weather conditions.
• "There are two ways to photograph the world: capture the horrors or sublimate them." - Christophe Jacrot.

Discover the extraordinary talent of French artist Christophe Jacrot, whose passion for photography began in his youth and further developed in the world of film. With his impressive short films, he won numerous awards. But now he is fully focused on his true passion: photography. View Jacrot's masterpieces, in which he captures the world in a unique and enchanting way. Lose yourself in his images with this photo book and be swept away by his stunning vision. Christophe Jacrot takes you on an artistic journey you won't soon forget.

Through the Eyes of a Venetian.

Venice as nobody knows it: a surprising and intimate look at the "Serenissima".

The only illustrated book about Venice on the market in black and white

Photographer Federico Povoleri is a born Venetian and knows his hometown like no other. With his poetic black and white photographs, he captures an atmosphere of the lagoon city that usually gets lost in the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds.
Federico Povoleri's knowledge of the city allows him to capture motifs that we seem to know - and yet show us Venice in a new light. And so his illustrated book is a melancholic declaration of love for his hometown and at the same time a memorial to the creeping destruction of its unique beauty.

"Curves make up the entire Universe," Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil's star architect, once said. Photographer and director Olaf Heine met the legendary architect shortly before his death. Since 2010, the renowned portrait and fashion photographer has been tracing the soul of Brazil, showcasing its sensual joy of life with a keen sense of forms and textures.

In his newly revised photo book "Brazil," Heine contrasts the Brazilian landscape and architecture with the curves of its people – surfers, dancers, and beautiful women. He deliberately avoids stereotypical colors, offering an unusual black-and-white perspective on Brazil. But Heine is not only interested in the richness of curves in architecture and bodies but also in their continuation in life: Everything is flexible and in constant motion. From the intensity of desire to the lightness of forms, Olaf Heine shows us a fascinating country in all its diversity, beauty, and melancholy.

In his works, Heine depicts the longed-for place that the first generation of Brazilian modernists created in architecture, literature, and music in the mid-20th century as an aesthetic expression of a social, political, and urban society undergoing positive changes. A wishful thinking and supposed utopia that many people look back on with nostalgia, especially in the current context.

The coffee-table book "Brazil" is the epitome of Brazilian "saudade," the longing and yearning for the tropical beauty of nature, vibrant cities, and unique people. For all Brazil enthusiasts, this illustrated book is a wonderful gift to repeatedly immerse themselves in the country and its optimistic lifestyle, free from clichés.

With texts by Oscar Niemeyer, Ruy Castro, Marcelo Camelo, and Matthias Harder.

Hawaii is a land of extremes, one of the most biodiverse and unspoiled regions on Earth. But it is also the land of hula and surfing. For many years, the renowned German photographer Olaf Heine traveled and documented the beautiful Hawaiian world, creating an impressive photographic oeuvre. Sometimes vibrant and energetic, sometimes melancholic and sensual, but always monochromatic, he succeeds in capturing the intoxicating attitude to life in connection with the decisive forces of this place.

The ocean is omnipresent and the secret architect of Hawaii. Hawaii revolves around the elemental and spiritual meaning of the sea. The vibrant, constantly changing, restless waves of the Pacific determine the rhythm of Hawaii's eight islands and their inhabitants. They nourish life here and define the people - whether fishermen, surfers or tourists. Heine describes the interaction between man and nature and the strength and values that arise from it in timelessly beautiful photos. The cracks of our time and the extent of human activity are shown here with the same power as sensuality, diversity and wild, unspoiled nature. In Hawaii, we begin to understand what creation means.

A fascinating illustrated book that reveals and brings closer the lush beauty of the land, the dreamy culture, and the individuality of the people – be it surf legend Laird Hamilton, musician Jack Johnson, or writer Kawaii Strong Washburn. A coffee table book for anyone who has always wanted to gain an authentic and direct insight into what truly makes this corner of the world special.

With forewords by Pulitzer Prize winner William Finnegan and Hawaiian author Kristiana Kahakauwila.

• This book is like a visual LSD trip - intoxicating colors, astonishing shapes, and fascinating details!
• A unique, detailed insight into the world of fungi.
• Gripping nature photography captured by the multi-award-winning photographer Jan Vermeer.

Explore the breathtaking world of Jan Vermeer, a master photographer from the Netherlands. With his camera, he has captured the most enchanting places on Earth, from the frozen landscapes of Antarctica to the untouched wilderness of Africa. His extraordinary talent has earned him prestigious awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2022. Now, he presents his latest masterpiece: a stunning collection of photographs dedicated to the mysterious beauty of fungi. This global phenomenon has already brought his work into the spotlight in renowned publications, such as National Geographic, BBC Wildlife magazine, and Focus.

Discover the magic of nature through Jan Vermeer's lens and be captivated by the exquisite details and vibrant colors of his images. Bring a piece of natural splendor into your home with the work of this unparalleled photographer.

Ten Years in North Korea

There are few countries in the world that remain so closed that almost no one from outside gains insight. North Korea is certainly one of the most secluded. The dictatorship, which has been ruled by the same family for generations, prohibits almost all contact beyond its borders, isolating 26 million inhabitants from the rest of humanity. This is why Xiomara Bender's photo book "Waiting for the Rainbow" is so valuable, as it deals with the Korean region in a very honest way.

The author portrays the lives and daily routines of the people in this country, which few get the chance to know. She wants to draw attention to the many destinies and the changes of recent years, which in this strict dictatorship are only possible in subtle micro-steps. Through her photographic journey through time, her readers can witness this transformation that brings hope. People who appear more self-assured as the book progresses, a smile that turns into laughter, clothing that gradually reflects more fashion than uniformity. All of this is shown to us by the author in emotionally resonant images.

Over almost ten years, Bender undertook nine trips to North Korea to bring back this unique photo documentation. The award-winning artist wants to break through the culture of deliberate ignorance about North Korea with her work and, without reproach, draw attention to the unvarnished daily lives of the people who live there and their state-orchestrated routines.

In addition to the moving images, the author encourages reflection through many short texts, without coming across as didactic. Her language is art, which opens up to those who pave the way.

Enter the enchanting world of a time when photography captured history – the 1950s and 60s, seen through the eyes of legendary photographer and Magnum European Director Russell Melcher. Get to know Melcher in this beautiful book as he reveals the stories behind his images – sometimes entertaining and humorous, sometimes profound.

Experience the world of glamour and grandeur, where Melcher captured the stars of the silver screen, the powerful of the earth, and the icons of the time. See and read about intimate encounters with Sophia Loren, Alfred Hitchcock, and Edith Piaf, and many others. In an era when photographers considered themselves creators of art and sources of entertainment, Melcher was at the top of the ranks. In this book, he shares his most impressive photos and his most captivating stories.

Lose yourself in the enchantment of his images as you are taken on a world tour. From the glamorous courts of the Windsors to immortal icons such as Romy Schneider, Elvis Presley, Fidel Castro, and the Shah of Iran – they are all immortalized before his lens.

As European Director at Magnum and later as photo editor at "Paris Match," Melcher worked with the greats of photography, including Robert Capa and Elliott Erwitt. He helped shape the character and style of this influential photo agency.

Discover the world of Russell Melcher and the time when photography was a magical art form, driven by creativity and stories. This book is a tribute to an era full of beauty and the power of images.

• Star photographer David Drebin makes his triumphant return with a brand-new, exclusive collaboration with teNeues.
• Prepare for an unparalleled visual experience as Drebin elevates his unmistakable style to new heights.
• This is a coffee table book that exceeds all expectations, with an XXL format that optimally utilizes the power and splendor of his photography. Discover his captivating stories and let yourself be enchanted by his boundless creativity.
• A must-have for lovers of photography and art who settle for nothing less than the very best.

Enter the enchanting world of David Drebin, the master photographer who, with every click of the camera, shuts out reality and brings an exciting fantasy to life. His latest masterpiece, "Flirting with Danger," takes you to spectacular moments that will set your imagination racing. What will happen? What preceded it?

This breathtaking coffee table book reveals forbidden and dangerous allure in dreamlike compositions that embrace the world of cinematography – elegant, imbued with romantic melancholy, and a touch of eroticism. Each page of this oversized artwork brings the artist's hyperrealistic images to life, enchanting you and transporting you to a world of tension and desire. Prepare for a visual journey full of mystery and beauty, because "Flirting with Danger" is the ultimate temptation you won't want to resist.