Books on Art and Culture

Elliott Erwitt’s Last Laughs: Photography with Humor in His Last Major Coffee Table Book

In his last major photo book, "Last Laughs," Elliott Erwitt masterfully combined black and white photography with playful humor. Like no other, this legendary New York photographer succeeded in capturing everyday scenes around the world with heart and humor through his lens. Shortly before his passing in 2023, he selected this wonderful collection of funny, witty snapshots for his last great photo book, which also contains a hint of melancholic nostalgia from a contemporary perspective.

A Unique Coffee Table Book Between Nostalgia and Contemporary History

Elliott Erwitt mastered the art of capturing special moments in seemingly everyday scenes with his camera. Whether it was stars or unknown faces on the street, people or dogs, whenever the legendary photographer Erwitt observed the world through his lens, his sense of humor was always his companion. It is the unmistakable signature of his black and white photography that transformed these witty glances at the lives of others into impressive documents of contemporary history: a beautiful, sometimes melancholic book full of hand-picked photographic moments full of nostalgia and humor.

The Legacy of the Photography Legend: A Coffee Table Book with Wistful Humor

Elliott Erwitt was the grand seigneur of magazine photography, a long-standing member of the famous Magnum Photos agency, and also served as its vice president. The well-traveled photojournalist knew how to capture contemporary history and snapshots of life like no other. Whether it was celebrities like Marilyn Monroe and Jackie Kennedy, ordinary people on the streets of New York, or his favorite subject, dogs, he managed to capture the humor in everyday scenes in an incomparable way. Erwitt passed away in 2023, but the legacy of the photography legend lives on - with a wink in black and white and this, his last self-curated photo book "Last Laughs."

Coffee table book Deserts - the fascination of deserts in a beautiful coffee table book

Mysterious, unique, and sometimes seemingly from another planet, this extraordinary coffee table book reveals the deserts of the Earth. The breathtaking landscape photography in this beautiful coffee table book takes us across all continents. The Sahara with its bare rocky and sand deserts, gigantic dunes that gracefully and majestically wind into the distance, the harsh ice deserts of Antarctica, endless steppes and the vastness of salt deserts and high-altitude deserts in America: this beautiful coffee table book impressively showcases the diversity of the world's deserts.

The deserts of the Earth in a captivating interplay of light, color and endless expanse

Only at first glance does the world of steppe, salt lake, savanna, and tundra appear barren: this fascinating coffee table book is a masterpiece of nature photography, capturing the vibrancy of deserts around the world. With this extravagant travel photography book, Philippe Bourseiller has created a fascinating portrait of the Earth, traveling through Africa, Arabia, America, the Arctic, and Antarctic regions: majestic like the Gobi Desert, mysterious like the Sahara with its vast dunes and fertile oases, archaic like the Namib, the "Great Void," rich in species and picturesque like the Kalahari or the Colorado Desert – the variety and colorfulness of the landscape photography in this coffee table book are always remarkable.

Impressive coffee table book by the award-winning nature photographer

Philippe Bourseiller is a landscape photographer with a mission: for over four decades, he has documented the beauty of the wilderness with his camera and is dedicated to preserving (still) untouched natural areas. Awarded the World Press Award and the Visa d'Or, his extraordinary photography has filled over 25 books. With this coffee table book about the world's most beautiful deserts, he has created a fascinating portrait of the world's deserts – perfect as a gift for all lovers of landscape photography!

Ibiza by Michael Poliza: get inspired for your next trip

Explore quirky Ibiza, Mallorca's hip little sister, in a fascinating coffee table book. From remote lighthouses to buzzing party venues, rediscover one of the most exciting holiday destinations through the unfiltered lens that captures the real Ibiza and its unique lifestyle. Explore the Balearic Islands through the eyes of bestselling author Michael Poliza, whose photo books published by teNeues have sold over 100,000 copies.

Starring John Malkovich, Komma Publishers presents this extraordinary project by photographer Sandro Miller in a unique limited edition. This XXL book comes with a specially crafted book stand.

Photographer Sandro Miller embarks on a fascinating journey, exploring the boundaries between original and copy, between memory and interpretation.

His story begins with a profound reverence for the photographic masters who illuminated his artistic path: Irving Penn, Patrick Demarchelier, Bert Stern, Diane Arbus, and Gordon Parks. These iconic artists did not merely influence him – they literally shaped his view of the world.

However, Miller has done more than simply honor them. He has breathed new life into their most memorable images, finding the perfect accomplice in his friend John Malkovich. Together, they initiated a unique project that is more than a simple reconstruction – it is a profound philosophical exploration of creativity itself.

Their method is almost scientifically precise: each image is meticulously recreated down to the smallest detail. Every set is painstakingly reconstructed, every object carefully selected or reproduced. Malkovich underwent hours of makeup transformations, patiently and focused, to truly become the protagonist of the original image.

The photographic moment itself is intense but fleeting – just a few minutes in which Miller and Malkovich are perfectly synchronous, two artists creating a new reality together. The result is more than a copy: it is a meeting of two realities, two eras, two interpretations.

The images resemble superimposed holograms – doppelgängers staring intently at each other, almost indistinguishable. Miller succeeds in capturing subtle nuances that are almost invisible, yet nonetheless crucial.

The project culminated in a special collector's edition: 'Malkovich – Then came John'. This is no ordinary book, but a multimedia artwork. It features a unique built-in screen, comes with a steel book stand, a USB stick with four short films, and is personally signed by Miller and Malkovich.

More than a photo series, this is a philosophical reflection on art, memory, interpretation, and the fine line between origin and reproduction. Miller poses fundamental questions: What does it mean to appropriate something? Where does reality end and fiction begin? And who ultimately determines the boundaries between the two?

In 1964, more than just a book appeared - a cultural bomb that would shake the Netherlands to its core. 'Ik Jan Cremer' (I Jan Cremer) was not just a novel; it was a provocation, a statement, a scream from a generation that wanted to break free from conventions.

Jan Cremer was no ordinary writer. He was an artist who masterfully played with the boundaries of literature, publicity, and myth-making. His book was more than text – it was a performance, a strategic masterpiece that would completely turn the Dutch literary world upside down.

Everything about the book was meticulously thought out, down to the smallest details. Nowhere was this more evident than in its iconic cover. Where other authors opted for modesty, Cremer chose a brazen self-portrait: him on a Harley Davidson, dressed in a denim suit, sailor's cap, and goggles. A gaze that directly challenged the reader – as if he could be run over at any moment.

It was more than a book cover. It was a manifesto of a generation. An image of untamed freedom, of a Dutch boy who let no one tell him what to do. Critics called it arrogant, but Cremer knew: this was his story, told on his terms.

The publicity surrounding the book was as sophisticated as the book itself. Cremer played the media and the public with a precision that many marketers would envy. Reactions came not only from the literary world – even politicians got involved in the debate.

Now, years later, 'Icoon' (Icon) is being released – a collector's edition that further explores the myth of 'Ik Jan Cremer'. With a limited edition of only 25 copies, packaged in a specially designed tin, including four unique baryta prints by photographer Wim van der Linden.

This edition is more than a book. It is a time capsule, a tribute to a moment when Dutch literature definitively changed. A story about a man who not only wrote but challenged the world to listen to him.

Jan Cremer did more than write a book. He created a legend.

In the world of art and illustration, simplicity is sometimes the highest form of complexity. No one embodied this principle better than Dick Bruna, the Dutch artist who conquered the world with a seemingly simple rabbit named Miffy.

Bruna's story is one of revolution – not with words or violence, but with lines and colors. Inspired by the great avant-gardists of his time – Braque, Picasso, Matisse, and Léger – he began to experiment with art that blurred the lines between childlike simplicity and profound design.

His method was almost philosophical: the fewer details, the more powerful the message. He reduced forms to their essence, used colors so bright and pure that they almost lived on the paper. And at the center of this artistic journey stood Miffy – more than a rabbit, an icon of Dutch design history.

'nijntje xxl miffy' is more than a book. It is a tribute, a profound exploration of Bruna's artistic universe. With almost 600 pages, it reveals the philosophy behind every line, every color choice, every seemingly simple form.

Publisher Komma and Mercis Publishing have created a collector's item – limited to only 1000 copies, numbered and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Each book is a work of art in itself.

The most special detail? A specially designed book stand by Bob van Dijk, which takes the form of Bruna's famous cross – a small sculpture that perfectly encapsulates the essence of Bruna's art.

This book tells the story of a man who proved that art doesn't have to be complicated to be profound. A story of Miffy, but above all a story of Dick Bruna – the man who saw the world through the simplest, yet most powerful lines.

In the world of photography, there is art that touches, and then there is art that shocks. Barbara van Ittersum belongs to the latter category – a photographer who dares to push, challenge and redefine the boundaries of perception.

Her work introduces a new vocabulary: Barbarism. It is more than a concept – it is a visual language that speaks of femininity, yet is universal. A language that transcends gender, understood, felt and embodied by both women and men.

Barbara's camera is not an instrument, but an extension of her soul. Each image is a journey through complex landscapes: religion, sexuality, nature, cultural clashes, freedom and identity. Her lens penetrates where others would hesitate, revealing what usually remains hidden.

Her photographs are a contradiction: simultaneously confronting and enchanting. They turn the viewer into a voyeur, a witness to intimate moments that are both universal and personal. Each image tells a story that goes beyond what is visible.

The collector's edition of 'Barbaranalogica' is more than a book. It is an art object, packaged in a specially designed box, accompanied by three signed and numbered photographs. Each copy is unique, just like every glance through Barbara's lens.

This is more than photography. This is a philosophical statement about seeing, feeling and understanding. Barbara van Ittersum invites us to look at the world anew – with new eyes, without prejudice, with complete surrender to the complexity of human experience.

There are photographers who capture images, and then there are photographers who unveil stories. Hessel Bosch belongs to the latter category – a visual storyteller who sees the world as few others can.

After almost fifty years of professional photography, Bosch has freed himself from all rules. His lens is more than an instrument – it is a third eye, a gateway to hidden realities. He travels the world, seeking out the stories hidden behind forgotten walls, weathered surfaces, and abandoned spaces.

Where others overlook, Bosch sees beauty. His urban photo series are more than images – they are an archaeology of oblivion. Industrial heritage, cultural fragments, architectural witnesses: he reveals them in their purest state – raw, rugged, naked. Every pixel tells a story that would otherwise have been lost.

But Bosch is more versatile than just a documentary photographer. His portrait work is equally profound. He doesn't chase poses, but essence. With an almost invisible technique, he makes his subjects forget they are being photographed – he captures the soul, not the surface.

The collector's edition 'Hessel' is more than a book. It is a journey through the eyes of an artist who sees the world differently. Numbered, signed, packaged in a luxurious box – each copy is a unique work of art.

Hessel Bosch does more than just photograph. He liberates memories, gives voice to silence, and reveals beauty in what others overlook.

Following the resounding success of both the limited and unlimited editions of 'Rijks, Masters of the Golden Age', the Rijksmuseum and renowned designer Marcel Wanders are once again joining forces for a special Special Edition.

This book is more than just an art book. It is a visual journey back to the Dutch Golden Age, focusing on over 64 iconic paintings from the Gallery of Honour at the Rijksmuseum. Every detail has been meticulously crafted: from the hand-written calligraphy to the luxurious, high-quality paper and advanced printing techniques.

What truly sets the photobook 'Rijks, Masters of the Golden Age' apart is the unique perspective offered by contemporary progressive thinkers. Renowned artists and creatives such as photographer Erwin Olaf, designer David Allen, fashion icon Angela Missoni, and documentary filmmaker Jimmy Nelson provide stimulating perspectives and contemporary reflections on the artworks.

In terms of physical presentation, this Special Edition aligns with the limited edition – with a special accent. The book is divided into two soft covers that are presented together in an elegant hardcover slipcase. A design that both honors tradition and dares to be innovative.

It is more than a book. It is a tribute to Dutch art history, a visual spectacle that brings 17th-century masters to life in a contemporary, surprising way.

A visual journey through Dutch art history unfolds in 'Rijks, Masters of the Golden Age,' a monumental book that brings to life more than 64 iconic paintings from the Rijksmuseum's famous Gallery of Honour. This is no ordinary art book, but a unique dialogue between historical masterpieces and contemporary creative minds.

Leading contemporary thinkers and creators – such as acclaimed photographer Erwin Olaf, innovative designer David Allen, fashion legend Angela Missoni, and documentary filmmaker Jimmy Nelson – enrich the artworks with their personal perspectives. Their sharp commentaries lift the 17th-century paintings far beyond their original context, creating a rich, layered narrative about art, culture, and human expression.

The limited edition of this book is truly an art object in itself. With only 2,500 numbered copies personally signed by Marcel Wanders, it is a collector's item of unparalleled exclusivity. Each book is hand-bound, a traditional process that exudes craftsmanship and precision.

The exterior reflects the luxury and distinction of its contents: the cover is adorned with beech wood, encased in the finest cowhide leather. Advanced foil techniques create a complex, breathtaking print that transforms the book from a publication into a work of art.

But the experience doesn't stop with the book alone. Each copy is accompanied by a specially designed mango wood table – a statement piece that elevates the presentation – and a 'Behind the Scenes' book that takes the viewer into the creation of this unique project.

It is more than a book. It is a journey, an experience, a tribute to the rich Dutch art tradition.

A story of dedication, passion, and craftsmanship unfolds around the four remaining sketchbooks of Vincent van Gogh – fragile witnesses to a short but extraordinary artistic career.

In the ten years that encompassed his artistic life, Van Gogh laid the foundations of his exceptional art. These sketchbooks are not mere paper collections, but the intimate diaries of an artist in the making. They reveal the initial stages of works that would later become world-famous, and show the process of a genius who taught himself the craft firsthand.

However, their fragility is as great as their value. The light sensitivity of these documents forces the Van Gogh Museum to exercise great caution – the originals are exposed to daylight as little as possible to prevent further degradation.

But how do you share such precious heritage with the world? A brilliant solution presented itself: a team of Dutch experts dedicated themselves to an almost impossible task. With unprecedented precision and dedication, they would create exact replicas – not just copies, but almost metaphysical doubles of the original sketchbooks.

Every detail was studied and copied: from the smallest smudges to the subtle tears, from the wear of the elastic to the texture of the paper. The result is astonishing: facsimiles that are barely distinguishable from the originals even to expert eyes.

Thanks to this monumental effort, the museum can now display the sketchbooks to the public. Moreover, art lovers now have the unique opportunity to literally 'bring Van Gogh into their homes', to behold his first artistic breaths up close.

It is more than a reproduction. It is a tribute to art, to the artist, to the process of creation itself.

tN4t - 40 Years of teNeues Coffee Table Books: Paris by Serge Ramelli
An enchanting journey through the City of Lights

This impressive photo book by Serge Ramelli showcases Paris in a unique play of light, transforming the photos into vivid cinematic scenes. Paris, the city of romance and history, is captured in a special way in this book: in pastel colors and subtle light nuances that seem to come straight from the palette of the French impressionists. Ramelli uses his camera to paint a personal and emotional picture of the metropolis on the Seine.

From iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre to the atmospheric districts of Montmartre and Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the book breathes the art and culture present everywhere in Paris. The traces of artists, actors, and cultural greats are palpable on every page.

Serge Ramelli captures magical moments with his camera during sunrise, sunset, the blue hour, and even in nocturnal Paris. The result is an enchanting kaleidoscope of the City of Lights, perfect for lovers of photography, art, and Paris.

ISBN: 9783961716722
A wonderful gift for every Paris lover and art enthusiast!

The revised edition of the bestseller to celebrate the teNeues anniversary

In honor of the 40th anniversary of teNeues' first illustrated book, some all-time favorites from the past are being celebrated in an affordable, modern softcover edition that fits perfectly on any bookshelf. The cities of New York and Paris have always held special significance for the publishing house, as after New York City, where the teNeues Publishing Company was founded under Hendrik teNeues in the 1980s, an establishment in Paris (1991) followed. Now, the bestsellers Paris and New York by Serge Ramelli are being re-released, offering refined aesthetics in a compact format.

tN4t - 40 years of teNeues coffee table books: New York by Serge Ramelli
An enchanting journey through the city that never sleeps

In this stunning photo book, Serge Ramelli, French photographer and YouTube star, reveals the multifaceted character of New York in color. From strikingly colorful neon lights and bustling avenues to atmospheric sunrises over the awakening city and deserted streets without a trace of human life – Ramelli shows New York as you've never seen it before.

In his photos, people play a secondary role. What takes center stage is the setting, the atmosphere, the light, and the surroundings. Iconic landmarks like Times Square and the Empire State Building are captured in a new, almost dreamlike light.

Ramelli masters the art of transforming everyday scenes into cinematic masterpieces. His photography invites you to discover New York from a unique and almost magical perspective – as if you are walking through a film or experiencing a dream.

ISBN: 9783961716715
A must-have for lovers of New York, photography, and art!

The revised edition of the bestseller to mark the teNeues anniversary

To celebrate the 40th anniversary of teNeues' first illustrated book, some all-time favorites from the past are being celebrated in an affordable, modern softcover edition that fits perfectly on any bookshelf. The cities of New York and Paris have always held special significance for the publishing house, because after New York City, where the teNeues Publishing Company was founded under Hendrik teNeues in the 1980s, an establishment in Paris (1991) followed. Now, the bestsellers Paris and New York by Serge Ramelli are being re-released, offering refined aesthetics in a compact format.

Marvel By Design – Graphic Design Strategies of the World's Greatest Comics Company

Special edition with exclusive extras available.

Marvel is one of the most iconic brands in the world, inspiring generations of creatives for over 80 years with its unique approach to visual storytelling. Marvel's comic books, in particular, have established a striking graphic style that has permeated popular culture, from the Pop Art movement in the 1960s to modern digital culture, gaming, advertising, and beyond.

The coffee table book Marvel By Design provides an in-depth look at the design behind Marvel's most recognizable graphic elements, such as logos, covers, fonts, layouts, and color schemes. This photo book reveals how the famous Marvel Method created a unique creative approach that serves as a source of inspiration for designers and creatives not only within comics but also beyond.

The book explores the connection between comic culture and its influence on graphic design, editorial work, film, and visual culture in a broad sense. It offers insight into how Marvel's visual language has shaped and continues to inspire generations of designers and artists.

About the author:
Liz Stinson is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience writing about design and technology. She is currently the editor-in-chief of Eye on Design, a publication that highlights graphic design and the broader world surrounding it.

Courtside Candy - The Culture and Influence of Basketball

Discover how basketball redefines creativity and influences art, fashion, and design within contemporary subcultures.

From its early days on urban courts and playgrounds to a global phenomenon, basketball is much more than a sport. The rhythm of the ball, the elegance of a perfect shot, and the camaraderie on the court have transformed our view of creativity in the modern world.

The coffee table book Courtside Candy explores the fascinating intersection between basketball and creativity. It shows how the sport inspires street art, fashion, urban design, and graphic innovation. Through iconic basketball courts, players, and artists, the book reveals how basketball influences and transforms the culture in which it thrives.

This visually stunning edition combines dynamic images with in-depth stories, offering a fresh perspective on basketball's role as a creative engine. Photo book Courtside Candy challenges readers to think beyond the court and highlights basketball's influence on contemporary art, design, and urban life.

What to expect:

• In-depth exploration of basketball's influence on art, fashion, and urban culture
• Impressive visuals that capture the essence of basketball in creative subcultures
• Inspiring stories about how basketball influences contemporary cultural expression
• Focus on urban identity and how basketball shapes the character of specific locations
• A unique look at the cultural significance of basketball beyond the playing field

For basketball and culture enthusiasts: Courtside Candy is a must-have book that presents basketball in a whole new light.

The Big Book of Manga – Learn to Draw Manga Step by Step

Always wanted to draw your own manga characters? The Big Book of Manga is the ultimate guide for both beginners and advanced artists. With over 40 step-by-step exercises, you'll learn how to bring iconic manga figures such as ninjas, mechas, samurai, and geishas to life.

Discover the secret techniques of professional manga artists, from the initial sketch to refined shadows and color details. This comprehensive handbook is packed with tips and tricks to take your drawing skills to the next level.

Whether you dream of creating your own manga or want to improve your existing skills, The Big Book of Manga is an indispensable source of inspiration and knowledge!

Jaime Hayon – The Playful World of a Visionary Designer

An inspiring overview of the creations of one of the most influential designers of our time.

Step into the imaginative world of Jaime Hayon, where mysterious ceramic creatures, refined craftsmanship, and warm Mediterranean pastel hues converge. This long-awaited coffee table book offers a deep insight into Hayon's unique style, his use of materials, color theory, and creative process.

As one of the most influential designers of recent decades, Jaime Hayon has left an indelible mark on contemporary interior and product design. His work balances on the boundary between art, decoration, and functional design, with playfulness and optimism always at its core. This photo book is a tribute to his most iconic projects, from interior designs for hotels and restaurants to collaborations with prestigious brands such as Swarovski, Fritz Hansen, &Tradition, and Baccarat.

Jaime Hayon is the much-anticipated successor to the successful book Works and a must-have for lovers of contemporary design, craftsmanship, and artistic expression.

Perfect for: Design enthusiasts, interior architects, and collectors of contemporary art

About Jaime Hayon:
Spanish artist and designer Jaime Hayon founded Hayon Studio in 2001 and became one of the most influential creatives of his generation. His distinctive vision is reflected in projects for top brands and renowned cultural institutions worldwide. TIME Magazine named him a visionary designer, and his work continues to push boundaries in the world of design and interiors. Founded and based in Valencia, Spain, Hayon continues to inspire with his innovative and playful approach to contemporary design.

Marvel By Design - Special Edition: The Visual Power of the World's Greatest Comic Brand

For the true comic book enthusiast, the special edition of Marvel By Design is a true collector's item. This exclusive coffee table book is presented in a luxurious linen-bound box and is packed with extras. Inside, you'll find three impressive screen prints on heavy, uncoated paper – perfect for hanging on your wall – and a set of embroidered textile patches featuring iconic Marvel designs.

This photo book delves deep into the visual world of Marvel, revealing the graphic strategies behind the brand's most recognizable style elements. In five extensive chapters, logos, layouts, lettering, cover designs, and color usage are analyzed in detail. With contributions from legendary figures such as colorist Laura Martin, artist Klaus Janson, and letterer Todd Klein, as well as insights from leading graphic designers like Mike Essl and Paul Sahre, Marvel By Design shows how comic culture has had an undeniable influence on the creative industry.

This limited edition of only 1000 copies offers a unique look into Marvel's rich history and dynamic present. With hundreds of images from the iconic archive, the visual evolution of ten legendary characters is mapped out.

About the author:
Liz Stinson is a renowned writer and editor with over ten years of experience in design and technology. She is currently the editor-in-chief of Eye on Design, a publication that explores graphic design and its broader impact on the world.