“Some plants are inherently rare, while others become rare through our actions.”
Rare Plants explores what makes the world's most uncommon plants so exceptional, and by what means they have become so scarce. From highlands to jungles, many of our most extraordinary plants are vanishing at shocking rates, and this exquisitely illustrated book explores 40 of these mysterious species.
Featuring stunning archive images and expert insight from the Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, Rare Plants explores both the beauty and necessity of our endangered plant life.
“Some plants are inherently rare, while others become rare through our actions.”
Rare Plants explores what makes the world's most uncommon plants so exceptional, and by what means…
'If you go to Tokyo, I think it becomes very obvious that there's this almost seamless mixture of popular culture and Japanese traditional culture.' – Kazuo Ishiguro
From the youthful maximalism of Harajuku to the luxurious sophistication of Ginza, Tokyo is the city of a thousand styles. With diverse and unique subcultures like the kitsch Sweet Lolitas, the dark and dramatic goths and punks, the retro rockabilly's and the elegant and traditional Wa Lolitas, Tokyo is home to an explosion of fashion like no other. This instalment of the beautiful Little Books of City Style series will look at the style evolution of this incredible capital, providing an exquisitely illustrated guide to dressing like a true Tokyoite.
'If you go to Tokyo, I think it becomes very obvious that there's this almost seamless mixture of popular culture and Japanese traditional culture.' – Kazuo Ishiguro
From the…
"Good fashion is evolution, not revolution" – Pierre Balmain One of the original big Parisian couture houses, alongside the likes of Dior and Chanel, Pierre Balmain reigned supreme over the 1950s fashion world with his spectacular and intricate evening wear. Now, in the twenty-first century, Balmain's ultra-modern look – still with the spirit of Pierre – is worn by the likes of Beyonce, Kristen Stewart, Kate Moss and Kendall Jenner. Heavily embellished, dazzling detail meets futuristic silhouettes for an instantly recognisable look. Known for their strong social media presence driven by their "Balmain army" of fans, Balmain holds a unique position among the top couture houses today.
"Good fashion is evolution, not revolution" – Pierre Balmain One of the original big Parisian couture houses, alongside the likes of Dior and Chanel, Pierre Balmain reigned…
Recounts a century of fashion history, accompanied by archived images, stunning fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of rare pieces.
The human body as you've never seen it before! This brand-new visual encyclopedia takes young readers on a fantastic voyage around every aspect of the human body.
Featuring amazing CGI illustrations, stunning photography and cutting-edge information, it explains every aspect of how your body works.
This encyclopedia contains the most up-to-date information on everything from the inner workings of a cell, to how the heart pumps blood around the body, to the neuron fireworks in your brain. Find out how your 206 bones work with over 600 muscles to get you moving, why we laugh, cry, and hiccup, and even how to fuel and exercise your body to stay healthy.
Unlike older encyclopedias, The Ultimate Human Body Encyclopedia has been built from the ground up to be inclusive of every human body, regardless of disability, gender, age and ethnicity. It's the only human body book young readers need.
The human body as you've never seen it before! This brand-new visual encyclopedia takes young readers on a fantastic voyage around every aspect of the human body.
Featuring…
Vintage Jewellery recounts 120 years of history, including Lalique's Art Nouveau enamelling at the turn of the twentieth century, Cartier's gemstones, Christian Dior's mid-century costume pieces and Harry Winston's diamonds.
Accompanied by archive images, fashion photography and specially commissioned photographs of period pieces, the most collectible and beautiful bracelets, necklaces, rings and brooches are showcased, including Elizabeth Taylor's peregrina pearl and Wallis Simpson's Cartier panther bracelet. The book explores the key designers and jewellery houses, technical developments and cultural influences that shaped jewellery design and shows you how to collect and wear vintage pieces.
Vintage Jewellery recounts 120 years of history, including Lalique's Art Nouveau enamelling at the turn of the twentieth century, Cartier's gemstones, Christian Dior's mid-century…
The iconic bags, the instantly recognizable packaging, the celebrity fans – Hermes is the last word in luxurious accessories.
Through the generations, Hermes have created innovative and exquisite accessories for the most glamorous customers. From their nineteenth-century saddlery workshop to 1960s Paris and beyond, Hermes has graced the arms and wardrobes of style icons from Grace Kelly and Jane Birkin to Victoria Beckham and Kim Kardashian. The Little Book of Hermes tells the story of the evolution of the House of Hermes, through beautiful illustrations of the most coveted items and authoritative text by fashion historian Karen Homer.
The iconic bags, the instantly recognizable packaging, the celebrity fans – Hermes is the last word in luxurious accessories.
Through the generations, Hermes have created…
From the turbulence of the 1930s emerged the Golden Age of Glamour.
Framed by two world-changing events – the economic crash of 1929 and the outbreak of the Second World War – the 1930s saw new looks emerge and thrive, despite economic and social uncertainty.
This was the decade of the bias cut, the statement shoulder, the puff sleeve, the tea dress, the fur shrug and the floor-length evening gown. It was also the era that saw Hollywood challenge Paris's fashion crown and its stars become fashion icons, signalling a new grown-up direction in womenswear design.
Packed with over 500 original photographs, illustrations and sketches from the decade, this is an essential guide for any fashion historian, student or vintage enthusiast. These classic images have been selected from popular fashion publications of the day, mail-order catalogues and Hollywood studio press shots, including material from Chic Parisien, Harper's Bazaar, Sears, La Femme Chic and film studios Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and Paramount.
Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian, Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.
From the turbulence of the 1930s emerged the Golden Age of Glamour.
Framed by two world-changing events – the economic crash of 1929 and the outbreak of the Second World War –…
From the ashes of the Second World War came forward-thinking fashions, the likes of which had never been seen before.
The early Forties were defined by thriftiness and practicality, a make-do-and-mend attitude in a time of war. However, the latter half of the decade saw the emergence of the traditional femininity, elegance and luxury often associated with the era. Spanning the austerity of the war years to the introduction of Dior's revolutionary New Look, this extensive survey brings together vintage photography and illustrations to follow the season-by-season fashion evolution of the Forties, providing a comprehensive overview of this period of contrasts.
1940s Fashion: The Definitive Sourcebook covers every aspect of female fashions from the decade, from lace evening gowns, tailored jackets and furs to figure-sculpting undergarments, satin negligees and scandalous bikinis, offering the most comprehensive appraisal of this age of wartime and post-war glamour. This in-depth look at the styles and trends that shaped 1940s fashion features images of the decade's most iconic stars and designers. Stylish leading ladies such as Veronica Lake, Joan Bennett and Barbara Stanwyck are included as well as designs by Dior, Lucien Lelong, Balmain and Worth.
Authored and edited by renowned design historian, Charlotte Fiell, this volume also contains an authoritative introduction by fashion historian, Emmanuelle Dirix, as well as the biographies of the key designers and fashion houses of the period.
From the ashes of the Second World War came forward-thinking fashions, the likes of which had never been seen before.
The early Forties were defined by thriftiness and…
Little Book of Schiaparelli chronicles the work of one of history's most influential and eccentric couturiers. Endowed with a strikingly imaginative and experimental approach to fashion, Elsa Schiaparelli cultivated a combination of the witty and the surreal, the cutting edge and the elegant, from her garments and jewellery to her collaborations with Salvador Dali, Jean Cocteau and Alberto Giacometti.
Exquisitely illustrated and expertly written, the book follows a biographical chronology detailing her life, career and primary creative themes of her work. Images of Schiaparelli's finished designs, along with close-up details and illustrations of her personal sketches, showcase the brilliance of her innovative oeuvre, and the legacy that lives on in the House of Schiaprelli to this day.
Little Book of Schiaparelli chronicles the work of one of history's most influential and eccentric couturiers. Endowed with a strikingly imaginative and experimental approach to…
"A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman" - Christian Louboutin
Among designers of luxury shoes, there is one whose designs are instantly recognizable: Christian Louboutin. His iconic red soles can be seen everywhere from the red carpet, the silver screen and the catwalk to city streets around the world.
From his early life in Paris to the founding of his first store in 1992, and from the red carpet to his global domination of the luxury shoe market, Little Book of Christian Louboutin charts the rise of the world's most celebrated shoe designer. Images of his designs past and present are accompanied by captivating text, describing the rise and rise of the king of shoe design.
"A woman can carry a bag, but it is the shoe that carries the woman" - Christian Louboutin
Among designers of luxury shoes, there is one whose designs are instantly recognizable:…
Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent is the pocket-sized and exquisitely illustrated story of 60 years of innovative fashion design.
An enigmatic, daring and astonishingly creative designer, Yves Saint Laurent is credited with the elevation of haute couture to fine art, turning the fashion show into a spectacle of breathtaking proportions, and revolutionizing the gendered norms of womenswear.
Describing Saint Laurent’s beginnings in Algeria as a precocious boy making miniature garments from fabric scraps, Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent depicts the designer’s ascent from fashion student to the right-hand of Christian Dior. Going on to found his own fashion house in 1961, Saint Laurent created his famous "le smoking" trouser suit, brought the leather jacket to the mainstream and astounded the fashion world with his blend of elegance and artistic drama.
Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent documents the talent of a visionary creative in a perfect gift for any lover of fashion.
Little Book of Yves Saint Laurent is the pocket-sized and exquisitely illustrated story of 60 years of innovative fashion design.
An enigmatic, daring and astonishingly creative…
This fully authorized, visually stunning tribute to the incomparable Freddie Mercury gives fans unprecedented access to one of the world’s greatest performers.
Foreword by Rami Malek, Oscar-winning star ofBohemian Rhapsody!
Widely known as an electric showman with no equal, Freddie Mercury’s death in 1991 left the world mourning. This colorful, official volume, filled with rare images and insightful text, painstakingly recounts all aspects of Mercury’s colorful, fascinating life. It follows his childhood in Zanzibar, his fame as Queen’s lead singer, his solo career, and beyond. The photographs come from the private collections of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Bulsara, band mate Brian May, and the many notable contemporary photographers who shot Mercury.
This fully authorized, visually stunning tribute to the incomparable Freddie Mercury gives fans unprecedented access to one of the world’s greatest performers.
Foreword by Rami…
Esteemed music journalist Caroline Sullivan delves into Ed Sheeran's fertile mind to examine the stories behind every song the outstanding singer-songwriter has released. In just a few short years, Sheeran has become one of the best-known and most successful recording artists in the world; his albums sell in the tens of millions, and his music videos rack up billions of views online. What s more, unlike many of the modern pop royals, Sheeran writes his own songs and consequently he is as much a storyteller as he is a performer. Album by album and track by track, this book describes the motivation behind the songs, how they were compiled.
Esteemed music journalist Caroline Sullivan delves into Ed Sheeran's fertile mind to examine the stories behind every song the outstanding singer-songwriter has released. In just…
Written by a leading music journalist and featuring previously unpublished interviews, The Iron Maiden Vault is the ultimate interactive celebration of the iconic rock group. This unique, unofficial volume is the first Maiden book to feature removable memorabilia from the group's amazing 40-year career. With reproductions of vintage posters, flyers, and backstage passes, fans will feel closer to Iron Maiden than ever before.
Written by a leading music journalist and featuring previously unpublished interviews, The Iron Maiden Vault is the ultimate interactive celebration of the iconic rock group. This…
Goth-inspired chic is very much a part of contemporary culture - especially for a cool young tribe with a penchant for black. But it also has a long history stretching over centuries, becoming a distinctive narrative form that encompasses everything from art and architecture to literature, fashion, film, television, digital media, graphic novels, and music. Marvelously adaptable, the gothic aesthetic has proven fertile ground for endless imaginative reinvention, and this collection provides the first fully illustrated introduction to every aspect of the phenomenon - one that is truly without boundaries and ever-evolving.
Goth-inspired chic is very much a part of contemporary culture - especially for a cool young tribe with a penchant for black. But it also has a long history stretching over…
"The Complete Pink Floyd" is an incredible book. It lists every concert, every appearance, every song, every turn and twist in the amazing story of one of the world's most famous bands. Acknowledged expert Glenn Povey first published "Echoes" in 2006 but since then he has been allowed access to all of the band's Abbey Road recording notes (the only person to do so) and the band have announced the release of a new album. This complete reboot of the original is illustrated with all-new material, including hundreds of photographs and rare memorabilia. Every solo concert has been updated for Waters and Gilmour, and details of the band's many re-released albums have been added, including never- before-published research into their earliest recordings from 1965. The original "Echoes" was a great book but this full upgrade is it essential reference for any serious "Pink Floyd" fan.
"The Complete Pink Floyd" is an incredible book. It lists every concert, every appearance, every song, every turn and twist in the amazing story of one of the world's most famous…
One of the most successful, influential and provocative bands of all time, Black Sabbath - dubbed "The Beatles of Heavy Metal" by Rolling Stone magazine - changed the landscape of popular music forever. Having sold over 75 million albums worldwide (including 15 million in the US) since their early 1970s breakthrough, their comeback album 13 raced to the top of the charts across the globe. Ozzy Osbourne has promised a final Black Sabbath tour and album in 2016. The years since their ascent have seen fights and reconciliations, crazy excess and bouts of self-destruction, but their popularity has always proven as vast and durable as their mythological status. Their upcoming reunion will see them back at the forefront of fame, straddling both the mainstream and the counter-culture. Written by a leading music journalist and illustrated throughout with rare photographs, Black Sabbath is the ultimate celebration of the iconic rock group. Featuring the reproduction of 20 items of memorabilia on the page, including posters, tickets, flyers and signed photographs, Black Sabbath gives the reader a front-row seat (and backstage access as well) to the career of these true legends of rock.
One of the most successful, influential and provocative bands of all time, Black Sabbath - dubbed "The Beatles of Heavy Metal" by Rolling Stone magazine - changed the landscape of…
Do you want to know the basic ingredients for a capsule wardrobe or how to find the perfect jeans? Would you like to make smarter purchases or buy to look slimmer? From tips on styles, accessorizing, and shopping to remedies for any fashion disaster you might encounter, these hacks give you ideas and tips for all sartorial situations. With advice on choosing flattering fabrics and cuts, dressing for an interview or wedding, selecting swimwear and lingerie, striking that right balance between under- and overdressing, this book will help you look polished and stylish, from head to toe.
Do you want to know the basic ingredients for a capsule wardrobe or how to find the perfect jeans? Would you like to make smarter purchases or buy to look slimmer? From tips on…
Spawned in the intensely fertile music scene that blossomed in and around Seattle in the late 1980s, Nirvana instantly distinguished itself from the bulk of its peers by virtue of the singular passion that drove its leader, Kurt Cobain.
Few were prepared for worldwide Nirvana-mania set off by the 1991 release of Nevermind. Fuelled by the instantaneous success of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit', the album stormed the charts. Their next album, In Utero, was the last studio recording released by Nirvana: the demons that made Cobain's writing so powerful took their toll; and he took his own life less than a year later. Although the band released just five albums, Nirvana created timeless songs which have remained very much alive.
Written by a highly respected Nirvana expert and illustrated throughout with stunning photographs, Nirvana is the ultimate celebration of these rock legends. Through interviews with those close to the band coupled with the reproduction of rare memorabilia on the page, Nirvana brings you closer than ever to the band that changed the world.
Spawned in the intensely fertile music scene that blossomed in and around Seattle in the late 1980s, Nirvana instantly distinguished itself from the bulk of its peers by virtue of…
