Rare Special Editions available from ACC Art Books –  More Information

Discover the esoteric insights and enchanting imagery of the Baroque emblem book, a long-lost cousin of the tarot.

The emblem book, which reached the peak of its popularity in the 16th and 17th centuries, presented mysterious allegorical images—rather like those we now find on tarot cards—alongside Latin mottoes. A learned text explained the connection between image and motto, and the lessons each emblem held for the reader’s life. Drawing on sources such as medieval bestiaries and Aesop’s fables, emblem books reflected an enchanted view of nature in which our human lives were intertwined with plants, animals, the moon and the stars. World-renowned natural perfumer Mandy Aftel first encountered emblem books in the course of her researches into antique botanical illustrations, and quickly became entranced. Here she presents 100 emblems from perhaps the finest emblem book, the Symbolorum et Emblematum of Camerarius, originally published in four parts between 1590 and 1604. Aftel has sensitively tinted in watercolour the bewitching circular engravings of the Symbolorum, in which giant hands reach from the sky; lions, bears, and unicorns gambol; and distant spires beckon. The mottoes and explanatory texts are given in translation from the original Latin, along with Aftel’s own commentary. An illustrated introduction illuminates the history and magic of emblem book.

Symbolorum will be a treasure for anyone who is drawn to uncover ancient wisdom and feel the breath of the universe.

In 2020, in recognition of outstanding accomplishments in new design concepts and developments in craftsmanship, the Danner Prize, four honorary Danner awards, and an impressive exhibition were conferred for the thirteenth time. This publication presents the selected works with large-format photographs, descriptions of the artisans, and texts by renowned artists. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Danner Stiftung, several choice objects from the foundation’s own collection are also being exhibited, alongside exquisite items of jewellery by the court goldsmith Karl Rothmüller. This diverse series of highlights is complemented by photos from the exhibition in the Pinakothek der Moderne in Munich. Read, view, and enjoy this all-round fascinating publication!

Published to accompany an exhibition at Die Neue Sammlung – The Design Museum – in Munich from 15 October 2020-17 January 2021.  

Text in English and German.

Spode Transfer Printed Ware has been extensively enlarged and revised since it was first published in 1983. With over 100 newly discovered prints, the volume now illustrates every known transfer print issued by the Spode family at their works in Stoke-on-Trent. The book’s 1000 illustrations allow the reader to understand the great variety of shapes produced by Spode, as well as the imprints that they marked their decorated wares with. Crucially, the volume also outlines the difference between methods of manufacture used in the past and those practiced today, with detailed texts discussing early ceramic printing techniques such as bat printing and pluck and dust printing.

This sumptuous book invites you to follow the course of the Nile and Egyptian history on board a floating historical monument, the Steam Ship Sudan. At 100 years old, and made of wood and copper, it is the last steamship still cruising in Upper Egypt and the only survivor of a flotilla established by Sir Thomas Cook at the beginning of the 20th century.

Illustrious personalities from British and American high society travelled on board this prestigious ship – archaeologists, diplomats, actors… and writers, including Agatha Christie who drew inspiration from it for Death on the Nile.

In 1967, a 17-year-old aspiring photographer named Ed Caraeff found himself front row at the Monterey Pop Festival, California. Caraeff had never seen Hendrix before, nor was he familiar with his music. But Caraeff had his ever-present camera and as Hendrix lit his guitar, he snapped a photo. That picture – Hendrix burning his guitar at Monterey – has become one of the most iconic images of rock and roll. A photo that defined Hendrix as an artist, appeared on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine not once, but twice, and launched Caraeff’s photographic career. Timed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Monterey Pop Festival, Burning Desire reveals never-before published images from the magnificent, Hendrix-dedicated archive that Caraeff has compiled. From onstage to backstage, Jimi Hendrix was as electric in front of the camera as he was when he strummed his guitar. In Burning Desire, Caraeff showcases more than 100 images, including rare shots and contract sheets, and discusses his experiences with this incredible musician. Contents: Monterey International Pop Music Festival: June 18, 1967 Hollywood Bowl: August 18, 1967 Anaheim Convention Center: February 9, 1968 Ackerman Union Ballroom: February 13, 1968 Hollywood Bowl: September 14, 1968 Whiskey-A-Go-Go: October 1968 Newport ’69: June 20-22, 1969

“May you all live to be 100 years old, and may the last voice you hear be mine.” Frank Sinatra “His camera was a constant companion from his early teens. My daughter, his granddaughter, unearthed these gems and they are seen here for the first time.” Nancy Sinatra 2015 marks 100 years since the birth of Frank Sinatra. The year will be full of events to commemorate the life and music of one of the Twentieth Century’s biggest stars including exhibitions, concerts and variety of album releases. A very special event will be the publication of SINATRA, a luxurious book curated by Frank Sinatra’s granddaughter, Amanda Erlinger. Amanda has compiled a wealth of rare and unseen images from the family archives for inclusion in the book along with an incredible array of stars to contribute words and imagery. Undoubtedly, SINATRA forms a wonderful, personal memory of Frank Sinatra. This spectacular 400-page book – which comes in luxury clam-shell case – is signed by Nancy Sinatra, Frank Sinatra Jnr., and Tina Sinatra and includes a rare and unpublished signed print of a photograph of Frank Sinatra taken by Nancy Sinatra Snr (see image below, middle of the row). With contributions from an incredible all-star cast including – Nancy Sinatra, Martin Scorsese, George Clooney, Billy Joel, Neil Sedaka, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, and Elvis Costello and featuring the work of photographers – Herbert Gehr, Milton H. Greene, Bob Willoughby, Dezo Hoffmann, Ken Veeder, Ted Allan, John Dominis, Ed Thrasher, John Bryson, and Terry O’Neill. SINATRA includes photos from the Capitol Records and Warner Bros. Records archives, unpublished family photos of the Sinatra family and, most excitingly, many photos taken by Frank Sinatra himself, including several self-portraits. This edition is limited to 1000 copies and published in association with Iconic Images and Frank Sinatra Enterprises. “It is fitting that the voice that defined a century should have a centenary. Francis Albert Sinatra, my father, was born December 12, 1915, in Hoboken New Jersey. He came from humble beginnings and set off from there to live a life that few can imagine. He is the embodiment of the American Dream.” Nancy Sinatra “Just the mention of his name. You can say it like an incantation, and a whole world is right there before you. Sinatra…” Martin Scorsese “He was the epitome of what singing is all about. Beautiful sounds, smooth as silk, effortless, impeccable phrasing, stylish, intelligent, and full of heart.” Barbra Streisand

Tells the very personal story of the man who changed the face of modern cinema

Special-effects superstar Ray Harryhausen elevated stop-motion animation to an art during the 1950s to 1980s. With material drawn from his incredible archive, his daughter, Vanessa, selects 100 creatures and objects, in chronological order, that meant the most to her as she watched her father make world-famous films that changed the course of cinema.

Ray Harryhausen’s work included the Sinbad films of the 50s and 70s, One Million Years B.C. and Mighty Joe Young, as well as a wider portfolio including children’s fairy tales and commercials. He inspired a generation of film-makers such as Peter Jackson, Aardman Animation, Tim Burton, George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, and his influence on blockbuster cinema can be felt to this day. Some of the objects featured in the book, such as Talos from Jason and the Argonauts, are world famous, while others are less well known but hold special personal significance to Vanessa. Many newly restored works that have never previously been seen are included.

This book is published in collaboration with the Ray and Diana Harryhausen Foundation and it will receive a great deal of international publicity. It celebrates the legacy of a filmmaker who changed the face of modern cinema and it is certain to delight and fascinate those who appreciate film, art, science fiction and fantasy.

Shortlisted for Saltire Society Scotland’s National Book Awards, First Book Award 2021. Scotland’s National Book Awards recognise work across Scotland’s literary and publishing community. [The Saltire Society] is delighted to highlight Scotland’s outstanding talent, raise the profile of writers and introduce audiences to exceptional new works.

A Night Full of Stars is an award-winning novel by V.Vinicchayakul, one of Thailand’s most foremost novelists, and the author of over 100 novels, many of which have been adapted for TV and film. Set against the backdrop of the 1932 revolution, this beautiful novel deals with universal themes of love, loyalty, greed, anger, lust and jealousy which, whilst giving a unique insight into Thai way of life, will resonate with readers worldwide.

This sumptuous book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Prix world, featuring rare on-track moments, fashion shows and extravagant parties that make up the glamour and excitement of this elite sport. A stunning collection of over 100 high-quality photographs that capture the flair of Grand Prix racing – from vintage black and white shots to vibrant colour photos of prized cars, legendary drivers and glamorous celebrities.  

High-quality photography captures the essence of a fascinating lifestyle full of beauty and prestige.

Travel to the roots of Italian cuisine. Annette Canini Daems guides you through the country where food is not merely a product, but a whole culture. She guides you on a wonderful road trip through the 20 regions of Italy and introduces the unknown dishes of each place. Every region, every place has its own kitchen, because Italy is so much more than just pasta… Discover the cucina povera and how certain dishes were created out of necessity, but always with taste and passion. Annette tells the captivating stories of very driven people. Each and every one of them cherish their regional cultural heritage and help preserve it. Get started yourself with recipes that were created centuries ago and reflect the pride of a region. This book contains more than 100 authentic dishes. Buon appetito!

James Wilson Morrice: Paintings and Drawings of Venice is the first comprehensive overview of the artist’s images of Venice, Italy. Living in Paris for most of his life, Morrice (1865–1924) was the first Canadian painter to make regular trips to Venice from the mid 1890s to about 1908. This book situates Morrice within the history of Venice and Venetian art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries by looking carefully at his more than 100 modernist paintings and numerous drawings of “La Serenissima.” During his lifetime, Morrice’s Venetian pictures appeared in art exhibitions in Paris, London and other European countries, as well as in Montreal and the United States. Constantly cited in exhibition reviews, Morrice was praised for his modernity, and his Venice works have ensured his fame and importance for years to come.

This book, published to accompany the exhibition of the same title, explores Jean-Paul Riopelle’s interest in northern Canada and his works devoted to this theme. It highlights in particular the wonderful series of paintings he made in the 1970s, including both the works themselves and archival materials that delve into this period when Riopelle was especially energetic. It was a time when he organised a number of trips to the region to fish, hunt, and immerse himself in nature, seeking the communion that was so dear to him.

But it was not just the vegetation in northern Canada that attracted Riopelle; the indigenous peoples he encountered were also a source of great inspiration for him. In combination, these two aspects of the land filled his imagination and molded his intellectual and artistic perspective.

The reader will become acquainted with his less well known and unpublished works, and follow Riopelle’s artistic development as he ranged over the frozen landscapes of the far north and the limitless forests further south, taking stock of the way the natives adapted to their environment. The book emphasises the fact that Riopelle’s oeuvre deliberately kept its distance from works that depicted nature as the defining emblem of the Canadian nation. Rather, the artist was the bearer of a unique personal sensibility that was able to visually evoke that particular territory in a dialogue between reality and imagination.

The more than 100 works included in the book (paintings, sculptures, prints, and mixed-media works) are part of a narrative consisting of four main sections (Canadian Nordicity as Viewed from Paris; The Experience of the North; Borrowing from the North; The North and Art), whose themes are examined in essays contributed by specialists in relevant fields.

This book presents around 100 buildings that were erected between 1917 and 2017, and are already considered to be classics of architectural history. With informative texts accentuated by photos, plans, archive material and, most importantly, facts (planners, construction period, addresses, access), this book is the holistic guide to Stuttgart’s incredible architecture that the world has been waiting for. Featured buildings are by: Theodor Fischer, Martin Elsaesser, Paul Bonatz, Paul Schmitthenner, Rolf Gutbrod, Paul Stohrer, Günther Behnisch, Hans Kammerer, Fritz Leonhardt, Frei Otto, Hans Scharoun, James Stirling, Schlaich und Partner, LRO, UN Studio, Auer und Weber, Atelier 5, Hascher Jehle, Wulf und Partner, and many more.

In The 500 Hidden Secrets of Madrid, Anna-Carin Nordin presents 500 must-know addresses in the Spanish capital, such as the 5 trendiest but affordable restaurants, 5 shops with the coolest sunglasses, 5 places that are decorated by the new generation of Madrid’s designers, 5 buzzing after-work bars or the 5 most curious street names… Madrid has so much to offer, and this guide helps you to choose where to start discovering this beautiful city. It is the perfect book for those who wish to discover the city, but avoid all the usual tourist haunts, as well as for residents who are keen to track down the city’s best-kept secrets.

With the help of 100 artworks, this book guides you through the collection of the Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam. Learn more about Kazimir Malevich’s groundbreaking abstract paintings, the ingeniously knotted chair by Marcel Wanders, nearly kitschy art by Jeff Koons, and Rineke Dijkstra’s intense portraits.

Ten introductory texts impart everything you need to know in 1,000 words about modern art, photography, and design. For instance, why waste and junk can also be art. Or why skillfully appropriated art is better than badly conceived. Or why an unsuspecting visitor may suddenly find themselves part of a work of art. Included with the guide is a sheet of stickers featuring 100 works from the collection. With this guide, every curious visitor can be well prepared for their next encounter with modern art.

“Understanding Jewellery is a love letter to glorious pieces from the last hundred years.” —M. J. Rose, The Adventurine

“An enjoyably scholarly romp through the past and a feast for the eyes for the novice and the consummate jewelry fan and collector.”Beth Bernstein, Forbes

“A must-have coffee table book for jewellery aficionados…”Elisa Vallata, Departures International

“As with stocks, education is the way to begin. There are many excellent books on the jewelry market, but start with Understanding Jewellery, the industry bible by two former Sotheby’s jewelry executives, David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti.”Bloomberg

“Speaking of classic books, one that I recommend to friends who want a readable, educational and beautifully illustrated book about antique and vintage jewelry is Understanding Jewellery, by David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti…” — Instore
Understanding Jewellery
, by authors David Bennett and Daniela Mascetti, is often described as the must-have jewellery book of our time – a ‘Bible’ in the jewellery trade. First published in 1989, it has remained in print ever since, amassing a loyal following of devotees who admire its detailed information and stunning imagery.
In this new work, Bennett and Mascetti have taken the original concept of Understanding Jewellery a stage further. Now, with the benefit of 20 years of hindsight, they have concentrated on the 20th century alone by conducting a detailed survey of each decade, identifying the key players, trends and movements. The book is an encyclopedic history of the various forms, techniques and materials employed by the companies and individuals who defined jewellery in the 20th century.
Most significantly, this book includes a new set of photographs, which make Understanding Jewellery: The Twentieth Century one of the most dazzling, absorbing and varied collections of jewellery images ever assembled in a book. This large format hardback volume is a perfect gift for all lovers of jewellery and the definitive guide for those who desire a deeper understanding of the subject. 

For thousands of years, people have built so-called calendar buildings: buildings that served as sundials for measuring time or were used for astronomical calculations. The most famous examples include the Pyramids of Giza, the Megalithic Temples of Malta, the Solarium Augusti on Rome’s Campus Martius, or the ancient observatories in Korea, Baghdad, Cairo, or Samarkand. The oldest known archaeo-astronomical device dates back to around 6000 BC and was discovered only some 20 years ago at Nabta Playa in Egypt.

The German photographer Hans Pieler (1951-2012) dedicated himself comprehensively to these calendar buildings. In a wide-ranging photographic project spanning 15 years, Pieler travelled the world in the search for such sites, studied them, and recorded many of them in striking photographs. His interest was focused both on the architecture and its particular coding through the respective culture as well as on the theory of photography, the allegorical image of the time.

Due to Pieler’s premature death in 2012, the fascinating project remained unfinished and unpublished. This book now for the first time features a selection of some 100 of the best shots from the artist’s estate. Complemented by illuminating essays, they form a unique photographic study of these architectures and their meaning and purpose as a reflection of time in stone.

Text in English and German.

The 2000s proved a turning point for the skateboard and its relationship to art. Previously restricted to practical use, the skate deck left the pavement to appear on the walls of galleries and auction houses. Such was the advent of an entirely new contemporary art movement, laconically baptised Skate Art. From silk-screening to Posca markers, from repurposing and twisted shapes to upcycling broken boards, this volume provides an overview of the most significant techniques and decks of the last two decades. Artists from the realm of Street Art have long had a close relationship with Skate culture, and figures like Shepard Fairey, D*Face and ROA are among the first to have applied their art to this support. At the other end of the spectrum, Mark Gonzales, Thomas Campbell and Ed Templeton are pure products of the skater world, and it was through their collaborations with brands to produce boards that they acceded to the title of artist. In its 320 pages, this anthology presents a specialised and eclectic selection of decks made by artists from all over the world.

Text in English and French.

The perfect guide for those who want to explore a different, trendy side of Berlin. Photographer Silvie Bonne presents 100 scenic, impressive and ‘Instagrammable’ spots in Berlin. Some are classics but most are hidden gems only locals know about. Every hotspot is accompanied by a fascinating background story, some fun facts, and practical information. The true eyecatchers are of course the original Instagram images, along with some expert tips and trips on how to shoot them.

Also available:
NYC Guide for Instagrammers ISBN 9789460582264

“Sumptuous, extra-large coffee-table book with readily understandable texts.” Bild der Wissenschaft
“This coffee-table book looks like breaking a record. Its two-page photographs demonstrate that the Large Hadron Collider is the mother of all machines. For those who could never be on site, photographer Peter Ginter provides an impressive and aesthetic look into the World Machine.” Physik Journal
“It took fifteen years to complete the 27 kilometres long ‘Large Hadron Collider’ at the European research centre CERN. For the entire fifteen years, photographer Peter Ginter accompanied and documented the construction of the LHC and created breathtaking pictures of the technology and the people dedicated to uncovering the last secrets of particle physics.” Frankfurter Allgemeine
The Large Hadron Collider is the largest particle accelerator in the world, a 27-kilometre ring of superconducting magnets in a tunnel 100 m beneath the Franco-Swiss border at the CERN research laboratory. It was built to answer the most fundamental question of our universe: where do we come from? Peter Ginter, one of the world’s leading photographers, acclaimed author Franzobel and Rolf-Dieter Heuer, Director General of CERN, tackle the subject of this largest and most complex machine ever imagined by man, the ‘World Machine’, a huge underground particle physics experiment, which will offer science insights into the beginnings of our universe. Unique and amazing photographs make the invisible visible. Peter Ginter has documented the making of the LHC over more than 15 years, not only at CERN, but also by visiting locations across the world where significant contributions have been made to the construction of the LHC. The book was published in scientific, editorial and artistic collaboration with CERN and UNESCO. Text in English, German & French.

Chanel Illustrated presents a breathtaking selection of illustrations inspired by the iconic fashion house Chanel. The book is authorised by the brand itself. Chanel Illustrated combines the creative visions of some of the most respected contemporary illustrators, who work for brands like Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Longchamp, Miu Miu, Ferragamo and of course Chanel. The work of Aurore de la Morinerie, Posuka Demizu, Chloe Takahashi, Anna Blachut, Joanna Layla, Cecilia Carlstedt, Mila Gislon and many others showcases the versatility and timeless appeal of Chanel, from the famous tweed jacket to the iconic perfume bottle. 

Chanel Illustrated is the first book in the Illustrated series. It’s a tribute to the heritage of a brand that has transformed the fashion world and continues to inspire, and that invariably appears in the top 5 of best-selling luxury brands. The book is an artwork in itself, blending fashion, art, and history. It’s a true collector’s item, for fans and collectors of the brand, but also for fashion professionals and fashionistas, fellow illustrators, and art enthusiasts.

A Night at the Disco is a celebration of groundbreaking dance music from 1970–’79. An unprecedented collection of photographs of more than 100 artists, illuminating the styles and sounds from a decade that sparked a global phenomenon in music and culture. Exclusive comments from Donna Summer, Barry Gibb, Debbie Harry, Giorgio Moroder, founding members of CHIC, Labelle, The Trammps, Village People, Earth, Wind & Fire, and dozens more artists, songwriters and producers, offering fascinating insights that tell the stories behind the beats. From underground New York clubs to discothèques across the globe, A Night at the Disco illustrates how artists spanning soul, pop, disco, funk, jazz and rock defined nightlife during the 1970s and influenced popular music to the present day.

With a foreword by Verdine White of Earth, Wind & Fire, this is a real treat for music, dance and disco fans everywhere.

Pretiosa Vitrea, whose title is inspired by the Latin definition of glass given by Gaius Petronius in the Satyricon written in the late first century AD, emphasises the heritage of glass manufacturing through the showcase of artefacts nowadays preserved in the state museums of Tuscany and in important private collections within the region. The quality of these 100 findings is comparable in excellence to the artefacts that can be found in the most renowned international museums. The book brings together such relevant archaeological findings of Roman glass manufacturing in Tuscany, as the glass cameo from Torrita di Siena or the chrysography of Arezzo. Alongside these exclusive glass products, a wide variety of findings will be showcased to illustrate the evolution of mass-production techniques, from the use of moulds to the discovery of the glass-blowing technique in the middle of the first century BC, which soon demonstrated clear advantages compared to the traditional ceramic production in terms of lower cost and preserving unchanged the taste of contained food and liquids.

Text in English and Italian.

Eclectic, eccentric and tirelessly innovative, art crafted from cut paper has experienced an exciting renaissance in recent years. Published to accompany a travelling exhibit organised by the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, Slash: Paper Under the Knife examines the resurgence of traditional handicraft materials and techniques in contemporary art and design. Highlighting the work of forty-five international artists, among them Olafur Eliasson, Tom Friedman, William Kentridge, and Kara Walker, the book features not only cut but also burned, torn, laser-cut, shredded and sculpted paper art. In addition, the book includes cut-paper animation, as well as cut paper incorporated in photography and fashion. Works range from small-scale intricate cuttings to large-scale architectural inventions and sculptures. With an essay by well-known decorative arts expert David Revere McFadden, this singular book reveals that, with ingenuity and craftsmanship, one of our most familiar implements can be transformed into unforgettable works of art.