H.I.H. Prince Takamado always left people with the impression of someone who is deeply engaged in and devoted to promoting the spirit of goodwill. I shall miss him greatly.’ – Yo-Yo Ma
First cousin to the current Emperor of Japan, H.I.H. Prince Norihito Takamado was a many-faceted man, a sportsman, educator, amateur naturalist, and a lover of the arts in all forms. Most importantly, he was a truly warm, wise, and witty human being, who was loved by all who knew him. In this volume of reminiscences, Stephen Comee draws upon memories of his friendship with The Prince to present his many sides and many accomplishments, revealing the real person behind the official persona. The prince’s interest in and knowledge of the arts is attested to through excerpts from his own essays and speeches and from interviews with great artists from operatic soprano Dame Kiri Te Kanawa to Kabuki superstar Ennosuke Ichikawa III to American musician-environmentalist Paul Winter. Readers of this intimate portrait will learn more about Japan and its people through learning about one of that nation’s greatest modern advocates of international cultural exchange, environmental protection, and world peace.

Rajshree Sarabhai sees things around us in a way that makes us look at the world through her eyes. For her, being in nature with her camera is a form of meditation and, in that, she can lose herself and all sense of time. She captures details in what are common plants, details that bring out the magical beauty of nature which many of us miss. She captures those moments and colours we overlook and through her photographs shares them with us. These unusual photographs are all taken in natural surroundings and in gardens, capturing plants as they are.

A strong visual identity is hard to miss, instantly catching the eye. In children’s spaces, it is best tailored with their unique outlook in mind as children perceive the world around them differently from the rest of us, responding to specific sets of details.

Design and Visual Identity for Children’s Spaces shares a variety of contemporary creative designs for children’s spaces all over the world; they combine children-friendly visual elements with smart space design to tailor comfortable and conducive environments where they can learn, have fun, flourish, and be themselves.

Over 35 projects that focus on educational institutions, enrichment centers, recreational clubs, play zones, concept stores, and children’s hospitals, among others, share concepts that transform spaces to make them more relatable for children through thoughtfully considered visual identity and interior layouts that resonate specifically with them. Designers dig deep, even consult with children, to create designs that call out to them in fun, inspiring spaces that unleash imaginations, while they foster a sense of connection and belonging.

Discover the rationales and inspirations behind these concepts, which also unify aspects of the business with a cohesive brand identity to promote the desired brand impressions and top-of-the-mind consumer recall. Through the projects in these pages, the reader is offered a host of thoughtful and creative solutions in designing children’s spaces, making this book a handy tool for anyone in the business of managing children’s spaces, or keen on designing children’s spaces.

Anthologin is the product of a fortuitous encounter that brought together Samuele Ambrosi, an internationally renowned, multi-award-winning barman with a stellar résumé, Maurizio Maestrelli, esteemed journalist and author of several books on beer and spirits, and Serena Conti, fine illustrator and designer whose collaborations have extended far beyond Italy’s borders. It tells the fascinating story of gin, that most popular of spirits whose long, seductive history transcends aromas and flavor, technical traits and production systems. It’s a story brimming with fascinating anecdotes on gin’s origins and evolution, political and economic influences, and episodes involving famous figures. And it is this “behind the scenes” knowledge that renders every sip of gin so special, realizations that help us better appreciate the rebirth of mixology and the revived interest in gin. Today you hold the definitive gin guide in your hands.  

“An entrancing companion for wine lovers. Celebratory, discerning writing with all the variety and unexpectedness of the wines explored.”  — Michèle Roberts, author and Emeritus Professor of Creative Writing at the University of East Anglia
“This book is about feeling, tasting and describing the beauty of wine, as well as understanding the intensity of emotion that wine can engender.” — Decanter Magazine

“So precise and dancing, so chiselled and so free, as complex and delicious as your favourite bottle of wine, you will enjoy the world of wine differently after reading through Jefford’s words.” — Pascaline Lepeltier on Instagram
“A new sort of literary gumption arrived on the scene with Andrew Jefford; a powerful blend of science and poetry. Here is a writer who does his interviews, delves deep into motives and methods, and then lets fly with whatever imagery he finds winging by.” Hugh Johnson (2019)

Poet, philosopher, author, radio presenter and journalist, Andrew Jefford lives in France; but buried deep in one wine country what does he miss most about the rest? The answer: “Drinking young port. It’s the wine drinker’s equivalent of zorbing, wing-walking, base-jumping … you won’t fully understand it unless you have tasted it young, in its ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ stage, when it comes hurtling out of the glass and puts the screamers on you…”

Andrew is the ideal companion for anyone wine-curious. In this collection of his essays, opinions and articles he shares his fascinating observations from half a century of discovery. For Andrew, wine should be listened to and admired, wherever it comes from; old-school pretentions turned on their head; style-points disdained; stellar prices dismissed; questions asked…

Experience the sights and sounds of the City of Lights like a true native with this expanded edition Bill Gillham has been visiting Paris for decades. For him, the pleasure is not in revisiting the tourist sights, but rather in immersing himself in a particular quartier, discovering little shops and bistros, exploring markets, parks, and local entertainment, and finding the quirks and particularities of the city’s day-to-day life. In this unique guidebook, Bill takes travelers to 21 of his favorite areas in Paris–some central, some suburban, all off the beaten track. Neglected or completely ignored by ordinary guide books, each of these locales has a purely individual, Parisian character and make superb bases for traditional sightseeing, and in particular an ideal way of seeing Paris with children. All the information about where to stay; how to get about; where to shop and eat; which museums, parks, playgrounds to not miss; and what to avoid is provided along with lush photographs that give a hint of the pleasures to be gleaned. All the information has been meticulously updated, and many sections have been enlarged and improved.

“A new sort of literary gumption arrived on the scene with Andrew Jefford; a powerful blend of science and poetry. Here is a writer who does his interviews, delves deep into motives and methods, and then lets fly with whatever imagery he finds winging by.” Hugh Johnson (2019)

Poet, philosopher, author, radio presenter and journalist, Andrew Jefford lives in France; but buried deep in one wine country what does he miss most about the rest? The answer: “Drinking young port. It’s the wine drinker’s equivalent of zorbing, wing-walking, base-jumping … you won’t fully understand it unless you have tasted it young, in its ‘Ride of the Valkyries’ stage, when it comes hurtling out of the glass and puts the screamers on you…”

Andrew is the ideal companion for anyone wine-curious. In this collection of his essays, opinions and articles he shares his fascinating observations from half a century of discovery. For Andrew, wine should be listened to and admired, wherever it comes from; old-school pretensions turned on their head; style-points disdained; stellar prices dismissed; questions asked…

Life is always winking at us, calling our attention to the beauty hidden in plain sight. And yet, we often miss what’s right in front of our noses, either lost in thought or tethered to never-ending to-do lists. This is a handbook for anyone who feels some of the shine has worn off their daily life and wants to reconnect with the beauty hidden in plain sight. In this exquisite collection of photographs, poems and creative invitations, we are reminded that we don’t need to wait for miracles to be astonished. Wonder is a state of mind, available to us every day of our lives.

“The book is a tribute to a unique, taste-forming textile art that has lost none of its appeal to this day. ” — Preetorius Foundation 

“If Chintz seems rather too ‘Miss Marple-y’ or old hat, this magnificently produced book, CHINTZ: Indian cotton textiles from the Karun Thakar collection, is set to change your mind, and your decor.” — Embroidery Magazine

Chintz explores the historic importance of Indian printed and painted cotton textiles, drawing on the Karun Thakar Collection. Assembled over thirty years, the collection comprises over two hundred examples, many of which have featured in significant museum exhibitions. With contributions from leading scholars and curators, including from the Victoria and Albert Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this book examines the historical significance of Indian printed cottons and their influence on global trade from the 14th century onward, and includes examples found in Sri Lanka, Japan and throughout Europe. The book provides insights into the artistry of Indian designers and the enduring legacy of this textile tradition, making it a valuable resource for those with an interest in art history, textile design and global cultural exchange.

Dive into the bustling city of Copenhagen.

With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re seeking a great meal, an inspiring hotel stay, a perfect cup of coffee, or an unexpected art experience. The New Mags City Guide offers an updated selection of the best hotels, restaurants, bar, coffee shops, retail concepts, and cultural landmarks.

Copenhagen is the quintessence of cool, where history meets modern lifestyle. You’ll never run out of things to do, and you’ll most likely leave the city full of impressions, yet still feel a bit unfulfilled. But that’s Copenhagen where FOMO isn’t just a feeling, it’s practically a chronic condition.

Dive into the bustling city of Stockholm.

With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re seeking a great meal an inspiring hotel stay, a perfect cup of coffee, or an unexpected art experience. The New Mags City Guide offers an updated, handpicked selection of the best hotels, restaurants, bar, coffee shops, retail concepts, and cultural landmarks.

Surrounded by 30,000 islands that form the archipelago, Stockholm is undeniably attractive but can be a little hard to get—in the best possible way. Take your time exploring the city, get under its skin, let it unfold, and you’ll be richly rewarded. With this guide in hand, Stockholm won’t let you down.

Dive into the enchanting city of Paris. With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re seeking a memorable meal, a stylish hotel stay, the perfect croissant, or an unexpected encounter with art. The New Mags City Guide offers a curated selection of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, retail concepts, and cultural landmarks. Paris is the epitome of elegance, where timeless charm meets cutting-edge creativity. You’ll never run out of things to see, taste, and experience—and yet you’ll likely leave craving more. Because that’s Paris: a city where FOMO isn’t just real, it’s part of the magic.

With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re chasing a great meal, a bold new art experience, a design-driven hotel, or a late-night bar that never seems to close. The guide features a curated selection of the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks — all reflecting Berlin’s raw energy and constant reinvention.

Berlin is a city like no other — layered with history, shaped by creativity, and driven by freedom. From underground galleries to Michelin-starred kitchens, every corner hums with possibility. You’ll leave inspired, maybe a little restless, and already planning your return. Because in Berlin, the story is never finished — it’s always being rewritten.

With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re searching for a world-class restaurant, a hidden cocktail bar, an unforgettable hotel stay, or an inspiring gallery visit. The guide offers a curated selection of the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, shops, and cultural landmarks — all carefully chosen to reflect the city’s ever-evolving spirit.

London is a city of contrasts — where history and modernity coexist in perfect tension. From centuries-old pubs to avant-garde design studios, every street tells a story. You’ll leave filled with impressions, ideas, and the sense that there’s still so much more to discover. Because in London, curiosity isn’t just rewarded — it’s required.

With the New Mags City Guide, you can make the most of your time, whether you’re searching for a refined meal, a hidden design gem, an inspiring hotel, or the perfect espresso between fashion shows. The guide presents a carefully curated selection of the best hotels, restaurants, cafés, boutiques, galleries, and cultural landmarks — all reflecting Milan’s effortless sophistication.

Milan is Italy’s beating creative heart — where fashion, architecture, and gastronomy meet in perfect harmony. From historic palazzos to contemporary design studios, every street exudes style and intention. You’ll leave inspired, a little dazzled, and perhaps just a touch envious. Because in Milan, beauty isn’t a luxury — it’s a way of life.

Jeffrey Sun traveled the world collecting nearly 7,000 hats and hat-related pieces. Amassing these beautiful creations made him realize that collecting is not just about preserving the past, but about collecting designs from the present for the future. It is this belief that led Sun to curate the 101 creations in this book, celebrating top headwear designers from around the world. The result is a celebration of the art and craft of millinery through one man’s passion for hats, his dedication to collecting, and his vision for connecting headwear designers across cultures and continents.

“When one is tired of London, one is tired of life.” – Samuel Johnson London has long been a center of the literary world. From Shakespeare to Amis, Byron to Blake, Plath, Thomas, Christie and Rowling; many of the greatest names in literature have made this metropolis their home. Writers’ London guides the reader through homes, bookshops, pubs and cemeteries, in search of where literary greats loved and lost, drank and died. Discover the Islington building where Joe Orton was murdered by his lover, the Soho pub where Dylan Thomas left his manuscript, the Chelsea hotel where Oscar Wilde was arrested, and the Bank of England where Kenneth Graham was shot at (and missed) three times. Gathering hundreds of famous and less-well-known anecdotes, this meticulously researched volume will entertain any lover of literature. Also in the series: Vinyl London ISBN 9781788840156 Rock ‘n’ Roll London ISBN 9781788840163 Art London ISBN 9781788840385 London Peculiars ISBN 9781851499182

How does one view the cumulative work of one’s life? For Gautam Bhatia, this publication is not merely a record of his personal or professional legacy, but rather it is a profound examination of his life in architecture.

According to the author, architecture is, by its very nature, a practice of contradictions. It operates under influences from sociology, design, engineering, landscape, anthropology, urbanism and civic practice in order to impose its will on the nature of space. This publication brings together several of the author’s built works, from commercial and residential buildings to large public spaces, from places of leisure to places of worship. Together with detailed essays, drawings and photographs, the author lays out his philosophy of design to illustrate how architecture became not just a conquest of the imagination, but also of reality.

To physically will a building onto a site is an act of design, but to set it free onto a course of transformation is an act of architecture – into a realm beyond the present, where the space is not just made, but lives and dies. The author demonstrates how his practice became not just a tool for solving problems, but also a mode of personal expression, making this volume an invaluable resource for students and practitioners of architecture alike.

This richly illustrated publication explores the work of contemporary artist Nathan Coley. It offers a detailed look at three of his most significant sculptural works: The Lamp of Sacrifice, 286 Places of Worship, Edinburgh 2004, 2004; Paul, 2015; and Tate Modern on Fire, 2017, which is reproduced and discussed here for the first time. In a newly commissioned text, award-winning novelist, screenwriter and director Ewan Morrison focuses on these three sculptures to explore the complexity and ambiguity of Coley’s artistic practice. Morrison brings into play different narrative forms and voices to draw attention to the realms of history, art history and politics that Coley’s work inhabits, as well as the deeply personal responses that Coley’s work can generate.

At the pinnacle of French power in India, Pondicherry sparked the imagination of those back home. Pondicherry was the French window on Indian culture, proudly seen as the Gallic Gateway of India.

For over three centuries this gateway witnessed the busy trade of spices, beautiful textiles, woven cloth and later peanuts in return for a steady flow of gold, silver, weapons, merchants, priests, soldiers and adventurers. Later, as the English tightened their noose around Pondicherry, the beleaguered French were caught up in their own fateful and impossible attempt to combine colonial and republican principles. History was played out street by street in old Pondicherry and the wealth of these experiences have left an indelible mark on the unique cosmopolitan city that is Pondicherry today.

The purpose of this book is to present a brief, illustrated history of these places that once were French.

This essential travel guide to Southern India’s varied heritage covers all the major Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and European historical monuments and sites in Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala. There are amazing descriptions of forts and palaces, temple architecture, sculpture and painting, mosques and tombs, churches and civic buildings. Plan trips by using the travel-friendly itineraries, accompanied by useful location maps. This essential travel guide contains comprehensive coverage of the region’s cities and monuments, museums, and archaeological sites. It includes all the major sites the great port cities of Mumbai, Chennai and Kochi; the citadels of Golconda, Vijaynagara and Gingee; the rock-cut sanctuaries at Ajanta and Ellora; the temples at Badami, Halebid and Thanjuvar; the mosques of Hyderabad and Bijapur; and the cathedrals at Goa and hundreds of less well-known places.

Faith Flowers is a guide to arranging flowers in places of worship. The book starts with the fundamentals of flower arranging and works up to advanced designs for festivals. Step-by-step instructions and photographs clearly show how to create many different arrangements. Flower recipes are included describing what is needed for each design. Lots of inspiration for new ideas and colour combinations. Flower designs are provided for regular services, weddings, funerals, Christmas, Easter and much more. Learn how to create a volunteer group to provide flowers for your worship services. Author Laura Larocci shares her knowledge from 16 years as Flower Guild Chair of one of the largest cathedrals in the country. Over the years she has organized, led and taught hundreds of volunteers at the cathedral and churches across the US. She shares the triumphs and struggles of creating beautiful flowers within budget and volunteer flower guilds. The book has good reference guides with photos of flower varieties, greenery and materials needed, sample ordering forms, budgets and tips for saving money. Sources for flowers and materials are also discussed.

Luis Bustamante has a refined and very sophisticated style, and has been working for over thirty years. This book shows his latest projects from the last five years, in places such as London, Miami, Madrid, Aspen, Cantabria, Marbella, Mexico City, Barcelona, The Hamptons and St Moritz, among others. His passion for art has developed a style that fits perfectly with art collectors around the world.

Luis Bustamante’s fundamental concern has always been to generate relationships. Not only are the spaces he designs intended to achieve this but he himself aspires to it with his clients. Bustamante understands design in the best posible way: as an extraordinary living art.