The Sick Child, painted in 1885-86, is one of the most well-known, frequently discussed and highly analyzed single works in Edvard Munch’s oeuvre. The painting was shown for the first time in 1886 at the third National Art Exhibition, also known as the Annual Autumn Exhibition, under the title Study. The exhibition took place at the National Gallery, and later the work acquired a central position within the museum’s collection. Øystein Ustvedt’s essay in the catalogue provides a thorough introduction to the picture and its history, highlighting its creation, the motif, its reception, its provenance and later versions. Trond E. Aslakby’s article is based on comprehensive technical examinations of the National Museum’s version of the painting, focusing on technique and treatment.

Text in English and Norwegian.

While connoisseurship of natural stones is today well established in the West, books on viewing stones still predominantly feature East Asian examples. This is the first to present the finest North American viewing stones from private and institutional collections, selected by a panel of experts from over 275 professional photographs submitted by over 50 individuals and institutions. Each stone confronts us with the beauty and diversity of the natural world, and each has an uncanny ability to elicit an emotional response in the viewer. Included are introductory essays on Native American stone appreciation and a brief history of stone collecting on the continent.

The project was conceived and developed by Dr. Thomas S. Elias, former Director of the U.S. National Arboretum, Chairman of the Viewing Stone Association of North America, and Honorary Vice-Chairman of the Viewing Stone Association of China.

Buried in deep valleys, there are citadels of ochre earth. Near the sea there are white chalked casbahs and vast tranquil palm-gardens and deserts of coloured sands run into soot black mountains. Pungent and bustling souks offer spices and potions to ward off malevolent spirits. Slender arched doorways open out into darkened alleys. Scented mint tea is served in pattern-draped tents. The sky is as clear as ever over the Sahara. This is the Moroccan South – a legendary land, sumptuous and austere. This series presents a fascinating chronology of the spread of Islamic art in the form of 12 Exhibition Trails in 11 countries. The programme is based on the unique idea of visitors viewing exhibitions without the works of art being transported- discovering artefacts in their natural environments and within their cultural and historical context. Each trail is presented and written by experts who live in the specified areas and are accompanied by beautiful illustrations.

Text in French.



Also AvailableParis Plaisir ISBN:9782867701139 £55.00Lebanon: The Phoenician Pearl ISBN:9782867701443 £55.00

Robert Helman is one of the 20th century’s major artists. Based in Montparnasse from 1946, he shared in the adventure of the New School of Paris without allowing himself to be trapped by any pictorial trend. Painted with bold gestures and a bright palette, his Suns, Genesis, Roots, Germinations, Trees and High Glides have produced a vast personal cosmogony. Robert Helman has thus managed to communicate his vital energy through powerful and lyrical work, by expressing, in harmony with Nature, the intimate link between his inner personal vision and his artistic achievement. Contents:
Robert Helman’s work in the XXth century Robert Helman’s universe and discoveries Robert Helman’s life Genesis Vegetation and Forests High Glides List of reproductions

In the twenty years since the death of the artist and aesthetic heretic James Lee Byars, episodes from his life have taken on the aura of urban legend. Born in Detroit in 1932, he spent much of his adult life outside the United States and died in Cairo, Egypt in 1997. No country, however, influenced his development as an artist more profoundly than Japan, where he lived for most of the decade from 1958 to 1967. While there he immersed himself in Zen Buddhism, Shinto, Noh, the tea ceremony, calligraphy, and numerous other elements of Japanese aesthetic tradition. Yet virtually none of the literature written about Byars discusses that period of his life in depth, and it remains largely unknown to art critics and historians today.

This book is the first thorough examination of Byars’s days in Japan, the evolution of his art there, and the experiences and relationships that shaped it as well as of his final days and death in Egypt. Written by an art historian who has spent fifteen years researching Byars’s life and work, this is a seminal volume that satisfyingly elucidates the link between his art and Japanese culture.

Photographer Jasper Léonard previously resized Antwerp and New York and now points his special tilt-shift lenses towards Amsterdam. Amsterdam Resized shows you the city like you’ve never seen it before: the famous canals of Amsterdam have been reduced to mere trickles with mini-sized bridges; the joggers in the Vondelpark now resemble Playmobil puppets, and the Stedelijk Museum now looks more like a bath tub. A new book in the Resized series, which has been a huge success in the US with articles in, among others, USA Today and the New York Post. International press has heaped praise on the Resized series: “The book is an intimate and magical token of admiration.” – The Sydney Morning Herald Also available: Antwerp Resized ISBN: 9789401432702 Belgium Resized ISBN: 9789401434614 New York Resized ISBN: 9789401443395

Text in English and Dutch.

With the recent recognition of Chandigarh’s Capitol Complex as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the spotlight on its creator, Le Corbusier considered the 20th century’s greatest architect-planner attains a more illustrious glow. Against this backdrop, Le Corbusier Rediscovered: Chandigarh and Beyond weaves together an anthology of inspired essays by eminent, global experts on Corbusier’s life, ideas and work, both in Chandigarh and at other places. The diverse yet interlinked themes forming a composite compendium, rediscover the timelessness of Corbusier’s architecture and revisit his impact in India and the world over. Current issues like conservation of Chandigarh’s architectural heritage, future strategies for its growth and the Smart City model for Indian urbanization are also addressed. The book is imbued with a patina of historicity imparted by the inclusion of some rare archival images and texts. With focussed essays by international experts like B.V. Doshi, William J.R. Curtis, Raj Rewal, Rahul Mehrotra, Jacques Sbriglio, Michel Richard, Alfredo Brillembourg, S.D. Sharma, Jagan Shah, Rajnish Wattas and Sumit Kaur on thematically linked topics this richly illustrated book – with nearly 250 images – constitutes a seminal new publication. It rediscovers Le Corbusier and his crowning glory Chandigarh, viewed afresh in a new light.

This book is a fascinating study of the cultural history of Thanjavur – starting from its early days of grandeur during the Chola Empire when the Chola ruler Raja Raja I built the Rajarajeswaram temple, now known as the Brihadeeswara temple, which celebrated its 1000th year of consecration in 2010. It weaves together known and unknown histories of the various rulers – the Cholas, the Nayaks, the Marathas and the British – and of the Big Temple into a rich tapestry of cultural heritage that is Thanjavur. The historical stories presented in Thanjavur reveal to the reader the treasure house of the Sarasvati Mahal Library and lead them into the narrow lanes, or sandhus, where the painters who created the now famous Thanjavur style lived beside bangle-sellers, textile merchants, perfumers and the devadasis. The reader is invited on a long trip along the fertile river bank of Kaveri where Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam as we know them today were created and flourished. The temples, the palaces, the bronzes, the paintings, the frescoes, the cuisine, the weapons of war and ivory dolls, the kalamkaris, and literary genres are all brushstrokes that make up this colorful painting, which tells the story of the city of Thanjavur. Contents:
Foreword Of Granaries and Palaces: A short history of Thanjavur’s rulers The Sacred and the Secular: An unbroken tradition of painting in Thanjavur Manuscripts and Melodies: Thanjavur as the cradle for Carnatic music Rituals as Rhythms: Dance and drama in Thanjavur Zest for the Good Life: Crafts in Thanjavur Thanjan’s Wish: Thanjavur today and tomorrow Photographers of Thanjavur in the 19th Century Appendix 1: Treasures of the Sarasvati Mahal Library Appendix 2: A selected list of streets in the Thanjavur fort area (Municipal Wards 3-4) Appendix 3: Maps of the Thanjavur district and Thanjavur fort Appendix 4: Family trees of the kings of Thanjavur Bibliography and Suggested Readings Glossary A Word of Thanks Index

The Book of Tea (1906) by Okakura Kakuzō has long become a classic. Its title notwithstanding, the book is not a manual on tea. Rather it is an essay, better a hymn, to culture, aesthetics and the spirit of tea as a symbol, a paradigm, of the Asian soul. It was created by a passionate Japanese scholar whose life was devoted to renew and spread the values of the East in the same moment in which his own country seemed to deny them in order to embrace Western culture. This new edition has an important apparatus of over 200 notes to explain the contents of the book and supply all the information needed to understand it fully (concepts of Eastern philosophy, history, geography, biographical information), something that so far has never been done. It also contains an important essay by Giancarlo Calza on Okakura and his role to foster intercultural understanding and the development of spirituality through the aesthetics and practice of the tea ceremony as a style of life. Contents: The Cup of Humanity; The Schools of Tea; Taoism and Zennism; The Tea-room; Art Appreciation; Flowers; Tea-masters; Okakura: A Life in Style by Giancarlo Calza

This stunning book documents a collection of 66 extraordinary pieces of petrified wood, mainly from Western United States (Arizona, Oregon, Washington). Specially photographed they are shown in their entirety and in magnificent details.

Petrified wood is formed from fallen trees that in the absence of oxygen and microbes, and with water containing minerals, through a replacement process called permineralization, slowly transform into visually spectacular fossils. But Nature often uses a paintbrush in its preservation magic, splashing the wooden canvas with an array of colors and hues before fixing it in a matrix of hard durable quartz, thereby creating splendid works of art. Petrified wood has been found throughout the world, but actual petrified forests are truly noteworthy in the United States, the most famous being the Chinle Formation forest of Arizona.

From cars made of carrot to tea-smuggling spies; Popeye’s spinach to the hallucinogenic effects of lettuce, renowned garden expert Chris Beardshaw takes us on a journey though history’s most fascinating plants, flowers, vegetables and herbs: the ones that changed the world, the ones that almost did, and the ones that certainly didn’t! Ranging from Roman times to present day and even covering future plant-inventions, 100 Plants that (almost) changed the World is a fascinating compendium of stories about the plants and vegetables we see, nurture and consume every day. If you have ever wondered why carrots are supposed to help you see in the dark or why we hang fairy lights and decorations on our Christmas trees then this is the book for you a fun and quirky new volume that offers unique exploration of our planets most fascinating plants.

Bloom: The Luminous Gardens of Frederico Azevedo presents the accomplished work of Frederico Azevedo – the Brazilian landscape designer who has established himself as the leading gardener of the Hamptons. With stunning projects all over Long Island, Azevedo’s work carries an emphasis on flowers which he uses to ‘lure the eye through the flow of the design’. His signature curving, floral borders are the hallmark of an Azevedo garden. He also often creates multi-dimensional vistas using layers of flowers, trees, grasses, shrubs, and hedges for a dramatic effect. The results of his impeccable designs are soft and romantic, but always sophisticated, well executed, and most importantly, adaptable to whatever its environment may bring. Discover the luminous world of Frederico Azevedo and his dazzling gardens.  Contents: Introduction; Casa Meu; Vista; Bloom; Green; Border; Tree; Stone; Water; More.

The area centred around the Grand Palace bordered by the Chao Phraya river on the west and Khlong Khu Muang Doem on the east is undoubtedly Bangkok’s cultural centre. Known as Rattanakosin Island, it is home to most of the city’s most important temples – Wat Pho, Wat Rajabhopit, and Wat Mahathat, to mention just a few – as well as Museum Siam and the recently renovated National Museum. To the south of this iconic area is the famous flower market, while to the north is the tourist mecca of Khao San Road.

Exploring Old Bangkok takes the visitor around all the most important sights as well as explaining the meaning of lesser-known landmarks such as the Pig memorial or the Monument to the Expeditionary Force. The guide also includes iconic sights on the west bank of the river such as Wat Arun and the royal barge museum. With the opening of the magnificent metro station, Sanam Chai, access to this center of culture and Thai art has never been easier. Alternatively, visitors can reach the area via the ever-popular tourist boats and maybe take a khlong trip from Tha Chang.

Exploring Old Bangkok also features two fascinating walks and a pull-out map with suggestions of where to stay and where to eat.

Architectural plans generally are beset by problems as the project develops. A prospective architect needs to learn how to critically assess and problem-solve any design issues. And to every problem there is a solution, using the ‘Fifteen Principles’ for solving design problems efficiently.

With nearly 20 projects from well-known architects, this book provides an unmissable opportunity to learn from the experts. Famous architects walk through the design process, with full-color photographs, drawings and sketches of ideas. Each architect examines design problems encountered during the project, and offers examples of critical thinking that resulted in practical solutions. This book will form a valuable reference for architects and students.

New Orleans, like Venice, is built in a location that at first sight seems curious in the extreme. How could it be that these cities, built so precariously in the face of a watery threat, were to become among the great cities of the world? How could a site below sea level, at a swampy curve in the River Mississippi become one of the most visited cities in the United States, and possess a unique kind of magic that separates it from other cities?

Geoffrey H. Baker’s gem of an architectural guide answers these burning questions. Inside these richly illustrated pages he explains how the urban design works for this city’s plight, which is frequently handicapped by nature’s capacity to destroy in the form of hurricanes. Timothy’s beautiful photography showcases the unique topography and architectural fabric of New Orleans, and Geoffrey’s insight illuminates the city’s inimitable spirit that’s born of its constant battle for survival.

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.

Switzerland is well-known for its host of remarkable collections of 18th century European porcelain. Exemplary representatives include renowned collectors such as Dr Albert Kocher and Dr Marcel Nyffeler. A number of these magnificent collections can be found today – as a result of endowments or gifts – in Switzerland’s renowned institutions. Today, the ‘white gold’ from Saxony still fascinates Swiss connoisseurs: this publication is dedicated to their passion for collecting and for exceptional treasures, and is enriched with articles by renowned art historians and porcelain experts. An impressive overview of the gems from the most sumptuous Meissen porcelain of the early period.

Color photographs of Italian provincial towns and landscapes taken at the beginning of the 1980s that were included in Viaggio in Italy, curated by Luigi Ghirri, in 1984. It presents a completely new picture of the ‘Bel Paese’ beyond any folkloristic clichés.

Text in English and Italian.

This issue focuses on the Belgian practice, architecten de vylder vinck taillieu, based in Ghent. Curated by guest editors, Seng Kuan and Angela Pang, it introduces 17 of their mostly recent works. Rather than providing objectives or primary information, a unique characteristic of the practice is that they prefer to emphasize the stories that connect people and things to buildings.

Correspondingly, this issue is relatively sparing with data on scale and orientation, in favor of texts for each project that tell stories with futures. Their work, which can sometimes seem kitsch or surrealistic, is supported by their unique and surprisingly energetic approach, one that gives us the courage to continue trying something different.

Text in English and Japanese.

The green architecture movement is a worldwide phenomenon that addresses sustainability and a parallel awareness of how the built world is enriched by nature. This lavishly illustrated book presents the most beautiful and innovative buildings from around the world and explores how they incorporate plants and architecture in both interior design and construction. With inspiring projects and practical tips for both the professional and the enthusiast, the author explores the best of what’s green in houses large and small, apartment buildings, and offices.

There’s more to the South of France than sun, beaches, palm trees and the azure blue sea. For over a hundred years, it has been the favorite destination of many artists, who find themselves drawn to the superb light and the pleasant climate. The South of France for Art Lovers will show you what the area between Collioure and Menton has to offer in terms of surprising and remarkable art and cultural treasures. Journalist and art connoisseur Eric Rinckhout (Knack Magazine a.o.) selected more than 350 exceptional places: from the chapel decorated by Louise Bourgeois to the studio of Matisse and the apartment of Nabokov, from Eileen Gray’s modernist Villa E-1027 to architect Frank Gehry’s most recent design, from the oldest cinema in the world to street art in Marseille. Discover the best and most unique spots in inspiring lists such as contemporary sculpture gardens on wine estates, in the footsteps of painters and writers, chansonniers and rock stars, sleeping inside art, gardens that are artistic gems and much more.