NEW from ACC Art Books – Limited Edition: Sukita: EternityClick here to order

Bouke de Vries, based in London, gets the viewer thinking with his extraordinary artworks of broken porcelain and discarded shards. He creates extraordinary works of art from broken porcelain and pottery and discarded shards. With these he makes the viewer think about what beauty and perfection are. This combination of craftsmanship and creativity makes his art both visually impressive and conceptually stimulating. De Vries’ museum work is included in many leading international collections and he is represented by leading international galleries. This book presents an overview of the highlights of his career, in which he plays with the theme of decay and recovery. In his still lifes, relics and large installations, Bouke de Vries respects the history of objects, but adds humor and depth. The observant viewer experiences how the life of an object through the ages changes its owner, context and meaning. Several international art critics wrote a contribution for this book.

Text in English and Dutch.

Now in its 35th edition, the Guía Peñín is the ultimate guide to Spanish wine. Each year our team of tasters travel to every wine-growing area of Spain to taste and review new varieties, labels and vintages. This year’s edition of the guide covers around 9,800 new wines. Whatever your budget, the Guía Peñín is the essential guide for those who want to discover the best of Spanish wine.  

Text in German.

Now in its 35th edition, the Guía Peñín is the ultimate guide to Spanish wine. Each year our team of tasters travel to every wine-growing area of Spain to taste and review new varieties, labels and vintages. This year’s edition of the guide covers around 9,800 new wines. Whatever your budget, the Guía Peñín is the essential guide for those who want to discover the best of Spanish wine.  

Text in Spanish.

‘Sofreh’ is Persian for ‘spread’ – referring to the colorful arrangements of flowers, condiments and objects of spiritual or cultural importance that are displayed at Persian ceremonies. As the title promises, this book is a visual feast. Flush with lavish historical illustrations and contemporary photography, it documents Persian marriage and New Year celebrations in rich detail. Sofreh pays homage to ancient traditions, discussing the symbiosis of symbolism and culture. Despite their ancestral roots, the featured ceremonies are infused with life and creativity. Modern fabrics are welcomed alongside refined antique textiles, creative floral designs, unconventional pieces of furniture, and unexpected objects. References to Persian poetry, literature, art and folklore stimulate the imagination, and the text is illuminated with exquisitely detailed extracts from old manuscripts, antique woven textiles and embroideries. Each volume centres around a series of original and at times highly elaborate sofreh creations. Together they comprise an extensive project, involving research into Persian ceremonies and sofreh history by an eminent scholar, and the design and creation of stunning compositions. Book One is about the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which is celebrated on the first day of Spring. Book Two explores Persian marriage and wedding customs, and the elaborate settings for marriage ceremonies (Aqd). These two lavishly illustrated volumes, which make an enduring gift, are devoted to showcasing sofreh compositions in all of their glory. Never before have the splendour and beauty of the sofreh been presented in such an intricate and novel fashion.

Iain R Webb’s Postcards from the Edge of the Catwalk is a personal photographic portfolio spanning three decades that documents the glittering brouhaha surrounding the ready-to-wear and haute couture fashion collections in New York, London, Milan and Paris. The photographs, snapped by the award-winning fashion journalist from the insider vantage point of his front row seat and invite-only parties, capture a world of show-stopping creativity and inspirational individual style.

Torsion and tension are characteristic of the vessels created by the exceptional Japanese ceramicist Shozo Michikawa (b. 1953), whose works are reminiscent of rock strata and lava flows. Michikawa is known for his unique technique, for turning edgy, dynamic sculptures on the potter’s wheel. First he cuts and scores a solid block of clay before he carves out the interior hollow through pressing and turning with a rod and his hands. Natural-looking surfaces emerge, just as geological forces formed the earth’s surface – an irrepressible energy from the inside out. With a selection of works from the last fifteen years, Shozo Michikawa introduces the first comprehensive insight into his ceramic production, which has attracted attention across the globe. This book accompanies an exhibition, which will tour between venues: Erskine, Hall & Coe, London (UK), 11th October. to 2nd November 2017.
The artist is active on facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/shozo.michikawa

Open Space – Mind Maps pursues the current development in art jewelry that is positioned far from the merely decorative in the aesthetic and artistic discourse of our era. Thirty international artists present their works in this publication, which is arranged thematically by the buzzwords inhabiting current trends, such as the nomadic aspect and the tendency towards narrative imagery to provocation that infringes on boundaries and to the poetic imagination in jewelry. All these facets as open-ended chapters illustrate the iconographic focus of each of these protagonists from across the world. Contents: Berndt Arell: Foreword; Ellen Maurer Zilioli: Open Space – Mind Maps. Positions in contemporary jewellery; Inger Wästberg: The Swedish Perspective; Philip Warkander: Art Jewellery. A reflection on terminology; Catalogue; Appendix; Artists’ biographies; Authors’ biographies

This interactive book presents a curated collection of more than 60 uniquely designed boutique homes, brought together by the founders and authors of the eponymous brand. The composition of excellent architecture and design staged with stunning photography, showcases an international ‘best of the best’ selection. This is further divided into chapters: beach and cliff houses; architectural gems; chic and cheap; updated history; urban retreat; country living; emotional luxury; unplugged; cabins; and spaces for family and friends.

The book and complementary app for iPhones is more than an exciting and glamorous source of inspiration. Each of the shown houses and apartments is also available for rent, and can be experienced in all its glory.

This inspiring book is for wine connoisseurs and amateurs convinced that their hobby deserves the most beautiful space in their private home for storing, displaying, tasting and sharing their favourite wines. The greatest specialists in custom-made wine cellars and spaces, renowned architects, designers and passionate oenophiles show their hidden gems: integrated in the kitchen or the living room, in a cellar or near the swimming pool or another space for relaxation…

Text in English, French, Dutch, and Spanish.

This book of photographs by Swedish photographer Christer Löfgren explores the diverse and multifaceted world in which we live, from north to south. In comparing photographs of various cultures, diversity is more noticeable: the colors, clothes, and food point to the identity of each place. The further north or south of the equator you travel, colors are paler, and the food is milder and less spicy. The more extreme nature is, the more difficult the lifestyle. These vibrant photographs ask us to broaden our vision and grasp the complexity and beauty of the world as a global whole. This deluxe edition consists of three hardcover books in a slipcase.

In Italy, Christmas is a thrilling time for young and old. It is celebrated for weeks, bringing families and friends together for spur of the moment gatherings, decorating the tree, or the traditional Christmas Day dinner. And with a pantry full of specially prepared foods, homemade gifts are always at the ready. Christmas at Last! shares these traditions and the holiday recipes that have passed from family-to-family for generations. Sixty-five recipes include the great Italian classics, as well as some with a Nordic influence (because we all know that Father Christmas lives among reindeer). Christmas will be better than ever with St. Lucy’s Sweet Buns, Chocolate and Chili Pepper Truffles, Extra Simple Coffee Parfait and many more. Also included are instructions for traditional Italian holiday decorations such as string lanterns, garlands made from orange peel, and dried apple pot-pourri. Contents: Introduction; Recipes; Stories.

This history marks the tercentenary of Jacques de Gastigny’s founding bequest for La Providence, the French hospital for the Huguenot community in England. Its survival and continuing existence today bears witness to the tenacity of the community of Huguenot refugees and their descendants. Chapters on the successive phases of its history are illustrated with portraits of the Directors and Officers, and the silver, furniture, engravings, heraldry and other memorabilia associated with them. The book traces the history of this institution from the building of the original hospital in the parish of St. Luke’s, Finsbury, and the granting of the Royal Charter by George I in 1718, to the construction of a new building in Victoria Park, Hackney, in the 1860s designed by Robert Roumieu, an architect of Huguenot descent. In its present location in Rochester, Kent, La Providence provides sheltered housing for elderly people of proven Huguenot descent. For more information please visit: http://www.johnadamsonbooks.com/frenchhospital.html

“Meet the stars of Instagram: the most famous people you’ve never heard of” – The Independent The Insta Grammar series explores the most interesting corners of the incredibly popular social media site, Instagram. After Cats, City, Nordic, Green, Graphic and Dogs, two new subjects are revealed: Unicorn and Cars. Hitching a ride on the back of today’s unicorn trend that’s flooding Instagram, Unicorn shows the most original posts revolving around the mythical creatures, while Cars gathers the most beautiful classic car shots.

“The books are true to the Polaroid aesthetic, and we ‘like’ it.” – Elle Décor “Taking the best of Instagram and printing it, the Insta Grammar series of coffee table books prove there’s a (physical) place for your favourite online images.” – Vogue The Insta Grammar series steers clear of clichés and explores the most interesting corners of the highly popular social media website. Hitching a ride on the back of today’s cute animal trend, Cute finds the most original posts and adorable images and presents them in a giftable book that is easy to browse. The images are interspersed with a selection of quotes from writers and artists. Also in the series: Insta Grammar Cats, City, Nordic, Green, Graphic, Dogs, Unicorns, On the Road, Cute, and Cars.

“The books are true to the Polaroid aesthetic, and we ‘like’ it.” – Elle Décor “Taking the best of Instagram and printing it, the Insta Grammar series of coffee table books prove there’s a (physical) place for your favourite online images.” – Vogue The Insta Grammar series steers clear of clichés and explores the most interesting corners of the highly popular social media website. Insta Grammar Love gathers original and moving images that express and embody love and affection. It’s a gift book that charms, delights, and surprises. The images are interspersed with a selection of quotes from writers and artists. Also in the series: Insta Grammar Cats, City, Nordic, Green, Graphic, Dogs, Unicorns, On the Road, Cute, and Cars.

Instagram is a simple, fun and creative way to capture and share photos, videos & messages with friends & family with over 80 million new photos posted daily. The Insta Grammar series steers clear of all clichés and shows you the most interesting corners of the best photography inspired by graphic design. Each photo is a hand-picked thematic selection of the best and most inspiring photos Instagram has to offer accompanied by inspirational quotes. Now you can bring the best of Instagram your coffee table, office or share a creative gift with a friend in this beautiful gift book series Bound in a unique ‘lay flat’ format for optimal viewing pleasure. Insta Grammar: Unicorn inspires the magical life in this collection of popular unicorn photography from Instagram featuring the elusive, mythical creature that fires the imagination. Here are over one hundred photographs taken from all over Instagram featuring a variety of colors, shapes, and settings. From the ice-cream colors of storybook fantasies to unicorn dogs and unicorn cats; from unicorn street art to fantastical photographs: this is the gift book for anyone who loves a touch of whimsy, humor, and, yes, sparkles in their life.

New York reduced to a miniature city? In New York Resized, photographer Jasper Léonard offers you a completely new perspective on The Big Apple. His Tilt-Shift technique creates a dazzling bird’s-eye perspective. Taking pictures from rooftops, helicopters or even drones, Léonard points his lens at the skyscrapers and yellow cabs from above, transforming the city into a swirling ant-hill of miniature people. His images are accompanied by the best quotes about New York, and his unique style guarantees that this is the most original photobook about New York that you will ever see. Praise for Antwerp Resized: “What started as a dissertation with homemade lenses has resulted in a surprising photo book” – Gazet van Antwerpen (newspaper) – “Thanks to his special tilt-shift lenses the photographer creates the illusion you are watching miniature sculptures. Not people but puppets. Not buildings but maquettes” – De Morgen (newspaper) Facebook: Jasper Leonard Photography Twitter: @jasperleonard Instagram: jasper.leonard www.jasperleonard.be Also available: Belgium Resized ISBN 9789401434614 Antwerp Resized ISBN 9789401432702

The Tree with a Thousand Apples is a universal story of cultures, belongingness, revenge and atonement. A socio-political thriller set in the troubled Indian region of Kashmir, during the years 1990 to 2013, it depicts how the lives of three innocent children are shattered during an insurgent night, and what happens 20 years later when their paths cross again. This narrative, while local to the Kashmir Valley, reflects a universal truth: that lives of innocent people are caught in the crossfire of conflict zones across the world. The novel depicts the paradise that Kashmir once was, shows the ideological conflict zone it has become, and explores the question of ‘where next?’, both for the land and its people. The stylized layered format, fast-paced narration and suspenseful storytelling makes for a powerful, gripping read.

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.

Banaras is a city on the banks of the river Ganges. It is the holiest of the seven sacred cities in Hinduism and Jainism, and played an important role in the development of Buddhism. It is regarded as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is portrayed beautifully through Majumdar s captivating perspective on different walks around the city. Banaras witnesses thousands of devout Hindus who journey to the banks of the Ganga to wash their sins away. The ghats and the riot of colors only add to the character of this city. Banaras now known as Varanasi is also a major tourist attraction and welcomes thousands from around the world.

How do artists produce exquisite art? Part of the answer is that each one must discover and create their own particular working space, harnessing inspiration from their surrounds, be it from the humble backyard shed, a beautifully refurbished industrial space, a room inside the home, a loft, or an architecturally designed house/studio set on a cliff, overlooking the natural beauty of the landscape. Some artistic souls thrive in seeming chaos while others must have an ordered studio space about them. In each instance, the role of the “studio” plays an important part in stimulating the artistic process.

This book offers an intriguing and exhilarating peek into the often secretive and off-limits creative spaces of thirty artists and practitioners. Whether it be for photography, music, sculpting, painting, architecture, writing, film, or furniture making, this selection of highly illustrated case studies from around the world reveals how these artisans and practitioners have crafted and designed their unique working environment. This beautiful collection of works also provides practical advice and innovative ideas on the architecture, interior design, site, and setting of workspaces that help these artists flourish through their creative journey.

The first edition of Wine Myths and Reality won international acclaim for its innovative approach to explaining wine. The second edition is completely revised and extended to take account of the changes of the past decade, and goes behind the scenes of winemaking to reveal the truth about what goes into a bottle of wine. Extensively illustrated with photographs, maps, and charts, its approachable and entertaining style immediately engages the reader in an overview of winemaking worldwide. Practices in viticulture and vinification come under the microscope, the tricks of the wine trade are revealed, the methods of the new and the old worlds are scrutinized, and their wines are discussed. From this analysis there emerges an overview of all major wine-producing countries, extending from the powerful wines of the new world to the classic wines of France or Italy. Does terroir really matter? Is the international style taking over? Will global warming destroy the existing wine-producing regions? And extrapolating from current trends, what will wine be like in the next decade? Discover the answer to all these questions and more, in this seminal wine enthusiast’s handbook.

Whether pizza is served as high-end cuisine or a poor man’s food, this global product transcends the boundaries of culture and social class. The circular piece of dough has long become an established superfood. It is so much more than just something we eat. Aside from culinary considerations, the preparation, consumption and ubiquity of pizza involves at least as many social aspects. These must be taken into account in order to understand the entirety of this phenomenon. For instance, in sociology the ‘pizza effect’ refers to reciprocal processes of reception and exchange and thus to the constant transformation of cultures. Only recently did the UNESCO in Paris allow Italy to formally register the preparation of pizza as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. That’s iconic!

The collection ‘Pizza is God’ accompanies the eponymous international group exhibition. Situating a cultural phenomenon in the world of contemporary art, the exhibition will be staged by NRW-Forum Düsseldorf in 2018. This feast for the eyes, which combines painting, photography, net art, as well as video and performance, is complemented in the book by texts and essays written by renowned experts from the fields of food history, culture and science.

Text in English and German.

Nutritionist Pascale Naessens is a forerunner, trendsetter and success author in the culinary field. In 2019 she won the Gourmand Award “Best in the World” and Low Carb Cookbook with 4 Ingredients ISBN 9789401461481 was the best-selling book in Belgium in 2018. In this second volume she presents more than 70 new tasty and inspiring low-carb dishes according to her well-known method. She also examines the ketogenic diet and the similarities with her proposed way of eating.