Fully revised and updated edition, now in full color and with two new chapters: Brunoy and Parc Saint Cloud.
The spectacular medieval castle where Henry V died, Napoleon’s private château, dancing in fifties guinguette cafés, a Victorian gunpowder factory – these are just some of the unexpected delights discovered by Annabel Simms just half an hour from Paris.
Following the format of her small classic, An Hour from Paris, and written with the same delight in the little-known treasures of the Île de France, the revised edition of Half an Hour from Paris now presents twelve new destinations easy to reach from central Paris, each with a carefully planned walk, ample meanderings through the cultural, historical and social milieu, comprehensive practical information and clear, detailed maps.

A comprehensive and practical guide to the many extraordinary sights of Libya. From the best preserved towns of the whole Roman empire, to ancient Arab souks and medinas, and the magnificent desert landscapes, oases and prehistoric rock paintings of the south, Libya is one of the most dramatic and least known countries of the Mediterranean. Proud, warm and welcoming, Libyans are perhaps the most engaging hosts in the Middle East.
Libya has been so little visited by Westerners over the last decades that it remains an unspoilt and fabulously welcoming country. As a result, however, finding one’s way around is not as easy as in more familiar destinations. Wendy Gower has lived and worked in Libya for almost nine years, and has explored the whole country thoroughly. She brings a wealth of experience – and undimmed enthusiasm – to her guidebook, and the traveler will find her a stimulating and reliable companion.

What were Montmartre and Montparnasse really like in their hey-day, roughly between 1904, when the youthful Picasso had just arrived on the Hill of Martyrs, and 1920, when Amedeo Modigliani, justly called ‘the prince of Bohemians’, died of consumption and dissipation in Montparnasse? This book, written by an Englishman who lived in Montmartre for 30 years and knew its famous habitue intimately, gives a vivid description. It reveals the truth behind the many legends, is packed with authentic stories about writers and painters whose names are now household words, and contains much hitherto unpublished information about the life and career of Modigliani obtained from his family and friends. Much of the text was written in Montmartre amid the scenes described, and after personal consultation with survivors of the great days when Frede presided over the Lapin Agile and Libion, patron of the Cafe de la Rotonde, was beginning to rival him in Montparnasse. It is the most complete account which has yet been written in English of the birth of Cubism and other contemporary movements in modern painting, and of the lives and loves who started them.

Aidan Dodson’s British Royal Tombs covers all the burials of the kings, queens (and lords protector) of England, Scotland and the United Kingdom, from the occupant of the great Sutton Hoo ship burial, to George VI, last Emperor of India, including of course the long-lost Richard III. This fully revised edition of a book that became an immediate classic of its kind will be equally interesting to the interested visitor and the student. The career of each ruler is briefly described, followed by what is known about his or her burial arrangements and the subsequent history of the tomb and its contents. Each tomb is illustrated as far as possible by at least one photograph or drawing. The posthumous fate of royal spouses is also included, together with information on each of the cathedrals, churches, chapels and other structures that house or once housed royal tombs; there are detailed diagrams for the major sites. A list of monarchs, family trees and an extensive bibliography complete the book.

What is assembled here might look like a modern ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, an assemblage of the exotic and curious from the four quarters of the world. There is an intention behind it, however, that goes beyond presenting a wide variety of curiosities. We are today linked up to all those four quarters, and while a huge amount of information is available to us, unlike to those who awaited the ships in the ports of Amsterdam, Genoa, Lisbon, London, Marseille, Seville or Venice, the horizon of what interests us seems to have shrunk. The art market is an interesting barometer of this shrinkage. The point is, therefore, that we can connect with the whole world on a much more profound level than can be gained from package touring, through the possession of, and study of even the most modest objects of different cultures. The purpose of collecting, as Moliere might have put it, should not be limited to becoming rich through the investment in one’s purchases, but to become enriched through the possession of what one has acquired. Highlights include: the silver libation cup of Mongke Khan, grandson of Genghis and ruler of an empire that stretched from modern Bucharest to Peking, and Karachi to Novgorod; the apple from the Garden of Eden – a silver pomander belonging to the Stuart Kings, with bite marks, opening to reveal a silver skull; a Scythian (6-7th centuries BC) jade pendant of the endangered Saiga antelope, as nely carved as anything by Faberge; a bronze Bacchus head from a tripod table belonging to the Emperor Augustus; a limestone bear carved in 3rd millenium BC Bactria.

In 1975 Abram Games, one of Britain’s greatest graphic designers, was commissioned to make a fund-raising poster for the Royal Shakespeare Company. His brilliant solution was to become iconic: the face of Shakespeare built up from the titles of all the plays as they appear in the First Folio.

The poster has been seen all over the world; but Abram Games intended much more. After his death, his daughter Naomi discovered a mock up he had made of a flick book. As the reader flicked the pages, Games planned to make Shakespeare’s face gradually emerge.

Now at last Games’ original project is coming to life. All 37 plays are included, in the order they are printed in the First Folio of 1623, ending with Pericles, Prince of Tyre, added to the collection in the Third Folio of 1664. At the end, the playwright makes a graceful exit, marked by the poems and the lost or doubtful plays. The book is completed with some favorite quotations, and the date of each work. Naomi Games has written a brief introduction about the history of Games’ image.

Johann Joachim Kaendler (1706–1775) is regarded as one of the most prominent personalities in the 313-year history of the Meissen porcelain manufactory. His first three workshop employees, Johann Friedrich Eberlein (1696–1749), Johann Gottlieb Ehder (1716/7–1750), and Peter Reinicke (1711–1768), contributed significantly to the appearance of Meissen porcelain in the first half of the 18^th-century. The output of the workshop is the focus of the publication, which offers the first complete transcription of the work reports of the three modelers. A catalog on some 995 models has thus emerged, whose individual entries act as a history of each model’s creation. This catalogue makes it possible to view the porcelain figures in their chronological sequence of production, to comprehend their relationships, and to identify stylistic transformations.

Text in German.

From imposing railway terminuses in Indian cities to picturesque stations in small towns, the romance of the railways still remains. Indian Railway Buildings takes the reader on a fascinating journey through some of the most iconic railway buildings in India – buildings that were, and still are, landmark structures.

Featuring historic information and many rare photographs about the construction of these structures, the author reveals interesting and little-known aspects about the heritage railway buildings of India, such as Bengal Nagpur Railway House. It is the oldest and one of the finest classical revival buildings of the Indian Railways, and is said to have been home to Nawab Wajid Ali Shah of Oudh while he was in exile in Garden Reach, Kolkata. Focusing on the structures built during the mid-19th the mid-20th centuries, this book highlights the historical and architectural features of a significant number of railway buildings that were constructed during the days of the British Raj in India.

Extensively researched and packed with historical facts, this book is a treasure for all those who love to travel or explore the styles and designs of buildings from the comfort of their homes. Rediscover the romance of the railways on a journey with Indian Railway Buildings: Heritage, History and Beyond…

“Often, we just see the byline of the photographer next to a picture. In this collection, we now learn insider information about the Rolling Stones from the contributors who carried cameras.” — Reader’s Digest

“On the heels of the Rolling Stones’ latest album, “Hackney Diamonds”, a new coffee-table book collects rare and never-before seen images of the band.” — Airmail Weekly Instagram

“Perhaps the most interesting of the crowd is the man on the inside, founding member and bassist Bill Wyman…His photos have rawness and vulnerability. From Keith Richards with the black eye he got from Chuck Berry to Mick Jagger reading the Bible, Wyman’s giving us truth.” — Airmail

“… Although they showcase the band inevitably becoming the greatest rock band on the planet, they also show the things audiences and fans weren’t exactly privy to — until now.” — 1883 Magazine
“The collection is intimate, stunning and a comprehensive visual history of the band.” — Goldmine Magazine

The Rolling Stones: Icons brings together the greatest photographs ever taken of the greatest rock ’n’ roll band of all time. The result is the most important anthology of The Rolling Stones’ images ever compiled, featuring the iconic, the awe inspiring and the surprising.

Spanning six heady decades, and countless tours and album covers, this thrilling portfolio features imagery from some of the most eminent names in photography, alongside the photographers’ own memories and reflections. From Terry O’Neill’s images of the young, uncompromising new band taken in Tin Pan Alley, through Michael Brennan’s photos of their creative peak in the ’70s, and on to the stadium tours of the 21^st-century, as shot by Greg Brennan, The Rolling Stones: Icons captures many of the milestone moments of the band’s remarkable career.

Includes photographs by: Terry O’Neill, Michael Ward, Gered Mankowitz, Linda McCartney, Michael Joseph, “Spanish Tony” Sanchez, Dominique Tarlé, Ed Caraeff, Barry Schultz, Al Satterwhite, Michael Brennan, Ken Regan, Brian Aris, Denis O’Regan, Douglas Kirkland, Greg Brennan and founding member, bassist and photographer, Bill Wyman.

“From Colombia to Croatia and back to Florida, Sherman pairs breathtaking imagery with expert insight to help you plan your next adventure.” — Naples Illustrated

This book includes more than 200 pages of tips for the sunniest travel destinations. Dream away at the stunning photography of rows of palm trees on snow-white beaches, as well as in cities and even jungles. Get planning with the practical information the book provides. In this publication, travel journalist Skye Sherman prioritizes unknown places not yet on everyone’s list. No crowded beaches, but paradisiacal scenes and hours of undisturbed enjoyment. The must-have for any world traveler who loves palm trees.

Originally planned for motorsport, just a happy chance landed the Carrera GT on the road: its technical data speak for themselves. The V10 naturally aspirated engine was a masterpiece of Porsche designers, while the chassis got its finishing touches through the fine tuning by rally world champion Walter Röhrl.
This richly illustrated Porsche book presents the high-speed sportscar (top-speed 330 km/h) to the detail. A body of carbon-fibre-reinforced polymers, carbon-ceramic brakes, the pushrod suspension system: a lot of things distinguish the Porsche Carrera GT from other sportscars. The extra fact book compiles all information on this car – and with the Porsche coffee-table book in a fine box it makes for a brilliant gift for fans.
Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of the Porsche Carrera GT!

Text in English and German.

James Seymour (c. 1700-1752) is one of the founders of English sporting art. A lover of the Turf, Seymour specialized in depictions of horses and their riders, particularly at Newmarket between 1722 and 1752. His wonderful paintings and drawings are some of the most important records we have of the early greats, such as Flying Childers, and of the way racing was organized at this early stage.
Richard Wills has studied Seymour for over ten years, and this book is the first ever comprehensive account and catalogue. 130 paintings and 430 drawings, including new discoveries, are included in the book, with over 500 illustrations, many never reproduced before. The introductory essay examines the life of Seymour, whose devotion to the Turf enabled him to gain an unrivalled knowledge of equine anatomy and behavior. Considerable information about the history of racing, and its enrichment through analysis of Seymour’s paintings, is contributed by David Oldrey and Tim Cox.

Brutales Luzern presents Brutalism in the Swiss Canton of Lucerne. In recent years, the phenomenon of Brutalism has enjoyed great international attention. The 53 portraits in this publication present the incredible diversity of this expressive architecture in the Lucerne region. It is incredible how much the relatively small region of 1,500 square kilometres has to offer. The most important buildings from the 1960s and 1970s are presented chronologically, including numerous photographs, compact, detailed information and extensively documented plans.
The selection of private and public buildings, such as schools, municipal administrations, homes for the elderly, churches, monasteries, missionary and theological colleges, industrial facilities and infrastructure, is remarkable. It includes outstanding and widely appreciated buildings, as well as lesser known examples. A plan provides an overview of the buildings and an essay locates Swiss Brutalism in an architectural-historical context. The book also serves as a useful travel guide for architecture enthusiasts.

Text in German.

Artificial intelligence raises ethical, artistic and social questions that are only an acceleration of the same questions that have followed the inventions of printing, photography, computer or the internet. The growing automation only makes it harder to escape our current system and the “meta” has become a refuge. This constant self-reference, reflexivity, circularity of our art, our technologies, our culture is becoming a trap where the past’s ghosts still haunt our present thinking. 

Now in its 34th 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 9,900 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 34th 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 9,900 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.

Now in its 34th 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 9,900 new wines. Whatever your budget, the Guía Peñín is the essential guide for those who want to discover the best of Spanish wine.  

“Steven had a unique perspective, and he wanted to open people’s eyes to the variety and quality of wine available throughout the world “ – Tim Modavi

Académie du Vin’s founder, the late Steven Spurrier, wine connoisseur, critic extraordinaire and instigator of the famed 1976 Judgement of Paris, was a man who in the immortal of words of Hugh Johnson, ‘was born with a silver spoon in his mouth and never stopped stirring’. Back in 1972, Steven founded the Académie du Vin – a series of classes that blended factual information with practical tasting experience, and which were structured so that students could build their knowledge in a gradual, orderly way without becoming ‘swamped’. In the 1980s his Académie du Vin Wine Course became a best-selling book. Now, the Académie du Vin Library is delighted to honor Steven’s legacy by publishing an all-new commemorative edition, handsomely bound in a linen slipcase, and fully revised and updated to reflect the wine world of today.

True to the spirit of the original, Steven Spurrier’s Académie du Vin Wine Course takes the reader logically through every aspect of wine appreciation: how to taste wine like the professionals; why the ways grapes are grown and wines are made have such a profound impact on the final taste; the characteristics of the most popular grape varieties and the world’s wine-growing regions; and last, but certainly not least, how to store and collect wine so that you can appreciate it in years to come.

Whether you’re a newcomer to fine wine or already an aficionado, there is no more enjoyable, concise way to take your learning to the next level.

This rare text is the first ever biography of Shakespeare, written by one of the liveliest dramatists and poets of the early 18th century.

This landmark in our understanding of the man and his work is introduced by one of the most original biographers of our own time and richly illustrated with contemporary images.

Nicholas Rowe’s Some Account of the Life of Mr. William Shakespear was published in 1709 as the preface to his pioneering edition of the plays. Rowe, together with Thomas Betterton, the greatest actor of the period, carried out archival research and interviewed widely to collect as much information about Shakespeare as possible. This is as close as we will ever get to the people who knew and worked with Shakespeare.

Rowe’s edition of the plays was also the first to be illustrated. This edition has 25 pages of these fascinating early images, mostly based on contemporary performance: a unique and charming picture of Shakespeare in performance.

With a passion for art in all its forms, Anthony Shaw has created an extraordinary art collection which focuses in particular on British sculptural ceramics. The collection features among its major artists Gordon Baldwin, Ewen Henderson, Gillian Lowndes, Bryan Illsley, and Sara Radstone, who all work intuitively and express the “felt” nature of their works, in doing so often transcending the limitations of their medium. The most recent additions include Nao Matsunaga and Kerry Jameson, who likewise invariably produce the unexpected. The works, skilfully staged by photographer Philip Sayer, are complemented with contributions by Anthony Shaw himself and David Whiting, who set this remarkable collection in its art historical context.

Once brewed throughout Asia, sake has come to be inextricably linked with Japanese culture, tradition and society. In Sake and the Wines of Japan, Anthony Rose argues that, after decades in the doldrums, sake is well on its way to becoming the next big thing. Neither a wine nor a spirit, sake’s purity, centuries-old brewing methods and umami taste have gained it fans among the sort of younger drinkers who sparked the revolution in craft beers and artisan spirits. A return to quality, plus the modern outlook of today’s generation of sake makers is opening up sake, particularly premium sake, to the world. Exports have increased and sake breweries, some artisan, some offshoots of big Japanese names, have sprung up in destinations as far flung as Oregon and Australia, not forgetting England.

To demonstrate how deeply woven into Japanese society this drink is, Rose first takes us through the history of sake production, from offerings to the gods made from rice chewed by priestesses, to the heyday of sake, when master craftsmen – tōjis – were instrumental in a brewery’s success or failure, to sake’s new wave, epitomized by Berlin techno DJ Richie Hawtin, founder of ENTER.Sake. Rose then details sake types, demystifies polishing ratios, explores the issues around ageing sake and discusses how best to enjoy sake. The four basic ingredients – rice, kōji (rice mould), yeast and water – are introduced ahead of a thorough explanation of the brewing process. Rose profiles a personal selection of sake producers and ends the sake section with a chapter on sake producers outside Japan.

Japan’s wine industry is small and young but improving rapidly; here some of the best exponents are profiled alongside a history of wine production in Japan and details of grape varieties used. Sake and the wines of Japan ends with a guide to Japan, making it an essential tool for all those seeking a way into this enigmatic and enticing culture.

New Zealand’s wine industry has grown rapidly over the last 30 years, with the world’s wine drinkers falling particularly hard for the Marlborough region’s distinctive Sauvignon Blancs. But New Zealand wine goes far beyond the exuberant whites grown in the north of its South Island.

In The Wines of New Zealand Master of Wine Rebecca Gibb takes us on a vinous journey through Aotearoa (‘land of the long white cloud’) and opens our eyes to the huge variety of wines created throughout the two islands of one of the world’s most southerly wine-producing lands. She begins by covering the history of winemaking in New Zealand – the first grapes were planted 200 years ago, but it has only recently realized its potential. There is then an introduction to the New Zealand climate and the leading grapes – including 10 ‘must-try’ wines for each variety.

The major wine producing regions are detailed in turn, from Northland, the most northerly and warmest region, offering ripe Chardonnays and rich reds, to the cooler South Island, where bright whites and nuanced Pinot Noirs abound. Profiles, including recommended wines, are given for a selection of the country’s nearly 700 producers, providing an overview of the most exciting wineries and their differing approaches to viticulture and winemaking. For those readers seeking to complete their exploration of this breathtaking country in person, there is a useful chapter giving details on wine-related activities in New Zealand.

This expert and accessible guide to New Zealand wines is a refreshing addition to the library of any wine enthusiast.

Faugères is one of the most individual appellations of the Languedoc. Although it produces white and rosé wines, the appellation is most famous for its rich, elegant reds. The Faugères wine appellation was created in 1982 and is now producing consistently excellent wines, the secret lying in the hills surrounding the village of Faugères where the schist, or decayed slate makes for wines with a distinctive freshness and minerality.

Currently little-known outside of France, the wines of Faugères are rapidly becoming the stars of the Languedoc. Rosemary George’s The Wines of Faugères is a comprehensive guide to the wines of a remarkably compact and homogeneous area which covers just seven villages and a couple of hamlets but produces an intriguing variety of different wines within the framework of the appellation. The Wines of Faugères covers the history, geography and climate of the region, as well as its grape varieties and viticulture, before profiling the individual producers and their wines. It ends with an invaluable assessment of vintages going back to the creation of the appellation in 1982.

The Wines of Faugères features the most up-to-date information on this beautiful region and its characterful wines, providing an indispensable guide to a small but fascinating appellation.