Northumberland is the ‘Land of the Far Horizon’ and England’s most northerly county. It was once a place of industrial innovation and manufacturing, literally fuelled by the coal brought up from its depths. Now Northumberland is a quieter place, loved by residents and visitors alike for its rolling hills and long, sandy beaches, as well as its charming towns and villages.

With this book in hand, meet Grace Darling, a Victorian heroine who took to storm-tossed seas to help rescue survivors of a terrible shipwreck; visit Amble, the ‘Friendliest Port’, and discover its connection to the Mauretania, once the fastest passenger ship to sail the Atlantic; and take in Turner’s View, an atmospheric stretch of coastline that was a lifelong inspiration to Britain’s greatest landscape painter.

You can also take a walk to the top of Cheviot, the county’s highest mountain and what was once a massive and very active volcano; and then top it off in the tranquil setting of St Cuthbert’s Island, where the eponymous saint went to get away from the strangely hectic whirl of monastic life.

Written by a proud northerner, this book will help you discover the more offbeat corners of Northumberland, and appreciate its many treasures.

More than 40 years ago, two friends, united by a passion for the decorative arts, embarked on an exploration of the unique jewels of India. They were motivated by the everyday jewels of the people in the villages—to discover the sources of their inspiration and to unravel the complex ritual of adornment that resulted in ornaments being fabricated for every part of the body, from the top of the head to the toes. The result was the creation of the Amrapali Collection of Indian Jewellery, one of the largest collections of pastoral silver jewellery in the world. 

The manifold communities that this collection represents come from different religions, with linguistic differences and diverse cultural sensibilities, but the land that the jewels encompass is geographically contiguous. They exhibit the amazing technical expertise of simple gold- and silversmiths. This volume presents the jewels in all their glory, and as a visual language communicating design, aesthetics, tradition and, above all, the artistic expression of adorning the body. 

Step beyond Old Town Alexandria’s historic brick facades and gas lamps to discover a world of timeless architectural beauty in Old Town Style. This comprehensive volume showcases over 40 extraordinary period homes, from a rustic Colonial Sea Captain’s house to an elegant Federal townhome and a transformed 18th-century bank turned private residence. Many featured homes are published here for the first time, offering an intimate look into Alexandria’s best-preserved historic treasures.

Blending personal renovation stories, decorating insights, and rich historical context, the book provides lasting design inspiration while emphasizing architectural preservation. Acclaimed photographer Erik Kvalsvik’s vibrant full-color images reveal diverse interior styles—from Jacobean and early American to mid-century modern—and highlight intricate exterior details. Intimate glimpses of secret walled gardens add enchantment.

Written by Robert F. Weinhagen, Jr., president of the Historic Alexandria Foundation, and his Book Committee, Old Town Style celebrates one of America’s most beautiful historic towns and the passionate stewards preserving its legacy.

Old Westbury Gardens: Days of Grace on Long Island honors the life and legacy of the house that Jay Phipps built to woo his English love, Dita Grace. In his efforts to secure her hand in marriage, he promised to recreate the world of elegance, gardens, and dogs that she had known in Sussex. She said “Yes”—and the rest is Westbury.

Designed in 1906 by English connoisseur and family friend George Crawley, the house was furnished with British antiques and craftsmanship, with gardens planted under Dita’s discerning eye. Of the hundreds of mansions built on Long Island around the turn of the twentieth century, Old Westbury Gardens is now unique—the only one preserved in its original condition.

In 1959, Peggie Phipps Boegner generously placed Old Westbury Gardens in trust, in memory of her mother, Dita, so that the public could enjoy the place where she herself had been so happy. Maintained to the highest standards of authenticity, it is now a showcase of architecture, horticulture, and the decorative arts. 

For more than 40 years, Benita VanWinkle has traveled the country photographing hometown movie theaters and drive-ins built before 1965 as part of her ongoing documentary project Please Remain Standing—a visual appeal to preserve these historic treasures. VanWinkle has recorded the astonishing range of these iconic structures, from repurposed Quonset huts to grand movie palaces. Her photographs depict magnificent Art Deco detailing and Mayan-style ornamentation, neon-lit theater marquees as well as the whimsical road signs that still entice moviegoers to once ubiquitous drive-ins. An impressive 512 full-page photographs, selected from the thousands VanWinkle has made to date, document 395 present and former movie theaters and drive-ins and conjure a time when Americans embraced the communal experience of going out to the movies—a few hours in which shared laughter and tears unite strangers. The book honors this beloved national pastime and highlights the continuing importance of movie theaters in preserving a town’s sense of community.

Highlights of the Frans Hals Museum presents a richly illustrated selection of 40 masterpieces from the diverse and expansive collection of the Frans Hals Museum in Haarlem. Spanning six centuries of art, the book highlights works ranging from Old Masters to contemporary installations — including painting, photography, and video art. Both celebrated Dutch artists and internationally renowned names are represented, offering a vivid impression of the museum’s unique character and curatorial vision. Designed as both an introduction and a lasting memento, this compact volume appeals to art lovers, museum visitors, and anyone interested in Dutch cultural heritage. With its accessible bilingual format (Dutch and English), high-quality reproductions, and thoughtful presentation, the book invites readers to discover — or revisit — the stories and treasures held within one of the Netherlands’ most renowned museums.

Text in English and Dutch.

From its headquarters at Špilberk Castle, Brno City Museum documents the history of Brno, from its earliest origins to the present day. Its famously diverse collections encompass more than 400,000 items, including more than 25,000 works of fine art, alongside archaeological and historical artifacts, and materials relating to architecture.

This curated selection of 50 works, each strikingly illustrated, represents the breadth of the institution’s collections in a clear, accessible guide. Four thematic, color-coded chapters celebrate intriguing objects from the Museum’s various collections, from Gallery (blue) to Architecture (green), History (red) to Archaeology (brown). In addition to Špilberk Castle, where its main exhibition rooms are located, the Brno City Museum oversees Villa Tugendhat, Villa Arnold, Villa Wittal and the Měnín Gate, all of which hold further exhibitions.

Brno City Museum: 50 is the inaugural volume in Kulturalis’s vibrant new series – Numbers – which showcases highlights from a collection based on a number chosen to reflect an anniversary or other special significance.

Experience Taiwan’s breathtaking roads with Stefan Bogner and the CURVES team. The Suhua Highway, one of the most spectacular coastal roads, runs from Su’ao to Hualien, offering unforgettable views and exhilarating curves.

Cultural and Culinary Treasures: Off the beaten track, Taiwan whisks you away to night markets brimming with local delicacies like stinky tofu and bubble tea. Marvel at the Taroko Gorge and enjoy the tranquility of the Alishan Mountains—Taiwan offers an impressive array of experiences.

Practical Planning and Inspiration: The 26th volume of CURVES combines stunning photography with valuable travel information, including maps, suggested itineraries, and hotel recommendations. Ideal for car enthusiasts, motorcyclists, and cyclists planning their next adventure.

– Volume 26 of the bestselling CURVES series, known for its breathtaking journeys

– Diverse sources of inspiration through images, routes, and culture

– A new chapter for all those who want to discover the world’s most exotic curves

Text in English and German.

111 Places in Salt Lake City That You Must Not Miss invites locals and frequent travelers to travel deeper into the heart of this small yet mighty metropolis. Founded in 1847 by Brigham Young as a religious refuge, Salt Lake City has become a promised land for urban artists, outdoor enthusiasts and powder-seekers drawn to the Wasatch Mountains and nearby Park City. Beyond the city’s beloved attractions, hidden treasures await around every corner. Readers can learn about the first woman to cast a ballot under an equal suffrage law, search for the Great Salt Lake’s saline cryptid, visit the world’s biggest pit, discover Mark Twain’s stagecoach stop and check into an Enchanted Forest or Ancient Egypt at a historic inn. Whether you’ve lived in Salt Lake City for 10 years or are visiting for the 10th time, this guide reveals places that surprise, delight and perhaps even shock — rediscovering the true Crossroads of the West.

Saint-Tropez celebrates the most legendary of French towns, and certainly the most chic. Rich in archival material, it showcases a festive and flamboyant past and a chic, ever-evolving present. With its unmissable events like Les Bravades and Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez, as well as exclusive happenings such as the mythical ‘white’ parties, celebrity sightings, naturist beaches, Champagne battles at Caves du Roy, and the world’s most beautiful yachts moored in the small fishing port. Despite evolving over the years, the spirit of Saint-Tropez remains the same, and this volume is an ode to the unique joie de vivre that keeps everyone coming back. The place to be for the rich and famous people from all over the world.

In the heart of Milan, the Civic Museums of the Sforza Castle hold an extraordinary heritage spanning centuries of history and art. Room after room, through one hundred masterpieces selected from paintings, sculptures and artifacts, the volume takes the reader on a fascinating journey from the Middle Ages to the twentieth century. The guide, agile and richly illustrated, retraces the variety of the Sforza collections, along with the most representative works, such as the Madonna Trivulzio by Andrea Mantegna, the Pietà Rondanini by Michelangelo, the engravings by Albrecht Dürer, the Funerary monument of Gaston de Foix by Bambaia, the Argo by Bramantino in the Treasury Room or the decorations by Leonardo da Vinci in the Sala delle Assi.
An introductory essay illustrates its history, from its origins to the transformation into a museum, while clear and rigorous notes guide the reader through contexts, styles and iconographies. An accessible yet meticulous guide, designed for enthusiasts, scholars, and visitors, offering an organic selection of the treasures preserved in the Sforza Castle.

Welcome to 111 Places in Richmond That You Must Not Miss, a collection of the sites and experiences that make the River City such a special place. To those who don’t know Richmond, Virginia, USA, you’ll find the city itself to be a hidden gem, the cradle of 400 years of American history, steward of the magnificent James River, and the unlikely home to heralded culinary masters.

To those who do know Richmond, the self-deprecating but proud populace inured to its remarkable features, by flipping through these pages you will uncover secrets about your city, new and old. You know Hollywood Cemetery, but do you know the final resting place of our famous psychic horse? Have you kept an open mind about our smaller neighbors to the North and South and gazed at the Heavens from “the Center of the Universe” or seen the Petersburg residence constructed entirely from tombstones?

Palazzo Giovanelli in Santa Fosca is certainly one of the most prestigious private buildings in Venice. While its first nucleus dates back to the fourteenth century, in 1527 it was donated by the Doge Andrea Gritti to Francesco Maria I, Duke of Urbino. The palace remained property of the family until its transfer to the Donà family, which gathered an important collection of works of art inside. At the beginning of the eighteenth century, the palace reached the Giovanelli family, who expanded and modernized it. However, it was during the nineteenth century that the residence took on its definitive appearance. In an initial neoclassical phase, Count Andrea commissioned the arrangement of his private apartment to Giuseppe Borsato and Francesco Hayez. Shortly afterwards, in 1847, Giovambattista Meduna arranged one of the façades like that of a small Ducal Palace. In 1860, Meduna carried out further expansions, setting up a prestigious collection of paintings, including a masterpiece of Venetian art: Giorgione’s Tempest. The volume, in both Italian and English, reconstructs the history of seven centuries of the palace, the events it witnessed, and the artistic treasures inside it.

Text in English and Italian.

The Bargue-Gérôme Drawing Course is a complete reprint of a famous, late nineteenth-century drawing course. It contains a set of almost two hundred masterful lithographs of subjects for copying by drawing students before they attempt drawing from life or nature. Consequently it is a book that will interest artists, art students, art historians, and lovers and collectors of drawings. It also introduces us to the work and life of a hitherto neglected master: Charles Bargue.

The Drawing Course consists of three sections. The first comprises of plates drawn after casts, usually of antique examples. Different parts of the body are studied in order of difficulty, until full figures are presented. The second section pays homage to the western school of painting, with lithographs after exemplary drawings by Renaissance and modern masters. The third part contains almost 60 académies, or drawings after nude male models, all original inventions by Bargue, the lithographer. With great care, the student is introduced to continually more difficult problems in the close observing and recording of nature.

Charles Bargue started his career as a lithographer of drawings by hack artists for a popular market in comic, sentimental and soft-porn subjects. By working with Gérôme, and in preparing the plates for the course, Bargue was transformed into a spectacular painter of single figures and intimate scenes; a master of precious details that always remain observation and never became self-conscious virtuosity, and color schemes that unified his composition in exquisite tonal harmonies. The last part of the book is a biography of Bargue, along with a preliminary catalogue of his paintings, accompanied by reproductions of all that have been found and of many of those lost.

“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

2018 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the first international symposium of silver jewelry Jablonec ’68. Thanks to the liberalization endeavours as part of the ‘Prague Spring’, European jewelry artists from East and West came together for a ‘summit’ at the invitation of the Czech artists’ association in Jablonec, northern Bohemia. On the guest list were such renowned names as Anton Cepka, Hermann Junger and Bruno Martinazzi – artists celebrated today as the founders of studio jewelry. The jewelry pieces that developed at that time have remained in the Muzeum skla a bizuterie in Jablonec nad Nisou and to this day have lost nothing of their exceptional and pioneering aura. This publication – which contains a reprint of the original catalogue from 1968 – makes these pieces accessible to a wider audience for the very first time. A document that in a wholly authentic way allows the reader to experience this unique historical moment in the history of the international studio jewelry scene.

Text in English and German.

Accompanies the exhibition at Die Neue Sammlung The Design Museum, Munich (DE), 10 March-3 June 2018.

Hugely popular in his own day and an enormous influence on Monet, van Gogh and other leading European artists, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797 1858) has never lost his appeal. A prolific artist, he produced between 4,000 and 5,000 woodblock print designs. He is particularly renowned for his landscape prints, which are among the most frequently reproduced of all Japanese art in both Japan and the West. Hiroshige’s unusual compositions, humorous depictions of people involved in everyday activities and masterly expression of weather, light and season, are explored in this publication with its especially fine printing and experts’ notations. It is part of a series featuring the depth of the Japanese art holdings at the Ashmolean Museum of the University of Oxford, the world’s first university art museum. The gems of information are numerous, including a page on “how to read a print” — with such as a note on “the censor’s mark,” a detail that only the cognoscenti might recognize. The book adds greatly to the art lover’s knowledge and pleasure.

Contents:
How to ‘read’ a Japanese Print, Preface, Utagawa Hiroshige (1797-1858) Woodblock Print Designer, Making a Japanese Woodblock Print, I Views along the Tokaido, II Views of the Provinces, III Views of Edo, IV Views of Mount Fuji, Further Reading.

“In the beginning, there was tagging and writing on the walls.” From Style Writing to Art is the first anthology of Street Art ever published worldwide. Magda Danysz, the internationally renowned Street Art gallerist, guides the reader on this immersive journey into the heart of the most interesting artistic movement at the turn of the century. This book grapples with Style Writing, Graffiti, and Street Art. It focuses on the fascinating emergence of the movement amongst the graffiti pioneers of the 1960s, their first appearance in galleries in the 1980s, right up to the cutting-edge works made by the Street Artists of today. Spanning over four decades, the book is divided into three sections with each containing detailed accounts of the surfacing of different styles and techniques. Each period is complete with extensive biographies and analysis covering 50 legendary artists including Seen, JR, Miss Van, JonOne, Shepard Fairey, Quik, Blade, Doze Green, and Keith Haring. “Let me repeat myself,” Danysz writes, “if only for the sceptic eye, for the blind and lost or for the latecomers who ve simply just missed the boat: I believe this type of urban art to be the most important artistic movement at the turn of the century.”

From the author of the best-selling Famous Japanese Swordsmen: The Warring States comes more solid sword history in the guise of thrilling narrative. The Two Courts Period was a turning point in Japan’s medieval era – a time when an unbridgeable rift appeared in the fragile fabric of Japanese feudal society. On each side stood a separate imperial court, each with its own army and its own agenda. As the schism deepened and the positions hardened, every warrior faced the terrible choice between loyalty and friendship. Two such men were Nennami Okuyama Jion and Chûjô Hyôgo no Kami Nagahide. Jion, an impoverished warrior monk who had lost his father through the treachery of a Bakufu official, joined the side of the loyalists, the forces fighting on behalf of the Southern Court. Nagahide, whose ancestors had stood at the cradle of feudal society and had risen to high rank within the Bakufu, was bound by duty to the Northern Court. Their stories, set against the greater historical backdrop of ruthless political intrigue and vast military campaigns, tell of loyalty, of betrayal, and of seemingly insurmountable setbacks; they describe the tragedy of civil war experienced at the personal level.

A remarkable private collection formed over the last thirty years is the focus of this richly illustrated book that introduces the reader to English silver spanning a century and a half from a little before the Tudor age (1485-1603) to the threshold of the Civil War (1642-51). This was a period when England changed out of all recognition. At the beginning it was still essentially a medieval country dominated by an autocratic king and a rich and powerful Church; by the end of the period the Church had lost virtually all of its power and, with the execution of Charles I in 1649, the monarchy itself was abolished. To a degree, this changing world is mirrored in the styles represented by the silver featuring in the collection. Besides setting the silver against its social and historical background the book examines the wide range of techniques used by silversmiths at the time to shape and adorn silver objects.

Be NY is an original city guide about the most intriguing city in the world, and also a manual that quickly and simply teaches you how to be a New Yorker. Discover together with Patrick van Rosendaal the life, preferences and habits of 24 colorful New Yorkers. They happily share their experiences and give you a unique look, from a different perspective, on life in the city. What are their favorite places to enjoy art, culture or tasty food? Where do they go for some peace and quiet, or to have a good time? Which bars do they frequent, and where should you go for the best cup of coffee? Which museums are trendy, and which galleries are up and coming? Where can you find the best deals, and which shops are absolute musts? Patrick’s stories, knowledge and tips are the ultimate preparation for your adventure in The Big Apple.