Campi Flegrei, near Naples, is a seismically active landscape that attracts, stimulates, and challenges. It seduces the soul, engages perception, and demands to be interpreted rather than merely registered.

People have chosen to live amongst these unique geological and volcanic features, weaving the fabric of human occupation and taming a land in perpetual transformation, one of the harshest yet most enchanting environments. Mankind has matched its own impermanence against the earth’s inevitable and unrestrained convulsions, in the process hewing out some of the most glorious examples of human endeavor, such as Cumae, the oldest Greek colony in the Western Mediterranean, the bustling Roman port of Puteoli, and the “dolce vita” savored in the baths and villas dotted around the Bay of Baiae.

Luigi Spina has been exploring this land since 2020, delving into the complex, stratified geography. Key landmarks include places of memory (archaeological sites, monuments, landscapes), which, like true benchmarks of perception, outline the path towards an understanding of a world that links nature, ancient ruins, and the overwhelming presence of mankind. Balanced between mimicry and contradiction, the Campi Flegrei landscape is now blanketed by a dense urban sprawl, where the ancient and the contemporary coexist in a kind of precarious equilibrium, generating a complex socio-cultural state of affairs that is challenging to govern.

Spina explores and photographs places such as the Dragonara Cave, the Piscina Mirabilis, the Theatre of Misenum, the Flavian Amphitheatre at Puteoli, the Temple of Apollo on the shores of Lake Avernus, and the Temples of Venus and Diana, as he wanders through the hills above Baiae, finally heading towards Cumae.

The Gulbenkian Museum published its long-awaited catalogue of Calouste Gulbenkian’s collection of illuminated manuscripts, marking the culmination of several years of research and collaboration by a group of international scholars.

This group of works, which was particularly prized by the collector, was acquired for his own personal enjoyment and kept at his home in Paris before being transferred to Portugal. In the 1960s, when they were housed at the Marques de Pombal Palace in Oeiras, the codices were damaged by flooding. The restoration work that allowed these specimens to be studied and exhibited at long last was only completed in 2014.

The first article, by Manuela Fidalgo, the emeritus curator of this group of works from the collection, explores the milestone moments in the creation of the collection, homing in on Gulbenkian’s choices and the way in which he sought to preserve his books. She has also written a brief account of the flooding of 1967 and the restoration of the damaged specimens.

The second essay, by François Avril, former curator of the Manuscripts Department at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, an expert in medieval manuscript volumes and the scientific coordinator of this catalogue, takes an in-depth look at the specimens that make up the collection, plotting the timeline of the acquisitions and uncovering their provenance. The catalogue, which covers 27 books and 10 fragments, was coordinated by Angela Dillon Bussi, a specialist in medieval history and former assistant director of the Biblioteca nazionale Marciana, Venice and the Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana in Florence.

The catalogue entries, which are all illustrated, divide the codices into two sections. The first puts forward a codicological study by Angela Dillon Bussi, in collaboration with Davide Baldi Bellini. The second explores the history, content and artistic importance of the pieces, with contributions from renowned experts such as Angela Dillon Bussi, Federica Toniolo, François Avril, Giordana Mariani Canova, James Marrow, Jonathan Alexander, Lieve de Kessel and Nigel J. Morgan.

Ammi’s Kitchen: Heirloom Recipes from Rampur is a tribute to all grandmothers who have been the torchbearers of saving and passing on the legacy of classic traditional family recipes. Pernia Qureshi’s grandmother, Mussharaf-ul-Nissa Begum, originally from Chandausi in the United Provinces, was married at a young age into the princely state of Rampur. With the influence of her hometown, now combined with the newfound exposure to Rampur’s more modern and eclectic cuisine, she created a food language that was uniquely her own.

This book is a collection of recipes she mastered over the years, which still carry the aromas of the treasures of history.

The aristocratic families of Europe once used to indulge in luxurious banquets with exquisite table accessories to demonstrate their power and extravagantly while away the hours. Well into the 18th century, it was not unusual for people to bring their own cutlery—quite often peculiar, valuable one-of-a-kind pieces. In the Baroque period, matching dinner services came into vogue and, in the wake of industrialization, became mass-produced commodities. Trading with faraway countries, conquests, and migration augmented people’s menus with “exotic” fruit and spices and contributed to a change in customs and traditions.
In an exceptional exhibition on the mores of dining, the Jewelry Museum in Pforzheim presents historical goldsmithing and contemporary design, jewelry “to eat,” and treasures from across the globe. In addition, the accompanying publication will entice you with its special aspects of food culture—after all, the way to one’s cultural heart is also through the stomach.

Text in German.

Dutch interior designer Roelfien Vos gained international acclaim for her iconic luxury interiors. In celebration of her 25-year career anniversary, she offers a unique glimpse into her exceptional creative process with the book Tailored to Wonder, showcasing the people, places, and objects that inspire her. A stunning coffee table book about the power of interior design, a love for craftsmanship, travel, art and fashion — and an unapologetic passion for excellence. With her signature style — a blend of contemporary design, global treasures, and custom-made creations with a keen eye for detail — she has left her personal mark on projects around the world. This book is a must-have for anyone fascinated by distinctive design, inspiring stories, and poetic living spaces that redefine luxury.

The Art Travel Book takes you on a journey across the globe, past iconic outdoor art installations and sculptures. The book showcases both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures: all extraordinary works that harmonize with their natural surroundings. From the arid plains of Texas to the cliffs of the South of France, from the verdant forests of England to the rugged beauty of Cape Town: many of the locations featured are freely accessible, making The Art Travel Book as much an invitation to travel as a source of inspiration for art and nature enthusiasts. The book provides background information on the artists, the artworks and their settings, while also offering curated recommendations for nearby sites of interest. It’s the perfect travel guide for art enthusiasts with a craving for new discoveries.

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.

“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

The wee folk have returned! Uncover the mystery of who they are and why they are here in the first book of the Vinetrope Adventures. Following a young girl, Sara, who has recently lost her mom to cancer, Return of the Vinetropes tells the story of a remarkable fairy-like creature found in Sara’s back yard. Lucinda Vinetrope: born wise, full-grown, and all alone. She may only be 12 inches high, but her personality is huge! Her arrival signifies the return of the Vinetrope nation, but also the return of their evil counterparts, the Chargons and the Vinkali. Joined by a supporting cast of comedic characters, animal and human alike, Sara and Lucinda set off on their quest to find the other Vinetropes and protect their world from danger.

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.