Stunning books will brighten any bookshelf, and this Christmas there are some great offerings available for those who want the gift of knowledge, as our Staff Writer Hannah Stevenson explores.
What do you get the special person in your life who has everything? A beautiful book!
In the age of technology, books offer a combination of tradition and flare that will never go out of style. There’s something for everyone, so LUXlife decided to check out a selection of the most beautiful and showcase them so that you can choose the perfect book for that special someone.
For literature lovers, books can be a tough one; after all, you don’t want to buy just anything. For something truly unique, look no further than The Folio Society, which features an array of stunningly crafted illustrated editions of some of the world’s finest literature.
Everything from modern novels to classic fiction and poetry is on offer here, so there is something to tempt every reader. If you’re looking for something a little dark, one of the society’s crime fiction classics may be in order, such as their beautiful three volume Maigret collection. Featuring three classic tales of Simenon’s renowned Parisian sleuth and illustrated by Harry Brockway, these make for a great gift for anyone with a taste for classic detective novels who’s tired of the usual Sherlock Holmes based gifts.
Classic fiction lovers will adore the society’s unique edition of Middlemarch, with glorious illustrations by Pierre Mornet. Telling a tale of a manufacturing town mired by the pace of change, George Eliot’s epic story is enhanced by Mornet’s colourful portraits.
A more unusual offering is the Book of Japanese Tales, treasury of Japanese folklore and wisdom, beautifully bound by Folio and fully illustrated by artist Yuko Shimizu. Exclusive to the Folio Society, these books are ideal for the reader who has everything they want to read, but can now enjoy something they can truly treasure.
Those who wish to use their books as a decoration in their home will be overwhelmed by the choice on offer this Christmas, and the Folio Society is not the only place to find a beautiful tome to impress guests with. Art lovers will adore Shimmering Zen by American artist James Stanford, featuring a compilation of mesmerising digital montages created by layering original photographs of Las Vegas landmarks and its iconic neon signs.
Showcased in a stunning tome, the artwork tells a unique tale, and this bright and mesmerising book is riveting and eye-catching, making it the perfect gift for the discerning connoisseur of the coffee table book.
There is also Olgiati, the beautiful monograph of blueprints of work by Valerio Olgiati, featuring planned, built or under construction projects from between 2009 and 2017, and the book gives readers an insight into the majesty and integrity of the buildings we live in.
With unrivalled choice, books make for the perfect gift this festive season, and we hope this selection proves that there really is something for everyone, so you’ll be spoilt for choice when searching for that perfect present.
