In a world where digital screens dominate our daily lives, the allure of a well-curated coffee table book endures as a tangible escape into the realms of art, culture, and inspiration. For those seeking to strike a balance between the fast-paced technological landscape and a more grounded appreciation for the finer things, IMBOLDN’s editors have curated a selection of fine coffee table books that capture the adventurous spirit of exploration and delve into the intricacies of design and innovation.
‘The Dial: The Face of the Wristwatch in the 20th Century’
With over 600 illustrations and 392 pages of rich content, this seminal book is a celebration of one of horology’s most captivating mechanisms. Dr. Helmut Crott, a former surgeon turned watch collector and expert, takes us on a deep dive into the fascinating history of the face of wristwatches in the 20th century with his latest masterpiece. For those with a passion for vintage timepieces and a desire to immerse themselves in the legacy of dial-making, this book is a must-have addition to any collection.
‘Boatlife: Exploring the Freedom of Maritime Living’
This book, published by Gestalten, offers a look into the boating lifestyle and the countless adventures, cultures, and scenery one experiences while living aboard a vessel at sea. The 256-page hardcover explores various boating lifestyles, from cold water adventures in the Arctic Circle and Scandinavia to the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Illustrated maps, descriptions, itineraries, and jaw-dropping photography give readers the information they need to set sail.
‘Norman Foster Complete Works 1965–Today’
This two-volume hardcover set offers a once-in-a-lifetime look at world-renowned architect Norman Foster’s innovation, creativity, and the inspiration behind his most notable works. Included among these works are the Apple Park campus in Cupertino, CA, Berlin’s Reichstag, and the Millennium Bridge in London. Whether you’re an architecture aficionado or you’re just looking for the next gorgeous book to place on your coffee table, this first edition will impress guests and leave you feeling inspired and in awe of Foster’s life’s work.
Assouline ‘Sicily Honor’
This book takes us on a journey throughout Sicily, an island that boasts an eclectic mix of Middle Eastern, European, and African influences, which are reflected in the architecture and food of this magical place. Discover the authentic charm and luxury amenities of Villa Sant’Andrea and Grand Hotel Timeo, two properties located in Taormina with breathtaking views of the Mediterranean.
Assouline ‘Formula 1: The Impossible Collection’
The perfect gift for the F1 fan who already has everything! This 228 page-turner features 175 illustrations to chronicle the history of Formula 1 racing. The book starts from F1’s beginnings as a gentlemen’s sport to the third most popular sport in the world, following the Olympics and FIFA World Cup. In addition, famous names like Bruce McLaren, Enzo Ferrari, Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton get their space in the book.
‘The Computer. A History from the 17th Century to Today’
This fascinating book explores the time from the first ideas of a calculating machine in the 19th century and early experiments with autonomous driving in the 1920s to oversized office computers in the 1950s to laptops and wearables of today. The book showcases forgotten gadgets and prototypes connecting iconic products such as the Apple Macintosh and the Sony PlayStation.
‘Drive Time: Watches Inspired by Automobiles, Motorcycles and Racing’
Drive Time looks at the subject of motorsports-related timepieces from a number of different perspectives, which means it offers a lot more than just a chronology of car watches. For a well researched, entertaining, and surprisingly complete look at the subject, Drive Time is a beautifully illustrated tome that explores the intricate relationship between automobiles and the mechanical artistry they have inspired in the world of watchmaking.
Hide and Seek: The Architecture of Cabins and Hideouts
Highly recommended for those that dream of turning a small plot of land into a sanctuary for relaxation. Whether located in the forest, on the water, or in the mountains; whether light and minimalistic or dark and cozy, the featured retreats exemplify how to create locations that offer calm and balance in our hectic lives. The cabins, hideaways, and homes showcased in Hide and Seek blend traditional architecture with modern living in surprising ways.
Off The Road
Whether exploring the desert, showing children the world, or navigating polar landscapes, the journeys collected in Off the Road are as unique as the people who take them. From radical escapists to fans of nature looking for their next trip, the book celebrates the joy of being on the go on four wheels.
Surfing: 1778-2015
Welcome to the most comprehensive visual history on all things surfing. This book brings together more than 900 images to chart the evolution of surfing as a sport, a lifestyle, and a philosophy. With essays by today’s leading surf journalists, Surfing: 1778-2015 spans photography, fashion, film, art, and music to chart the evolution of surfing culture from its first mention in 1778 to today’s global and multi-platform phenomenon.
The LEGO Architect
This book is an inspirational showcase of architectural designs re-created with LEGOs. As educational as it is fun, The LEGO Architect encourages readers to connect with the satisfaction of building something block by block. It’s chock full of bite-sized portions of architectural history, like Art Deco, Modernism, and High-Tech. Take your turn at building 12 models in a variety of styles.
Resident Dog (Volume 2): Incredible Homes and the Dogs That Live There
In this stunningly photographed book of architecturally exquisite homes – many of them architects’ own homes – we see how the presence of a dog brings warmth and life to the most dramatic spaces. From mid-century raw brick to a penthouse apartment, gracious Edwardian to Scandinavian modern, from beach house to country retreat, there is always room for a dog or two.
Axel Vervoordt: Portraits of Interiors
The eighteen recently-designed homes highlighted in this book demonstrate how Axel Vervoordt incorporates nature, art, and enduring interiors to create living spaces that encourage self-reflection, inspiration, and happiness. In this book, Vervoordt reveals his guiding philosophy and pursuit to uncover the profound sense of well-being that a home can evoke.
Football: Designing the Beautiful Game
This fascinating book is an exploration of how design has pushed soccer to its technical and emotional limits, from the world’s most significant stadiums to the innovative materials used in today’s shoes. It features informed and sometimes provocative contributions from figures across the world of football and design, from analyst Statman Dave and broadcaster Martin Tyler to architect Jacques Herzog and adidas vice president Sam Handy.
Let’s Get Lost: The world’s most stunning remote locations
Award-winning travel and lifestyle photographer, Finn Beales curates this 240-page tome for the armchair traveler longing to explore the over 200 spectacular shots of remote and beautiful places around the world. It captures off-grid coastal views, rugged mountain landscapes, majestic forests and expansive wildernesses from the Pacific Northwest to Southeast Asia, and New Zealand to Scandinavia.