The Library by James W P Campbell & Will Pryce

One cannot think of a more peaceful place to escape than a library. As a bookseller and book-lover, the charm and beauty of libraries are never lost on me. They are an emblem of a culture and a celebration of the importance of reading and education. This particular book explores the library in a historical and architectural context. I found myself lost within the pages as soon as I picked it up... all those wooden shelves providing a home to hundreds of precious editions and manuscripts. Can’t you just imagine yourself walking under the miraculous, embellished archways to find a sunlit corner in which to immerse yourself in a wonderful read. Thames & Hudson

Handmade in Japan – The Pursuit of Perfect in Traditional Crafts

Traditional craft people throughout Japan. A mixture of travel narrative mixed the history of some of these very ancient traditions. This book is smaller but the work in it is truly exceptional and rarely seen. I like the idea of specialist traditions and makers getting lost in their crafts. Gestalten 

Cabinet of Curiosities by Massimo Listri and Giulia Carciotto

The Wunderkammer, or ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’, was designed to house and display artifacts from the fields of art, science, natural history, mythology and religion in an attempt to gather the knowledge of the universe into one room. They are feasts for the eyes and mind, and I found myself pouring over the timeless treasures in this spectacular edition. This collection has taken the authors several decades to collate and photograph. The detail on display here will delight and surprise readers of all ages. Taschen

Peter Beard by Taschen

This book has not been available for a long time and has come to define Peter Beard’s career. He passed away last year, so this release is a timely tome of this photographer’s most brilliant work. It really is a staggering collection of his photos, artworks, writings and diary pages. A must for anyone who loves the creative process. Taschen

Living In – Modern Masterpieces of Residential Architecture by Gestalten and Openhouse

Find profiles of iconic architectural residences and interviews with the owners. What is it like to live in these homes? This is especially timely and relevant given how much time people throughout the world have spent in their homes through the (continuing in some places) Covid-19 pandemic. I feel books and good design help you to escape in your own home… Gestalten/Openhouse

The Garden – Elements and Styles by Toby Musgrave

I wanted to include something with nature and this is the most beautiful of the garden books at the moment. I think stepping into any nature space really speaks to a lot of us at the moment and this book is filled with some beautiful golden-hour gardens. Phaidon