10 Inspiring Coffee Table Books On Art, Design, Food, Sport And Travel

You may be sitting at home but let your mind wander with this new collection of our favourite coffee table books that will have you marvelling at the digital works of Assouline's authors. 

1. Formula 1: The Impossible Collection Book 

By: Brad Spurgeon 

Formula 1: The Impossible Collection chronicles the milestones that lifted Formula One from a gentlemen’s club in 1950 to a global sport with hundreds of millions of fans around the world, third in popularity only to the Olympics and World Cup soccer. Highlighting exceptional technical innovations, remarkable drivers’ achievements and exciting race finishes, this volume illuminates immortal names such as Juan Manuel Fangio, Jim Clark, Bruce McLaren, Enzo Ferrari, Colin Chapman, Bernie Ecclestone, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Jean Todt, Michael Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, who recently made history tying Schumacher’s championship titles and breaking his record of total career race victories.

A spirited tribute to the sport and all those who have made it possible over the decades, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume dynamically illustrates that Formula One is far more than “cars going around in circles,” it is the culmination of a passion that fires the mechanics, technicians, engineers and team directors behind the scenes, in addition to the drivers themselves, who are prepared to possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice to be part of its glorious history. Housed in a luxury clamshell case with a metal plaque, this spectacular tome is presented in a red canvas tote bag to preserve its craftsmanship.

2. Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh Book 

 By: Anders Christian Madsen 

Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh honors the designer’s boundary-breaking creativity on and off the runways. With over 250 stunningly iconic images and personal reflections from Abloh’s inner circle, including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner and Kid Cudi, the book is the definitive chronicle of a partnership that redefined not only dress codes but their very vocabulary. 

3. Pop Art Style Book 

By: Julie Belcove 

spotlighting some of the most iconic art movements and design styles, revealing their historical impact and continuing influence on our culture today. This colorful volume brings together dynamic images from diverse eras and media to express the energy and exuberance of sixty years of Pop Art Style.

4. Art Deco Style Book 

By: Jared Goss

Art Deco is a design idiom that reflects a decorative approach to designing appealing consumer goods during the interwar period. Encompassing every discipline within the applied arts, Art Deco manifested itself to some extent everywhere around the world, perhaps the first design idiom ever to do so. Art Deco’s fundamental appeal lay in its decorative qualities, which consumers found attractive and glamorous. From skyscrapers, locomotives, automobiles and ocean liners to fashion, advertising and everyday home furnishings and appliances, Art Deco style captured the imagination of designers and consumers alike.

Evolving between the two World Wars, taking on unique stylistic expressions in different places around the world, Art Deco symbolized modernity, sophistication, glamour and the optimism of technological progress. The taste for Art Deco came to an end with World War II, but interest emerged again in the 1960s and its fascination remains strong today. Featuring an Introduction by expert Jared Goss, and brimming with captivating imagery, Art Deco Style expresses the multifaceted allure of this global design phenomenon and its perennial appeal.

 5. Bali Mystique Book 

By: Elora

Surf mecca, tropical paradise, bamboo architecture hub, “Island of the Gods”—Bali contains multitudes. The magnetism of this Indonesian island is unmatched, drawing millions of visitors each year. A balance of spiritual meditation and indulgent amusement, there is an energy in Bali that defies the stereotype of a serene oasis. The local culture permeates daily life, encounter offerings, temples and ceremonies at every corner. On the other hand, Bali also provides luxury beachside resorts and wild nightlife.

With black sand beaches, dramatic volcanos and countless waterfalls, the natural abundance found in Bali is inspiring. The plethora of bamboo on the island encouraged the development of bamboo architecture which is now widespread. Cliffside villas, endless rice terraces and the lively surfing community come together to create a vibrant portrait of Bali, complete with the kindness and warmth of its people.

 6. Arabian Leopard Book 

By: Andrew Spalton

A celebration of a magnificent creature: the Arabian leopard (Panthera pardus nimr). This subspecies has distinct features that are the result of thousands of years of evolution, making it perfectly suited to the deserts and mountains of Arabia. An essay by wildlife conservationist Andrew Spalton charts the animal’s epic journey from Africa to Arabia over the course of half a million years, highlighting its history and its current, critically endangered status. Imagery of the Arabian leopard as a symbol of strength, freedom and fearlessness has been found in ancient rock art, mosaics and paintings over the centuries, cementing its position as a revered and respected animal in Saudi Arabia and the world.

The Royal Commission for AlUla has been focusing on wildlife conservation to protect this subspecies through the creation of the Arabian Leopard Fund. Key to these efforts is raising awareness about these beautiful cats, to galvanize local and international support for their protection. To this end, two editions of the books are available—a Classic and an Ultimate—featuring original artworks and photographs that capture the enduring spirit of the Arabian leopard.

 7. Red Sea: The Saudi Coast Book 

By: Christopher Smith 

Bordering the coastlines of eight countries, the Red Sea is a melting pot of civilizations, faiths and hopes. With unique coral reefs and diverse underwater life, the untouched nature and unmatched biodiversity thrive in the aquatic environment and have led to the creation of several preservation initiatives. As the setting of many epic journeys in literature, the Red Sea is imbued with a spirit of adventure. Photography by Aline Coquelle, Ameen Qaisaran and Afnan Alkhayat, Mohammed Al Sharif, and Yarob Bashrahil.

From serene desert expanses to coastal regions teeming with flora and fauna, the many wonders of Saudi Arabia are explored in our latest collection. This six-book series features original works by premier photographers and artists. Each volume uncovers a unique treasure of the Kingdom, whether an ancient city or historic tribe.

 8. Flower Men Book 

By: Bruno Doucey

On the high plateau of the Asir Province, the most mountainous region of Saudi Arabia, one of the greatest and best-kept secrets of Arab civilization lay hidden for centuries: the tribe of the Flower Men, so dubbed because it was their custom to wear garlands of flowers and leaves in their hair. This book honors the tribe’s past and present.

From serene desert expanses to coastal regions teeming with flora and fauna, the many wonders of Saudi Arabia are explored in our latest collection. This six-book series features original works by premier photographers and artists. Each volume uncovers a unique treasure of the Kingdom, whether an ancient city or historic tribe. 

9. Lisa Perry Fashion - Homes - Design Book 

By: Lisa Perry 

This book explores the personal residences, creative spaces, and grand escapes including Lisa’s Manhattan penthouse, SoHo design studio, and homes in the Hamptons, Palm Beach, and Villefranche-sur-Mer. Realizing her hidden expertise for interior design, Ms. Perry is currently in the business of buying, renovating and selling homes branded with her signature style. Written and photographed by Robyn Lea, with a foreword by Hillary Clinton and introduction by Lisa Perry

 10. New York by New York Book 

By: Jay Mclnerney 

New York is a city whose DNA comes from all over the world, a fantastic and unique place belonging to America yet not completely American. Such a strong cultural personality deserves a book, and Martine Assouline introduces this grand new title as “a little tribute to the New York I love.” Travel through the most important periods of this great city and into all its boroughs, from Manhattan and Brooklyn to the Bronx and Queens to Staten Island with glimpses into its history and the development of its world- renown skyline. Discover stories from immigration in the early twentieth century to Prohibition in the 1920s to the youth revolution in the sixties. Remember the best moments in Broadway and the discos at Studio 54; dream with F. Scott Fitzgerald, Truman Capote, and Audrey Hepburn or Madonna and Jean- Michel Basquiat.

This volume reveals New York through the expert eyes and iconic images of leading photographers from Edward Steichen to Peter Lindbergh, together with texts and quotes from top writers including E.B. White , Edith Wharton, Tom Wolfe and Jay Mcinerney. With a slipcase and typography created especially for the occasion, New York by New York provides ration and will be treasured by lovers of this great City for decades to come.

Happy reading! Click here to browse the entire collection