Your favorite coffee table books (photography, artist monographs, fashion bible, etc)

[Tafkap]

I've been working on the book collection and now that I've gotten rid of the fillers and have only the essentials, I have found that my coffee table books are somewhat lacking. What are some of your holy grail picture books and what are on your wish list?
I once owned the Christopher Wool Taschen book, but sold it because I needed the cash. I hope to purchase another copy again by the end of the year. It is indeed a huge book and comes packaged in it's own shipping box which is always a nice touch.


I consider photographer monographs coffee table books, even if their size isn't too big - for their small number of printings and almost always are printed and produced rather nicely. I just picked up the new Dirk Braekman monograph from Roma Publications which is very nice....




photo l.vecten
I also picked up the monograph of Viviane Sassen. I first saw her work in Photoworks magazine (cover) and loved it.



i'll post more once i get my digital camera back. these are the two recent acquisitions and my #1 on the want list (wool).
for now, let's hear what you got and what you want!

[fncyths]

I frequently rotate my book collection. I normally work in sets. This was my last pair:

Hedi Slimane : Anthology of a Decade





Jean Prouve : The Poetics of the Technical Object

[Tafkap]

Another on the want list - Ludion's 6+ ANTWERP FASHION -

[radio-aktivität]

I don’t get coffee table books at all and banished everything Taschen and/or (worse!) Gestalten related from the bookshelf. But, as with all things, there are exceptions.

first is SangBleu Issue III/IV

which simply is the tattoo book out there. nice editorials in there, too.

then there is the Meisterbuch der Schrift, there should be reprints (first and second edition up to 1965 are hard to find nowadays)


and for the architectural modern housing nerds, there’s this (and only this)

Vinex Atlas

maybe one could also find Tim Rochels’ incredibly sharp medium format live show photography interesting. but kitschy.

[Faust]

I must say I don't like Taschen books. Too many of them are just lowest common denominator crap. Tafkap, I have 6+ ;-) Definitely worth getting.

I'll take some photos later on. Fuuma has an enviable collection too. We actually have an old thread like it, but it's kind of crappy, so let's keep this neat with nice pictures and links to buy if possible, and this should become a fantastic thread.

(If anyone is looking to buy Hedi Slimane's Anthology, mine is for sale slightly above retail.)

[Fade to Black]

i'd love to own both those Wool and Oehlen catalogues, love both their work very much. good to see a kindred soul.

[Faust]

My hallway altar.

[Faust]

Living room. Now before you go saving these pictures as future blackmail material, I will provide a disclaimer - some of these books are there because they were sent to me by publishers for review. You'll figure out which ones they are.

[stephlinn]

My hallway altar.

Ooh I have been meaning to get my hands on that Hussein Chalayan book. I would post my collection but it is mainly architecture books passed down from my parents
also: nice monica bellucci book

[Faust]

Ooh I have been meaning to get my hands on that Hussein Chalayan book. I would post my collection but it is mainly architecture books passed down from my parents
also: nice monica bellucci book

one of the ones i did not buy.

The Chalayan book is fantastic. Buy without hesitation.

[Tafkap]

i agree with the taschen in regards to the everything but the huge beast books they put out.
and faust - holy cow - NICE!
props on the axel vervoodt and shirin neshat.
i'd love to get my hands on the veronique branquinho material!!!
what is the box set of white books on the bottom row of your altar?
potterton books in nyc has a nice selection of books of the axel and belgian variety.

[stephlinn]

I also someday hope to get the "nudi" book by Roversi. You know, when I have the money...

If any of you visit Portland you should stop by Powells, it has a ridiculous selection of art/fashion/photography/whatever books. It is easy to lose a day wandering through the store-it is five stories and takes up a whole city block.

[Faust]

i agree with the taschen in regards to the everything but the huge beast books they put out.
and faust - holy cow - NICE!
props on the axel vervoodt and shirin neshat.
i'd love to get my hands on the veronique branquinho material!!!
what is the box set of white books on the bottom row of your altar?
potterton books in nyc has a nice selection of books of the axel and belgian variety.

Sorry, I don't talk to Republicans.

[fncyths]

I also someday hope to get the "nudi" book by Roversi. You know, when I have the money...

Roversi is hands down one of my favorite contemporary photographers! I have Studio and lost Nudi in my recent breakup

I just recently discovered Ellen Rogers. If you're a fan of Roversi check her out:

Here's her book:Aberrant Necropolis

[stephlinn]

Roversi is hands down one of my favorite contemporary photographers! I have Studio and lost Nudi in my recent breakup

I just recently discovered Ellen Rogers. If you're a fan of Roversi check her out:

Here's her book: Aberrant Necropolis

Oh wow! Her work is really beautiful. I wonder what type of film she uses