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BOOKS
WITH PANACHE
Visuals
Unlimited
Whatever your passion, here are the perfect coffee-table
presents
to give – and to receive.
Art & Photography The magnificent Frick
Collection is a true treasure of New York City. In the lavishly
illustrated Building the Frick Collection (Scala, $24.95),
chief curator Colin B. Bailey draws upon previously unpublished
archival material to provide an illuminating study of the
Frick mansion and its owner, art collector extraordinaire
Henry Clay Frick. • Alain Vircondelet's sumptuous
three-volume set Venice (Flammarion, $150) is a comprehensive
exploration of the enchanting city's history, architecture,
art and day-to-day life. • In Winslow
Homer: An American Vision (Phaidon Press, $69.95), Randall C. Griffin argues
that “the works of Winslow have helped shape America's
view of itself.” This insightful new survey of the
life and work of the beloved landscape artist is an important
addition to Homer scholarship. • One of the most beautiful
gift books of the holiday season is Gardens
in Time (Abrams,
$60). Photographer Alain Le Toquin provides a stunning visual
and historical survey of 84 of the world's most inspiring
gardens, ranging from the ancient gardens of the Far East
to the contemporary designs of such masters as Jacques Wirtz
and Robert Irwin. • The New York
Botanical Garden (Abrams,
$50) documents the premier garden's seasonal wonders
in more than 300 striking images of its 250 verdant acres
and the landmark Enid A. Haupt Conservatory. • The limited-edition
Golf Courses: Fairways of the World (Rizzoli, $195) is a
glorious photographic celebration of golf course architecture.
Photographer David Cannon's sumptuous images – including
ten gatefolds opening to double and quadruple width – will
capture the imagination of any golf enthusiast. • Design In Private
Splendor (Vendome Press, $50), Alexis Gregory
offers an intriguing insider's look at the elegant
lifestyle enjoyed at eight great European houses that have
remained in the same families since construction. • Shades
of Country: Designing a Life of Comfort (The Taunton Press,
$40) – noted design writer Chippy Irvine's wonderful
primer on country style – is chock-full of inspiring,
creative design ideas. • The islands of the French Caribbean
are famous for both their tropical splendor and exquisite
architecture. In the beautifully photographed French
Island Elegance (Abrams, $40), decorative arts scholar Michael Connors
showcases the finest historic and contemporary island residences.
Jewelry The Indian princes of the British Raj were legendary
for their extravagant tastes, commissioning dazzling, one-of-a-kind
objects from the most outstanding luxury goods purveyors of
the era. In Made for Maharajas (Vendome Press, $65), author
Amin Jaffer presents a history of the most extraordinary objects. • Watch
collectors will appreciate The Watch (Abrams, $40), Gene Stone's
informative review of the best vintage and contemporary men's
timepieces. The more than 500 remarkable photos testify to
the superb craftsmanship and inspired design of these watches. • Tiffany
design director John Loring chronicles the timeless appeal
of pearls and their prominent role in the company's history
in the splendidly illustrated Tiffany
Pearls (Abrams, $50). • Although
many of them disappeared during the Russian Revolution, the
Romanov jewels were the most spectacular collection ever assembled.
In Jewels of the Tsars (Vendome Press, $55) Prince Michael
of Greece – a relative of the last Tsar – presents
a tantalizing look at the glittering remnants. • Food & Entertaining Ducasse Flavors
of France (Artisan, $40) features more
than 100 recipes from three of 14-Michelin-star chef Alain Ducasse's
best restaurants. While drooling over the luscious
food images, readers will also gain an appreciation of
the principles and techniques of one of the world's greatest
chefs. • Guided by America's best sommeliers, authors
Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page have created an indispensable
and definitive guide to food and beverage pairing in What
to Drink With What You Eat (Bulfinch Press, $35). • In
Perfect Tables (Cico Books, $29.95), acclaimed tabletop designer William
Yeoward reveals how he creates his unique and memorable table
settings and centerpieces. • Rose Carrarini, proprietress
of Paris's popular Rose Bakery, shares her wonderful
recipes and techniques in Breakfast, Lunch,
Tea (Phaidon Press,
$29.95). • For those not lucky enough to live near San
Francisco-based Tartine Bakery comes Tartine (Chronicle Books,
$35) by co-owners and master bakers Elisabeth Prueitt and Chad
Robertson – featuring heavenly recipes for both luscious
desserts and savory treats.
• Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker founders John Scharffenberger
and Robert Steinberg share their passion for everything chocolate
in Essence of Chocolate (Hyperion, $35). Interspersed with
engaging pieces of chocolate lore are favorite recipes from
top chefs, including Thomas Keller and Jacques Pépin.
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