Campi Flegrei, near Naples, is a seismically active landscape that attracts, stimulates, and challenges. It seduces the soul, engages perception, and demands to be interpreted rather than merely registered.
People have chosen to live amongst these unique geological and volcanic features, weaving the fabric of human occupation and taming a land in perpetual transformation, one of the harshest yet most enchanting environments. Mankind has matched its own impermanence against the earth’s inevitable and unrestrained convulsions, in the process hewing out some of the most glorious examples of human endeavour, such as Cumae, the oldest Greek colony in the Western Mediterranean, the bustling Roman port of Puteoli, and the “dolce vita” savoured in the baths and villas dotted around the Bay of Baiae.
Luigi Spina has been exploring this land since 2020, delving into the complex, stratified geography. Key landmarks include places of memory (archaeological sites, monuments, landscapes), which, like true benchmarks of perception, outline the path towards an understanding of a world that links nature, ancient ruins, and the overwhelming presence of mankind. Balanced between mimicry and contradiction, the Campi Flegrei landscape is now blanketed by a dense urban sprawl, where the ancient and the contemporary coexist in a kind of precarious equilibrium, generating a complex socio-cultural state of affairs that is challenging to govern.
Spina explores and photographs places such as the Dragonara Cave, the Piscina Mirabilis, the Theatre of Misenum, the Flavian Amphitheatre at Puteoli, the Temple of Apollo on the shores of Lake Avernus, and the Temples of Venus and Diana, as he wanders through the hills above Baiae, finally heading towards Cumae.
The Gulbenkian Museum published its long-awaited catalogue of Calouste Gulbenkian’s collection of illuminated manuscripts, marking the culmination of several years of research and collaboration by a group of international scholars.
This group of works, which was particularly prized by the collector, was acquired for his own personal enjoyment and kept at his home in Paris before being transferred to Portugal. In the 1960s, when they were housed at the Marques de Pombal Palace in Oeiras, the codices were damaged by flooding. The restoration work that allowed these specimens to be studied and exhibited at long last was only completed in 2014.
The first article, by Manuela Fidalgo, the emeritus curator of this group of works from the collection, explores the milestone moments in the creation of the collection, homing in on Gulbenkian’s choices and the way in which he sought to preserve his books. She has also written a brief account of the flooding of 1967 and the restoration of the damaged specimens.
The second essay, by François Avril, former curator of the Manuscripts Department at the Bibliothèque nationale de France, an expert in medieval manuscript volumes and the scientific coordinator of this catalogue, takes an in-depth look at the specimens that make up the collection, plotting the timeline of the acquisitions and uncovering their provenance. The catalogue, which covers 27 books and 10 fragments, was coordinated by Angela Dillon Bussi, a specialist in medieval history and former assistant director of the Biblioteca nazionale Marciana, Venice and the Biblioteca Medicea-Laurenziana in Florence.
The catalogue entries, which are all illustrated, divide the codices into two sections. The first puts forward a codicological study by Angela Dillon Bussi, in collaboration with Davide Baldi Bellini. The second explores the history, content and artistic importance of the pieces, with contributions from renowned experts such as Angela Dillon Bussi, Federica Toniolo, François Avril, Giordana Mariani Canova, James Marrow, Jonathan Alexander, Lieve de Kessel and Nigel J. Morgan.
The aristocratic families of Europe once used to indulge in luxurious banquets with exquisite table accessories to demonstrate their power and extravagantly while away the hours. Well into the 18th century, it was not unusual for people to bring their own cutlery—quite often peculiar, valuable one-of-a-kind pieces. In the Baroque period, matching dinner services came into vogue and, in the wake of industrialisation, became mass-produced commodities. Trading with faraway countries, conquests, and migration augmented people’s menus with “exotic” fruit and spices and contributed to a change in customs and traditions.
In an exceptional exhibition on the mores of dining, the Jewellery Museum in Pforzheim presents historical goldsmithing and contemporary design, jewellery “to eat,” and treasures from across the globe. In addition, the accompanying publication will entice you with its special aspects of food culture—after all, the way to one’s cultural heart is also through the stomach.
Text in German.
Dutch interior designer Roelfien Vos gained international acclaim for her iconic luxury interiors. In celebration of her 25-year career anniversary, she offers a unique glimpse into her exceptional creative process with the book Tailored to Wonder, showcasing the people, places, and objects that inspire her. A stunning coffee table book about the power of interior design, a love for craftsmanship, travel, art and fashion — and an unapologetic passion for excellence. With her signature style — a blend of contemporary design, global treasures, and custom-made creations with a keen eye for detail — she has left her personal mark on projects around the world. This book is a must-have for anyone fascinated by distinctive design, inspiring stories, and poetic living spaces that redefine luxury.
Family Escapes is much more than a coffee table book – it is an invitation to experience unforgettable family moments at the most beautiful places in the world. Curated by Andrea Stadlhuber, a proven travel expert and founder of THE FAMILY PROJECT, this book combines exquisite photography with authentic stories and exclusive recommendations for luxurious family travel. For over a decade, Stadlhuber has explored the world’s top destinations – from the paradisical beaches of the Indian Ocean to the cultural treasures of Europe – and is a master at uniting the needs of discerning families. Family Escapes inspires with tailor-made travel recommendations that take into account the wishes of both adults and children. This coffee table book is a visual tour of discovery and at the same time a valuable companion that celebrates the quality of time spent together and creates lasting memories – an indispensable work for travel-loving families who demand exclusivity and lifestyle.
Explore Mallorca like never before with Charming Mallorca, a captivating travel coffee table book by Heide Christiansen. From tranquil villages and historic towns to hidden coves and bustling local markets, this volume reveals the island’s multifaceted beauty beyond the typical tourist trails.
Featuring approximately 300 authentic colour photographs, the book captures Mallorca’s rich culture, culinary delights, and breathtaking landscapes. Readers will immerse themselves in the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle, discovering favourite local spots, artisan shops, and traditional festivals.
With beautifully illustrated maps and practical insights, Charming Mallorca is the perfect companion for travellers and armchair explorers alike, inviting them to experience the island’s timeless allure and inspiring new journeys.
The Art Travel Book takes you on a journey across the globe, past iconic outdoor art installations and sculptures. The book showcases both well-known landmarks and hidden treasures: all extraordinary works that harmonise with their natural surroundings. From the arid plains of Texas to the cliffs of the South of France, from the verdant forests of England to the rugged beauty of Cape Town: many of the locations featured are freely accessible, making The Art Travel Book as much an invitation to travel as a source of inspiration for art and nature enthusiasts. The book provides background information on the artists, the artworks and their settings, while also offering curated recommendations for nearby sites of interest. It’s the perfect travel guide for art enthusiasts with a craving for new discoveries.
This second Wild Side book continues to explore Elena Agostinis’s fascination with artists using the ordinary in extraordinary ways. In this book, the focus is on artists who make jewellery using materials not commonly associated with traditional jewellery-making. While travelling afar, Elena’s profound realisation was that people in the most far-flung places in the world all have this powerful urge to self-adorn. Despite never having been a jeweller, what she found fascinating was that the materials used by these artists and artisans are often simply what the earth yields. She’s tried to include works that illustrate these remarkable innovations and the materials used.
The wearable artworks chosen for this book all appear to comply with this extraordinary principle. Ms. Zanella’s work and the unique creations of so many other artists included here, all follow suit. The hope is that readers, conformists and non-conformists alike, will marvel at concepts that can open all our minds and hearts to a world of colourful, wearable art, enabling us to seek out, try on, to feel the “fit” and to understand its formidable existential effect.
Northumberland is the ‘Land of the Far Horizon’ and England’s most northerly county. It was once a place of industrial innovation and manufacturing, literally fuelled by the coal brought up from its depths. Now Northumberland is a quieter place, loved by residents and visitors alike for its rolling hills and long, sandy beaches, as well as its charming towns and villages.
With this book in hand, meet Grace Darling, a Victorian heroine who took to storm-tossed seas to help rescue survivors of a terrible shipwreck; visit Amble, the ‘Friendliest Port’, and discover its connection to the Mauretania, once the fastest passenger ship to sail the Atlantic; and take in Turner’s View, an atmospheric stretch of coastline that was a lifelong inspiration to Britain’s greatest landscape painter.
You can also take a walk to the top of Cheviot, the county’s highest mountain and what was once a massive and very active volcano; and then top it off in the tranquil setting of St Cuthbert’s Island, where the eponymous saint went to get away from the strangely hectic whirl of monastic life.
Written by a proud northerner, this book will help you discover the more offbeat corners of Northumberland, and appreciate its many treasures.
Step beyond Old Town Alexandria’s historic brick facades and gas lamps to discover a world of timeless architectural beauty in Old Town Style. This comprehensive volume showcases over 40 extraordinary period homes, from a rustic Colonial Sea Captain’s house to an elegant Federal townhome and a transformed 18th-century bank turned private residence. Many featured homes are published here for the first time, offering an intimate look into Alexandria’s best-preserved historic treasures.
Blending personal renovation stories, decorating insights, and rich historical context, the book provides lasting design inspiration while emphasising architectural preservation. Acclaimed photographer Erik Kvalsvik’s vibrant full-colour images reveal diverse interior styles—from Jacobean and early American to mid-century modern—and highlight intricate exterior details. Intimate glimpses of secret walled gardens add enchantment.
Written by Robert F. Weinhagen, Jr., president of the Historic Alexandria Foundation, and his Book Committee, Old Town Style celebrates one of America’s most beautiful historic towns and the passionate stewards preserving its legacy.
Discover the hidden treasures of the Mediterranean with Secret Hideaways—an exclusive guide to some of the most beautiful and luxurious holiday homes in the region. Renowned journalist Christine von der Pahlen presents around 30 exceptional retreats, organised by country and offering an authentic insight into the true essence of Mediterranean living. Each chapter transports readers to a new paradise, from the idyllic coasts of Italy and the sun-drenched islands of Greece to the hidden oases of Spain and France. Particularly compelling are the stories behind these unique refuges. Carefully curated insider tips on shopping, markets and restaurants in each region round out the home stories, while portraits of the homeowners add a personal dimension, revealing the creative minds behind the Secret Hideaways. Published in both English and German, Secret Hideaways is more than a photographic coffee-table book—it is an invitation to experience the Mediterranean way of life and explore some of its most inspiring destinations. Perfect for anyone searching for their next dream getaway, or simply longing to immerse themselves in the magic of the Mediterranean.
Text in English and German.