The Mail Bookshop has unveiled a dazzling new collection of coffee table books, offering everything from a visual celebration of music legend Cher to a deep dive into the glittering world of Cartier jewellery. These lavishly illustrated volumes are perfect for gifting or as a treat for yourself, providing hours of fascination and aesthetic pleasure.
Iconic Personalities and Fashion Giants
Leading the release is 'I Got You Babe: A Celebration Of Cher' by Annie Zaleski. Priced at £25, this 224-page rival to Cher's own memoirs offers a pictorial history of her remarkable career. It charts her many incarnations, from Sonny's wife to a powerhouse balladeer with a "voice like a foghorn," and even her role as Meryl Streep's mother in Mamma Mia 2. The book is packed with fascinating trivia, such as her backing vocals on The Righteous Brothers' classic, and, of course, a thousand photos showcasing her legendary wig collection.
Fashion devotees are catered for with two monumental tomes. 'Valentino' by Matt Tyrnauer & Suzy Menkes is a 576-page, £100 volume from Taschen, documenting the half-century reign of Valentino Garavani. Featuring dresses worn by Elizabeth Taylor and Audrey Hepburn, it reveals the designer's glamorous life, including skiing trips with Roger Moore. Similarly, 'Jean-Paul Gaultier: Catwalk' by Laird Borrelli-Persson (£60) is a 632-page retrospective of the enfant terrible's career, featuring his most iconic creations like Madonna's conical bra and skirts for men.
Luxury, Nature, and Canine Charm
For lovers of luxury, 'Cartier,' edited by Helen Molesworth and Rachel Garrahan (£35), explores why the jeweller remains unrivalled. It features signature designs like the Tank watch and Love bracelet, alongside patronage from the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The book intriguingly notes modern clientele like Tyler, The Creator, who owns eight Cartier watches all showing different times.
Nature and conservation take centre stage in 'Ten Years Of Remembering Wildlife' (£59.50). The tenth book in this impactful series uses stunning donated photography to raise awareness and funds for endangered species, highlighting the plight of the heavily trafficked pangolin. Meanwhile, 'Modern Tree Houses' by Florian Siebeck (£50) offers a breathtaking look at arboreal architecture, from Caligula's ancient banquet hall to contemporary educational retreats and luxury holiday homes.
Adding a dose of British charm, 'Country Life’s Book Of Dogs' by Agnes Stamp (£50) is a magnificent collection of pure-bred dogs photographed in stately settings. It's described as a charmingly written, year-round joy. Similarly, the 'Gardens Of Great Britain And Ireland' by the RHS (£25) acts as "garden porn," showcasing 100 beautiful gardens with practical visiting information.
Art Explained and Unforgettable Images
Finally, 'Great Art Explained' by James Payne (£30) brings his popular YouTube series to print. It contextualises masterpieces with compelling stories, such as how Monet and Pissarro were inspired by J.M.W. Turner's abstract works in the National Gallery, positioning Turner as a forefather of Impressionism.
Each of these nine titles offers a unique window into culture, design, and history, making them standout additions to any bookshelf or coffee table. Available now, they promise to inform, inspire, and delight.
