They say you can’t judge a book by its cover – well, with these five Ultimate Library selections, you absolutely can, because they’re beautiful both inside and out! From a cloth bound edition of Grimm’s Fairy Tales with drawings by legendary English book illustrator Arthur Rackham to Plantopedia – a gorgeously visual and fascinating guide to keeping house plants, these are books that make you happy before you even open the front cover…
1. Grimm’s Fairy Tales translated by Mrs Edgar Lucas, Illustrated by Arthur Rackham
This stunning cloth bound collection brings to life 60 of the most well-known traditional stories from around Northern Europe. The Brothers Grimm collected these tales which are some of the most influential stories in western culture. Illustrated by Arthur Rackham this edition would make the perfect addition to any library, its 38 colour plates and over 50 black and white illustrations fill this collection with magic.
2. The Library by James W. P. Campbell and Will Pryce
In its highest form the library is a work of art, combining architecture, painting, sculpture, furniture, and literature. From their designs for the libraries of Ancient Rome to those of the Bibliotheque Nationale in Paris, architects have sought to outdo each other by producing ever more spectacular settings. Author James and photographer Will have travelled the globe documenting some of the world’s most remarkable libraries through their architecture and interior design.
3. Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens
No beautiful book collection would be complete without the Penguin’s clothbound classics series. Designed by Coralie Bickford-Smith, each book features a repeated image of an important motif in the book – in this case the pocket watch. Oliver Twist is one of Dickens most famous works and is a staple of all good libraries. The tale follows orphan Oliver and vivid and memorable criminal characters of London’s underworld. This novel is as thrilling now as when it was released.
4. Plantopedia by Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan
Houseplants have the power to transform any room. With their lush foliage and structural beauty, they help create indoor oases that bring a sense of tranquillity to our busy lives. Fostering a connection to plants has many positive implications for us and our environment by strengthening our relationship with the natural world. In Plantopedia, Lauren Camilleri and Sophia Kaplan from Leaf Supply present the definitive guide to keeping happy, healthy houseplants in any space.
5. On the Himalayan Trail by Romy Gill
In On The Himalayan Trail Indian food writer and chef, Romy Gill, tells the story of Kashmir and Ladakh’s unique and tantalising cuisine sharing over 80 extraordinary recipes that can be recreated in your own home kitchen. Set to the backdrop of the snow-capped Himalayas, with stunning travel photography throughout, this first-of-its-kind book, offers an intimate window into the life and the history of the Kashmiri and Ladakhi people, and why food is at the heart of this incredible place.
