Art, Language & Essays

Erasmus’ biting and brilliant 16th-century satire is ingeniously reimagined with illustrations by award-winning artist Matthew Richardson.

Van Gogh’s famous letters transform our understanding of one of the most haunting figures in western culture. 

Boethius’ incredible presence of mind enabled him to produce this work of genius while he awaited execution on a false charge of treason. For many years the most popular book in Europe next to the Bible, its relevance endures.

William Gaunt's captivating art history classic features beautiful images of the movement's most significant works.

This seminal book was an influence on Oscar Wilde and other aesthetes. Introduced by Michael Prodger, with paintings by Botticelli and Michelangelo.

Never out of print since first published in 1929, this sparkling discussion of women’s status and independence still retains a pivotal place in the Western canon.

One of the most opulent pictorial books ever published, Japan, produced at the end of the 19th century, captures a vanished world in 259 hand-coloured photographs. This is the first time this landmark work has been reproduced in its entirety in two luxurious volumes.

Britain between the wars is brilliantly and entertainingly chronicled in this book by the author of Akenfield.

This selection of celebrated essays by Charles Dickens conjures up a peerless, eyewitness account of the 19th-century capital, from the rarefied world of Whitehall to working-class conviviality and blighted slums. 

A major new biography of this perennially popular artist by the world’s foremost scholar of his life and work. Published by Thames & Hudson.

An illuminating study of calligraphy, taking in the birth of the art to the modern renaissance. Published by The British Library Publishing.

Discover the artistic evolution behind one of the literature’s best-loved characters. Published by Michael O’Mara.

The first official history of the British monarchy’s Royal Collection. Published by Penguin Books.

An intriguing collection of true tales about works of art that have vanished. Published by Phaidon.

A revelatory new monograph of the brilliant Pre-Raphaelite artist. Published by Phaidon.

A sumptuous new book revealing how Classical mythology has inspired art over time. Published by Phaidon.

A celebration of the design and the artistry of the illustrated book jacket. 

A superb new edition published by Oxford University Press. New foreword by Gordon McMullan.

Newly published in series with Hokusai, this lavishly illustrated book contains hundreds of breath-taking prints revealing Hiroshige's particular genius.

An award-winning edition from Abbeville Press featuring over 80 excerpts from libertine literature, accompanied by sumptuous rococo artworks.

Featuring over 1,000 works of art, this landmark book celebrates the most iconic paintings from New York's internationally renowned collection. Published by Skira Rizzoli Publications in association with The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

A sumptuous book featuring the most celebrated works of the great Dutch painter. Featuring an essay by writer and collector Wilhelm Uhde. Published by Phaidon.

The ultimate visual sourcebook of this most romantic of garments, featuring the work of the world's best designers and photographers. Published by Conran Octopus.

With a cover design by Manolo Blahnik, this volume in the Vogue Portfolio Series celebrates the shoe as an object of obsession, status and desire. Published by Conran Octopus.

The brilliant jewellery pieces featured in the pages of British Vogue are gathered together in this magnificent volume. Published by Conran Octopus.