Skip to content

Travel Around the World in Six Beautiful Coffee Table Books

Explore the world through the pages of these must-have summer coffee table books

Bookmark article to read later

By Edwain Steenkamp  | January 26, 2024 | Design

Mother: A Tribute to Mother Earth by by Marsel Van Oosten (teNeues)

We start our journey examining the wild, and magnificent spectacle that is nature. Such an examination wouldn't be complete without Mother, a visual celebration of Earth, captured through the lens of photographer Marsel Van Oosten. The book takes the reader continent to continent, showcasing quiet moments, pared-down motifs and remarkable details of some of the world's most spectacular displays: animals, plants and untouched vistas.

AD at 100: A Century of Style by Architectural Digest, introduction by Amy Astley, foreword by Anna Wintour (Abrams)

On the next step of our journey, we take refuge in the structures and homes that we've built: a testament not only to our creativity, but our desire to find safe sanctuaries. Needless to say, we'll conclude with AD at 100: A Century of Style. This meticulously curated book showcases some of the finest homes that have inspired countless people for the last.

AD at 100: A Century of Style by Architectural Digest, introduction by Amy Astley, foreword by Anna Wintour (Abrams). Image: Supplied.

Phenomena: Doppelmayr’s Celestial Atlas by by Giles Sparrow and Martin Rees (Thames&Hudson)

We take to the heavens, as seen through the eyes of Johann Doppelmayr during the mid-1700s. In his pre-eminent work, Phenomena, he seeks to map out the universe, exploring its history, and the science and mythology that informed it. Beautifully illustrated, it's a work of art that can be savoured and revisited for years.

Phenomena: Doppelmayr’s Celestial Atlas by by Giles Sparrow and Martin Rees (Thames&Hudson). Image: Supplied.

Babel by Miranda Engelbrecht (Babylonstoren)

Needless to say, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to stop at perhaps one of the most important aspects of life: the senses. What captures all the senses better than food? For that reason, we take a moment and consider Babel. It tells the story of the celebrated Babylonstoren estate, but also demonstrates the wonders of fresh ingredients and how they can take on new life in dishes. Visually driven, it's quite literally a feast for the eyes and awakens the artist in both gastronomes and homemakers.

Babel by Miranda Engelbrecht (Babylonstoren). Image: Supplied.
‘Babel demonstrates the WoNDERs of fresh ingredients and how they can take on new LIFE in dishes’

Jean-Michel Basquiat by Marsel Van Oosten (teNeues)

As one of the most prominent artists of the 20th Century, he left an indelible mark on modern visual culture with work that often touched on social and political issues, that are as relevant today as they were 50 years ago. This book is a glimpse into the emotionally charged existence of humankind: how beautiful and cruel it can simultaneously be.

Jean-Michel Basquiat by Marsel Van Oosten (teNeues). Image: Supplied.

Piet Oudolf at Work Introduction by Cassian Schmidt (Phaidon)

Since the dawn of time, humankind has sought to be master of nature. And in our own way, we accomplished that endeavour through gardening. Speaking of gardens, we now explore constructed natural spaces, turning to the work of master garden designer, Piet Oudolf. As much an exploration of the artistic and horticultural significance of gardens, his work also seeks to capture the intangible: the magic and at times, even dreamlike quality these spaces have. As such, Piet Oudolf at Work is the definitive guide for gardeners and nature lovers alike.

Piet Oudolf at Work Introduction by Cassian Schmidt (Phaidon). Image: Supplied.