33 Best Coffee Table Books: Add Some Style and Sophistication to Your Home

Browse our list of the best coffee table books to make a statement. Add one to your library to spark conversation.

Coffee table books: the perfect blend of fashion, culture and sophistication. Coffee table books serve two purposes in a modern home. Firstly, they allow you to add to the aesthetic of your room, and secondly, they act as a fun conversation starter when you host guests. 

Coffee table books are large-format books that feature art and photography prominently. These stunning books are much loved in homes worldwide for their vibrant designs and unique content, making them the perfect addition to any living room or lounge. They also make great gifts, as many people want a beautiful book displayed in their home. If you’re interested in this topic, you’ll love our round-up of the best books for twenty somethings!

Architecture and Interior Design Books

1. Doors by Bob Wilcox

Open the door to architectural wonders with this beautiful book. Something is inspiring and symbolic about a door. Doors welcome people into your home, keep intruders out of private spaces and even give new visitors the first impression of a space. In many buildings, the door is also an architectural element of the space, and that’s what Bob Wilcox captures in Doors. The simplicity of the title belies the intricacy of the doors photographed inside. Travel the globe and get inspiration for your own home, all with the stunning imagery of doors.

“Doors and entrances have diverse meanings.”

Bob Wilcox, Doors

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2. Buckingham Palace: The Interiors by Ashley Hicks

Imagine an intimate peek into Buckingham Palace from the point of view of someone who knows the intricacies of historical architecture and design. Ashley Hicks is a designer, artist and photographer, and she’ll show you all the rooms from angles not seen by the public in Buckingham Palace: The Interiors. Reading this book, you’ll feel like you had a personal tour from the royal family.

You’ll also see the many treasures of the Royal Collection throughout the book. This impressive work is particularly interesting because it has both historic artwork and modern photography, and it also explores many of the treasures and artistic marvels housed in the palace.

“The new Queen’s House, as it became known, was the perfect home for George III, a king of unassuming, modest tastes, academic interests and great dedication to work.”

Ashley Hicks, Buckingham Palace

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3. Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life by Erin Gates

Erin Gates is the New York Times bestselling author of Elements of Style magazine. Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life is her coffee table book that takes on the realities of everyday living and pairs them with the chic styling Gates is known for to create beautiful spaces that are also functional for family life. It’s also full of photographs of real spaces where Gates put her ideas into practice. This book provides practical inspiration to create a beautiful living space where your family can live, work and play.

“When it comes to the kitchen you have to balance function with beauty, so there are places you absolutely should be spending the most of your money, and places you can save and not have it impact the usefulness of the space.”

Erin Gates, Elements of Family Style

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4. The Japanese Garden by Sophie Walker

One glance through The Japanese Garden will leave you feeling relaxed and tapping into your inner Zen. Through its pages, you’ll explore 100 gardens from some of the best in the Japanese gardening world. From the imperial gardens in Japan to contemporary designs from around the globe, you will see what architects and artists have done to the art of Japanese gardening. As you gaze at the beautiful images, you’ll also be able to read essays from the creators of the gardens. Author Sophie Walker is a garden designer herself, so she has unique insight into this world.

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5. Architectural Digest at 100 by Architectural Digest

Architectural Digest has been around for over a century, and during that time, it has presented the designs of stunning homes from around the globe. The first 100 years of history come together in Architectural Digest at 100. You’ll see inside the personal spaces of some of the world’s premier celebrities, including the Obama family and Michael Kors. The work will also show you the architectural styling of names like Frank Lloyd Wright and Frank Gehry. The book’s minimalist cover design and hefty weight make it a statement piece in your home decor.

“100 Years! It’s a big deal. So, to celebrate this major milestone, how could we resist throwing Architectural Digest a big birthday bash and inviting all our friends? Well, you are now holding that party in your hands, and, indeed, all of our crowd, past and present, are here for the occasion.”

Architectural Digest, Architectural Digest at 100

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6. Still Lives: In the Homes of Artists, Great and Unsung by Leslie Williamson

What does an artist’s home look like? Is it an eclectic space of art supplies and finished works or a calm, serene place that inspires creativity? Still Lives explores this question by taking readers inside some of the homes of the world’s greatest, like Georgia O’Keefe, and some of the world’s unknown artisans. You’ll find design inspiration for your own home as you explore these beautiful spaces, and you’ll also see how the home can become an inspiration for further creativity.

Photographer and author Leslie Williamson creates beautiful art that shows how artists manifest their creativity in the stylish spaces they create. It also allows readers to see inside the art studios inside these homes.

“It felt as though I existed within two planes of time in the Palais de Danse and as I reviewed the images for this chapter I still felt so strongly it confused me as to what I was photographing.”

Leslie Williamson, Still Lives

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Fashion Books

7. Wonderland by Annie Leibovitz

Wonderland is an anthology of fashion images captured by Annie Leibovitz, who some claim to be the greatest living portrait photographer. This coffee table book is a gift-style work with a linen cover, and it comes packaged in a luxury book box. Although Leibovitz is a portrait photographer, her life’s work caused her to come into contact with some of the world’s greatest fashion icons, and this book captures the fashion behind her portraiture. It has 350 unpublished images, including portraits of famous names like Lady Gaga, Kate Moss and Nancy Pelosi.

“Looking back at my work, I see that fashion has always been there.”

Annie Leibovitz, Wonderland

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8. Taschen Sneaker Freaker. The Ultimate Sneaker Book by Simon Wood

Who knew sneakers could make beautiful photographic art? With 15 years of shoe history, Taschen Sneaker Freaker The Ultimate Sneaker Book is a collection that will teach you about history and fashion. It’s packed with photographs of, you guessed it, shoes, the history of street style and fact snippets about the shoes and their makers. This book proves that shoes can be considered fashion icons.

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9. Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury by Louis Vuitton

When you near the name “Louis Vuitton,” your mind instantly goes to thoughts of luxury and fashion. The name may bring to mind shoes, clothing, jewelry, handbags and more known for their quality and timeless looks. Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury digs into the company’s archives to showcase its first three leaders, including Louis himself, and showcasing some of its most famous products. The book also covers more recent history through both images and text. Reading this book will give you a first-hand look at the history and inspiration behind the luxury brand.

“Without innovation, tradition has no future.”

Louis Vuitton, Louis Vuitton: The Birth of Modern Luxury

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10. In Vogue: An Illustrated History of the World’s Most Famous Fashion Magazine by Alberto Olivia, Norberto Angelettie and Anna Wintour

In Vogue shows the history of fashion photography and allows you to learn about some of the world’s most famous designers and even read some of the stories from the magazine’s past. It’s a perfect blend of culture, art, fashion and photography all rolled into one impressive and beautiful book. You will also see how Conde Nast took a struggling journal in the early 1900s and transformed it into a cultural icon and media giant, which today is the top style magazine in the world.

“This book will pay] homage to the editors, photographers, writers and designers who built Vogue in the past and continue to build it today – the women and men, invisible to the readers but highly visible to the industry, behind each cover and every page.”

Alberto Olivia, In Vogue 

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11. Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt by Rizzoli

If you’ve ever worn a polo shirt, you’ll appreciate this book. An entire book dedicated to a shirt? Yes, it works, as Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt shows. This book looks at what has made the Polo shirt a fashion icon. It shows all the colors and styles the shirt has come in over the past 50 years, and it also explores some history of the brand. The nearly 500-page work has stunning photographs of some of the most iconic polo shirts the world has seen, and it all comes together with an introduction from Ralph Lauren himself.

“It’s honest and from the heart and hopefully that is what touches the diversity of all who wear it. It was never about a shirt, but a way of living.”

Ralph Lauren, Ralph Lauren’s Polo Shirt 

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Human Interest and Pop Culture Books

12. Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany by Jane Mount

If you’re shopping for coffee table books, chances are you are a bibliophile of sorts. Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany is a tribute to that love. Inside, you’ll see photographs of the most beautiful bookshops worldwide, explore beautiful cover art and get reading recommendations curated by other bibliophiles. You’ll even read about the experience of tasting some of the most famous meals from classic and modern literature.

“I know that any book, when read at the right moment, might make my life better, might give me a greater understanding of the universe and all the other people in it.”

Jane Mount, Bibliophile: An Illustrated Miscellany

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13. The Design Book by Phaidon Editors

What do a paperclip, martini glass and moleskin notebook all have in common? These are all some of the most-loved inventions that have stood the test of time, and these are the items explored in The Design Book. This thick coffee table book covers 500 of the most influential products created in the last century. Each of the products or items featured in the book has information about how it works or what it does, its designer or inventor, and its history so that you can see a picture paired with interesting tidbits of information.

“The magazine or newspaper rack is an object found as often in the home as in the office. Launched in 1989, Willi Glaeser’s version gives a contemporary twist to this ubiquitous design object.”

Phaidon Editors, The Design Book

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14. Colorstrology: What Your Birthday Color Says About You by Michele Bernhardt

Pop psychology loves to assign ideas like colors to personalities, and Michele Bernhardt uses this idea in Colorstrology: What Your Birthday Color Says About You. This exciting mixture of color theory, astrology and psychology pairs Pantone’s numbers and color palette with the days on the calendar year, assigning a color to each day. The theory is that your personality will line up with your color. This coffee table book will undoubtedly have plenty of conversation, and the beautiful, colorful cover is also eye-catching. 

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15. The Impossible Collection of Cars by Dan Neil

Assouline’s The Impossible Collection of Cars by Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Dan Neil is a stunning, sleek book featuring 100 of the most exceptional cars of the modern era. You’ll see luxury automobiles ranging from the 190 Blitzen Benz to the 1996 McLaren F1. The engineering, capabilities and overall look of each of these cars will turn heads, and the photography in the book is equally impressive. It’s the closest thing you can come to owning one of these stunning vehicles. This is a must-have book for car enthusiasts, and it comes beautifully packaged to make an excellent gift.

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16. Salad for President: A Cookbook Inspired by Artists by Julia Sherman

Salad for President is a cookbook. A salad cookbook, to be specific, which means you can cook the recipes it contains. So why is it one of the best coffee table books? The artwork inside is just as beautiful as the recipes are tasty. The book also contains interviews with some of the world’s top food experts, including Tauba Auerbach and Alice Waters. You’ll also find that it has pantry stocking tips and plating tips. With this book, you’ll also see how artists choose to prepare their favorite dishes visually appealingly.

“If you are purchasing greens from the farmers’ market, then you will want to store them in a way that will preserve their fleeting freshness. You seek it out, you pay for it – it would be stupid not to treasure it. This is salad best practice 101.”

Julia Sherman, Salad for President

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17. Houseplants and Hot Sauce: A Seek-and-Find Book for Grown-Ups by Sally Nixon

There’s no denying that seek-and-find images are fun, and Houseplants and Hot Sauce says the fun doesn’t have to stop just because you’ve grown up. This book is filled with picture puzzles that are hard enough for adults but have all the fun of the books you loved as a kid. Just be careful not to turn back to the key too quickly! These puzzles are tricky and feature humorous images that most adults will relate to, like a woman crashed on the couch with pieces of Ikea-style furniture set scattered around her on the floor.

“So, what did you do this weekend, June?”

Sally Nixon, Houseplants and Hot Sauce

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Portrait Coffee Table Books

18. If I Live to Be 100: The Wisdom of Centenarians by Paul Mobley

This book showcases the portraits and stories of over 50 Americans, one from each state, who have reached the age of 100. If I Live to Be 100 allows Paul Mobley’s signature black-and-white portraiture to capture the beauty of old age while readers get inspired by the insights of these wise elderly individuals. The amount of history each one has seen in their lifetimes makes the book worth reading in and of itself, but the stunning photography makes it even more appealing.

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19. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton

In 2010, photographer Brandon Stanton hit the streets of New York City in search of people who would let him capture their faces in a photograph and their stories in a blog. Soon, his blog developed millions of followers who found the human interest side of his work appealing. Humans of New York is the coffee table book version of this photographer’s blog, collecting the images and stories that made the website a household name. It serves as a tribute to the people and spirit of the iconic city.

“It seems that a lot of people my age try to be interesting by having problems or starting conflicts. I’d rather be interesting because I created something beautiful.”

Brandon Stanton, Humans of New York

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20. David Bowie: Icon: The Definitive Photographic Collection by Iconic Images and George Underwood

On the 5th anniversary of the music legend’s death, Iconic Images released David Bowie: Icon: The Definitive Photographic Collection. This book collects the top images of the artist from some of the world’s most well-known photographers. It also houses some of his marketing campaigns, promotions, interviews and quotes. The main focus of this book is the photography, but you’ll also gather insights into his life and work through the print.

“There are no photos of us as young teenagers struggling along Bromley High Street trying to impress any of the girls that happened to be passing. We were so bloody vain. Not many people took photos in those days. There’s very few around.”

George Underwood, David Bowie: Icon

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21. Annie Leibovitz: The Early Years 1970-1983 by Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz has defined the world of portrait photography, and Annie Leibovitz: The Early Years showcases some of her earliest works. This stunning collection of portraits includes pictures of familiar names like Mick Jagger, Patti Smith and John Lennon. Every portrait is somehow linked to the idea of cars or driving, celebrating the fast-paced modern life. The book also includes her time shooting for Rolling Stone magazine. Inside this work, you can see the first photograph that caused Leibovitz to make the mental shift from working as a partner to working as a photographer.

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22. National Geographic Women: The National Geographic Image Collection by Susan Goldberg

This collection of photos and stories of some of the world’s most powerful women is a must-have for any coffee table. National Geographic Women contains over 400 portraits and interviews of impactful women from across the globe, including well-known names like Laura Bush and Gloria Allred. The large size creates plenty of room for the stunning portraits from National Geographic‘s top photographers. The book includes modern women and stories, such as Jane Goodall and Oprah Winfrey, and selections from National Geographic’s archives.

“Over time, as archivists acquired photos for what’s now called the National Geographic Image Collection, another record unwittingly was formed: A global chronicle of the lives of women. This book was created with those images.”

Susan Goldberg, National Geographic Women

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23. The Rihanna Book by Rihanna

Rihanna. The name brings to mind something different for each person who hears it. Some know her best for her work as an artist. Others know her best as a performer. The versatile celebrity is also a designer and entrepreneur. The Rihanna Book is a coffee table book that captures all Rihanna in 504 pages with over 1,000 images, including a few double-page spreads and a removable poster.

You’ll get an intimate look into her life and home, and many images in the work have never been previously published. This is the perfect gift for someone who is a fan of the artist. There are few words on the pages of this book, making it more of a photographic autobiography.

“And it’s not even my birthday!”

The Rihanna Book by Rihanna

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Travel Books

24. Atlas Obscura: An Explorer’s Guide to the World’s Hidden Wonders by Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton

With Atlas Obscura, you don’t have to travel the globe to explore its hidden wonders. You can do so from the safety and security of your couch. Learn about over 100 unique places around the globe and what makes them special. From the bizarre to the mysterious and even the wonders of nature, you’ll find something in this book to spark your sense of wanderlust.

“According to Icelandic folklore, thousands of elves, fairies, dwarves, and gnomes—collectively known as “hidden people”—live in rocks and trees throughout the country. It is no wonder, then, that the world’s only elf school is located in Reykjavik.”

Joshua Foer, Dylan Thuras and Ella Morton, Atlas Obscura

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25. Accidentally Wes Anderson by Wally Koval

Wes Anderson is known for his travel photography that captures unexpectedly beautiful landmarks and undiscovered places worldwide. Anderson’s unique eye for unusual and pleasing compositions will help readers see the world through a different lens and perspective. In this volume, you’ll find over 200 of what Anderson believes to be the most beautiful places in the world, though some you may have never heard of. From a rollercoaster to a railway car to a shed, the images in Accidentally Wes Anderson are unique locations, and the photography brings them to surprising life.

“And so Tommy built a road. First, he evaluated the landscape, deciding where a passageway could be built on the tricky terrain surrounding Glenorchy, which lies at the bottom of what was once a glacier. Then he enlisted the help of fellow villagers, who bulldozed until they were exhausted, then camped, then woke to bulldoze some more.”

Wally Koval, Accidentally Wes Anderson

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26. The Art of the National Parks by Weldon Owen and Theresa Pierno

The Art of the National Parks is an art coffee table book and a travel book. It features art inspired by the top 10 most visited National Parks as it explores the artwork of the W.P.A. posters used to advertise the parks in the 1930s. In addition to the stunning artwork, you’ll find facts about each park’s flora, fauna, and history. Some people consider this a travel guide because it contains plenty of helpful and interesting information. This book is perfect for a nature enthusiast, art lover or anyone who loves the beauty of America’s national parks.

“Big Bend National Park is the only national park in the country that contains a border crossing.”

Weldon Owen, The Art of the National Parks

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27. 100 Hikes of a Lifetime by Kate Siber

The photography of National Geographic fills the pages of 100 Hikes of a Lifetime. As you flip through this book, you’ll see some of the most beautiful places that you can legally hike around the globe, with photography from expert hikers who have been to these spots. There’s something for everyone, too. If you’re a day hiker, you’ll find some options. If you want to backpack across the wilderness, you’ll find options, too.

Sprinkled throughout the book are wildlife-spotting tips, need-to-know information about making the most out of your hike and off-the-beaten-path ideas for your next experience. The hikes included in this book are from all climates and locations across the globe.

“While the whole trail presents a formidable challenge, the vast majority of hikers choose to tick off smaller sections at a time. In Bosnia and Herzegovina, for example, the hike up Cvrsnica Mountain offers views of dramatic sloping cliffs, deep valleys, and a striking stone arch named Hajducka Vrata.”

Kate Siber, 100 Hikes of a Lifetime

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28. Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Tips by National Geographic

Another coffee table book from National Geographic, Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Greatest Trips, showcases the travel possibilities available across the planet. Not only does it have full-color images of some of the most beautiful and exotic places to visit, but it also has maps and practical tips about how to get there and experience the places, including suggestions about the best time of year to visit. Whether you just want to enjoy photography or you want to grab some tips to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro for yourself, you will find what you need in this volume.

“Traveling by water provides a new dimension. Rivers reach hidden places where roads can never go. The earth’s most dramatic coastlines, seen from offshore, are revealed in ways not possible from land.”

National Geographic, Journeys of a Lifetime

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Nature and Animal Books

29. Trees: Between Earth and Heaven by Art Wolfe and Gregory McNamee

Trees have played a role in the human experience from the dawn of time. Most ancient religions and origin stories have a tree of some sort, and they integrate themselves into modern faiths as well. Art Wolfe’s legendary photography captures the beauty and mystique of trees in this work. Trees stands as a testament to the symbolism and natural importance of this particular part of nature, all in stunning, full-color imagery. The photographs are accompanied by the writing of Gregory McNamee, who captures the relationship between name and nature beautifully.

“Before the arrival of agriculture, the Native peoples of North America were adept at gathering the bounty of the land.”

Gregory McNamee, Trees

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30. Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel

If you’re looking for a conversation starter for your coffee table, consider the humorous book Underwater Dogs. Seth Casteel uses his photography skills to capture dogs as they leap into the water, grabbing 80 portraits of everyone’s favorite pet from a unique perspective. Each pooch’s hilarious point of view and surprised expressions will make a splash in your home. This book and its images were inspired by an accidental scenario where Casteel was hired to photograph a dog, and that dog decided all he wanted to do was swim.

The photographer left the shoot to rush to the store, bought an underwater point-and-shoot camera and started snapping under the waves. The results were stunning, and they launched the series included in the book.

“SPLASH! It wasn’t long before Buster went headfirst into the pool, emerging as a totally different-looking dog. And then SPLASH again. The ‘on land’ shoot was now officially an ‘in the pool’ shoot. . . . I thought, Hmm, what does he look like under the water?”

Seth Casteel, Underwater Dogs

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31. Flower: Exploring the World in Bloom by Anna Pavord and Shane Connolly

Another book from Phaidon, Flower: Exploring the World in Bloom, showcases stunning images of flowers and their impact on global cultures. You can see artwork inspired by flowers, film stills involving flowers, textiles with floral notes, and photos of flowers themselves. No one photographer stands out, as the work showcases the photography of multiple artists. Author Anna Pavord and contributor Shane Connolly add their insights into the beautiful pieces showcased in this book.

“Perhaps part of the rose’s universal allure is the contradiction that lies at its heart: that despite the plump velveteen petals that create its dazzling beauty, its stem bears razor-sharp spikes that any admirer knows can draw blood.”

Anna Pavord, Flower

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32. Water by Bernhard Edmaier and Angelika Jung-Huttl

Nothing in the world can survive without the life-giving effects of water, and yet this natural element is shockingly beautiful, too. Bernhard Edmaier is an award-winning photographer, and in Water, he captures that beauty in images that seem like abstract art but are all of the water. Explore the beauty of water in all its forms, including frozen, moving, vaporous and still water. Not only does this book showcase the beauty of this natural, life-giving element, but it’s also a travel book, in a way, because Edmaier goes across the globe to photograph water on every continent.

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33. Mother: A Tribute to Mother Earth by Marsel van Oosten

Marsel van Oosten is the only photographer to earn all these awards: Wildlife Photographer of the Year, International Nature Photographer of the Year and Travel Photographer of the Year. Mother: A Tribute to Mother Earth showcases his masterful photography beautifully. See the diversity and awe-inspiring beauty of the world through everything from landscapes to close-up photographs. The book has text in both English and German.

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Looking for more? Check out our round-up of the best books for soon-to-be dads!