Essays

If you've ever been fascinated by the intersection of cultures, "Sicily: Art and Invention between Greece and Rome" offers a stunning visual and literary journey. This catalogue, tied to a noteworthy exhibition, captures the unique blend of Greek and Roman influence in Sicilian art and innovation. It's perfect for art historians or anyone who appreciates the rich tapestry of the ancient world.

Desmond Kon’s anthology invites you into a sensory journey where written words transcend into spatial experiences. This book would suit anyone drawn to the poetic exploration of places and the feelings they evoke. It's for those who revel in the artistry of blending visual and textual landscapes, creating a thought-provoking dialogue between the physical and metaphorical.

If you find yourself constantly curious about varied art terms or stumble upon unfamiliar art references, this dictionary can be your key resource. It's like holding an art historian's brain in your hand — compact and rich with knowledge. Whether you're a student, artist, or just an art enthusiast, this book spans ancient to modern art, ensuring you're well-equipped to understand and converse in the art world's vast vocabulary.

The Achitecture of Happiness is a dazzling and generously illustrated journey through the philosophy and psychology of architecture and the indelible connection between our identities and our locations.One of the great but often unmentioned causes of both happiness and misery is the quality of our the kinds of walls, chairs, buildings, and streets that surround us. And yet a concern for architecture is too often described as frivolous, even self-indulgent. Alain de Botton starts from the idea that where we are heavily influences who we can be, and argues that it is architecture's task to stand as an eloquent reminder of our full potential.

Design as Art is a must-read for designers and artists who are inspired to create functional objects that are also aesthetically beautiful. Through this book, readers will gain insights into how design can be accessible to the public and how every aspect of design, from lamps to chairs, can transform our world. Munari's unique take on typography, posters, and industrial design will inspire you to push the boundaries and think outside of the box, making it an essential read for anyone interested in design.

The Architecture of Happiness is a great read for anyone interested in understanding the significance of design and architecture and how they can impact our well-being. Alain de Botton explores the philosophy behind the design of buildings and questions why we find certain spaces aesthetically pleasing. His writing style is thought-provoking and engaging, making this book a must-read for architecture enthusiasts and anyone looking to create their dream space.

Recommendation: This book is a unique and thought-provoking exploration of how our environment influences our happiness and wellbeing. De Botton expertly weaves together philosophical musings with practical applications, making it an excellent read for anyone interested in architecture and design theory. The book offers a fresh perspective on how the aesthetics of our surroundings impact our emotions and experiences.

Since its initial publication in 1958,   has been a muse to philosophers, architects, writers, psychologists, critics, and readers alike. The rare work of irresistibly inviting philosophy, Bachelard’s seminal work brims with quiet revelations and stirring, mysterious imagery. This lyrical journey takes as its premise the emergence of the poetic image and finds an ideal metaphor in the intimate spaces of our homes. Guiding us through a stream of meditations on poetry, art, and the blooming of consciousness itself, Bachelard examines the domestic places that shape and hold our dreams and memories. Houses and rooms; cellars and attics; drawers, chests, and wardrobes; nests and shells; nooks and corners: No space is too vast or too small to be filled by our thoughts and our reveries. In Bachelard’s enchanting spaces, “We are never real historians, but always near poets, and our emotion is perhaps nothing but an expression of a poetry that was lost.”This new edition features a foreword by Mark Z. Danielewski, whose bestselling novel   drew inspiration from Bachelard’s writings, and an introduction by internationally renowned philosopher Richard Kearney who explains the book’s enduring importance and its role within Bachelard’s remarkable career.For more than sixty-five years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,500 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

This volume reflects the tremendous changes in the aesthetic of young architects engaged in the complicated issues raised by computerization and globalization. Profiles of 60 architects are arranged alphabetically and begin with a general artistic statement by or about the individual, followed by photographs and descriptions of their most recent projects, and a boxed summary of biographical and professional details. The 14 essays by leading critics, historians, and theoreticians discuss various aspects of the field. Beautifully illustrated and produced with about 2,300 color images. Edited by Migarou (architecture, Centre Pompidou) and art critic Marie-Ange Brayer. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

This book is a must-read for architecture enthusiasts who are intrigued by the unconventional and uncanny elements in modern buildings. Through a captivating blend of history and theory, Anthony Vidler delves into the complex relationship between architecture, social thought, and politics. With a keen focus on renowned architects and their thought-provoking projects, Vidler unravels the disconcerting aspects of today's architecture, offering profound insights into themes of estrangement, alienation, and homelessness. Prepare to have your perspective challenged and expanded as you navigate the enigmatic world of contemporary design.