The 16 Best New Books We Loved This Year

Winston Churchill was known to enjoy a drink, but his habits have often been exaggerated or misrepresented. Churchill: A Drinking Life: Champagne, Cognac, and Cocktails is a historical text that aims to provide a more accurate depiction of Churchill's drinking habits. The book is divided into four sections – Drink Choices, Drinking Companions, Drinking Spots, and Drink Recipes – and is based on a range of sources, including Churchill's own writings and the memoirs of his family members, aides, and nurses. It is worth noting that Churchill believed in moderation, often opting for smaller sips throughout the day. While this book may not serve as a guide for personal behavior, it does offer valuable context on the drinking habits of this notable historical figure.

Batman is one of the most highly regarded superheroes, and The Batman lived up to everything a new Batman movie should. Its dark and realistic interpretation of the classic Batman narrative is enhanced by its distinctive tone, mood, and direction. The Art of The Batman, A Coffee Table Book, released in conjunction with the film, offers a deeper understanding of its visual language. The book includes early concept art, exclusive set photos, and storyboards, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. This is a must-have for any fan of Batman.

Taschen's Logo Beginnings is an intriguing coffee table book that explores the history of iconic corporate logos. Author Jens Müller has compiled a collection of over 6,000 logos from the mid-19th century to 1940, drawn from historical trademark registers and design publications. This book features modern trademarks and offers insight into the early iterations of well-known logos from brands such as Shell, Paramount, NBC, and more. If you have an interest in graphic design, this book is a must-have addition to your collection.

Joshua Glenn and Rob Walker, known for their project Significant Objects, which connected fiction writing to thrift store items, have turned their attention to nonfiction in the form of short memoirs. Lost Objects pairs writers with illustrators to explore the personal significance of 50 meaningful objects. The book showcases evocative storytelling and a carefully curated selection of authors, demonstrating that even ordinary objects can hold special significance and evoke a sense of tenderness and connection.

Field Notes for Food Adventure is a guidebook that offers techniques and recipes for cooking delicious meals while camping or engaging in outdoor activities. Written by former Bon Appetit chef and YouTube personality Brad Leone, this book includes practical cooking tips and personal stories about living in the wilderness. It features unique ingredient combinations and cooking methods for preparing dishes such as Sous Vide Mountain Ribs, Fermented Bloody Marys, Cold Root Salad, and more. If you are looking to improve your chef skills and create memorable meals during your outdoor adventures, this guide is an essential resource.

If you want to improve your bartending skills and create impressive cocktails at home, Barkeep: The Art of Mixology, Bar & Cocktails is the perfect resource. This is the second edition of the original Barkeep handbook, written by professional bartender and mixologist Danilo Božović. The book provides practical information on mixology and offers a deeper understanding of the hospitality industry. It keeps readers up to date on current trends in the bar world and covers the basics of bartending and mixology. According to Božović, "it was important for me to go into the heart of our craft, and delve into the culture and the smallest details that make our profession a true art form. A grounding in this knowledge is what takes bartending from an everyday trade to an art form." This book is a useful reference for both cocktail enthusiasts and industry professionals.

If you are a fan of America's hot rod scene, The Race of Gentlemen is a must-read book for you. This coffee table book, published by Assouline, celebrates the eponymous event – also known as TROG – where bikers gather on the beaches of Wildwood, New Jersey, for races, parties, and other enjoyable activities. The book, written by artist Robert Williams, offers a behind-the-scenes look at TROG through 150 images spread over nearly 300 pages. The Race of Gentlemen is presented in a visually striking format, featuring a faux-leather, embossed hardcover and a wealth of gorgeous photography inside. This book would make an excellent gift as well as a must-buy for yourself.

It is difficult to find someone who doesn't have an affinity for LEGO. This toy company has become a household favorite, and the recently published book The LEGO Story documents its history. Written by Jens Andersen, the book was made possible through access to LEGO's archives and interviews with the company's founding family. Over 432 pages, Andersen traces the growth of LEGO and provides insight into the brand's innovations in the toy industry.

The fashion world was deeply impacted by the untimely death of Virgil Abloh. Publisher Assouline released a book that pays tribute to the designer's life. Abloh was an artistic director at Louis Vuitton and founder of Off-White, and his contributions to menswear have been significant, particularly in bridging the gap between streetwear and high fashion and providing a platform for Black voices in these spaces. Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh focuses on the years that Abloh spent at the fashion house, showcasing his impact on the industry through over 250 photos and interviews with friends and colleagues such as Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner, and Kid Cudi. If you are interested in fashion and the enduring legacy of Virgil Abloh, this book is a must-have for your coffee table.

Assouline has a reputation for showcasing lesser-known aspects of the world around us, and its latest book, Louis Vuitton: Trophy Trunks, is no exception. This 222-page book showcases the haute maison as a part of the celebrations surrounding major sports events and champions, such as Rafael Nadal, the FIFA World Cup, and League of Legends. Louis Vuitton's trophy cases have often been awarded alongside these high-profile events. The book delves into the bespoke process of creating a trunk – a task that can take up to 400 hours by skilled artisans – and examines Louis Vuitton's influence on the world of sports, both on and off the field.

Paul Newman was a defining figure in American menswear and style, known for his roles as a race car driver, watch collector, and effortlessly cool actor. James Clarke's coffee table book, Paul Newman: Blue-Eyed Cool, aims to capture the essence of this beloved movie star. It features never-before-seen photos of Newman on set and behind the wheel, providing a unique perspective on the legendary figure. Contributing photographers offer comments and insight into Newman's life and career. This hardcover book is an ideal gift for fans of Paul Newman and those with an appreciation for classic Hollywood.

There's always room on a bookshelf for simplistic and straightforward writing that gets to the point. The Best Grilling Cookbook Ever Written By Two Idiots, written by Ryan Follow and Mark Anderson of Grill Dads, provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions for grilling while using a down-to-earth tone and approach. This book offers a range of recipes and step-by-step guidance, making it an accessible resource for those who may be new to grilling. The authors self-identify as "idiots," but their instructions and recipes are presented in a clear and helpful manner.

Quentin Tarantino is a renowned filmmaker, writer, and artist. It doesn't take reading many interviews to know the man is passionate about cinema. This enthusiasm is evident in his own work and in his public statements about the medium. His recent film, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, is a love letter to the Golden Age of moviemaking, and he also wrote a novel to accompany the film. Tarantino is now releasing his first book of nonfiction, Cinema Speculation, which explores film theory, criticism, and journalism through the lens of American films from the 1970s.

There is a certain aesthetic appeal to records and turntables, which has contributed to the recent resurgence in record collecting. To honor the design, history, and cultural impact of record players, specialty book publisher Phaidon released the anthology Revolution: The History of Turntable Design. Written by audio design expert Gideon Schwartz, this coffee table book is filled with stunning visuals and detailed information about the creation of visually appealing record players. If you are interested in the history and design of these timeless and cool pieces of equipment, this book is for you.

Monocle, a global omnibrand, recently celebrated its 15th anniversary. While the company has a diverse range of offerings, including podcasts, physical stores, magazines, newspapers, and media conferences, it is known for its visually striking storytelling, often supported by expert photography. Its latest release, The Monocle Book of Photography, puts these photos at the forefront, showcasing a retrospective of the brand and serving as inspiration for those interested in printed media. The linen-bound book includes essays on assignments and showcases the strong sense of graphic design that Monocle is known for. It's a valuable addition to any coffee table.

Mid- to late-nineteenth-century design, particularly in home goods, produced some stunning and distinctive work. Soft Electronics, an art book published and edited by Gestalten & Jaro Gielens, collects these consumer products and examines the trends that influenced the design world. This hardcover coffee table book features 256 pages of full-color photography and discussions on the product design of this era. "The fascinating world of product design that emerged between the 1960s and 1980s symbolized the birth of a new age in human behavior," the book's publisher notes in a press release. "From coffee grinders to electric knives to blow-dryers, each home appliance was intended to help in the daily household routines – but they were also masterpieces of style."