Cof fee table

DIOR by Alexandra Palmer, V&A Publishing

In 1947 Christian Dior rocked the fashion world with his new look, launching legacy silhouettes celebrating the female shape. Bathed in postwar optimism, the designer created stunning ready-to-wear lines which were sold around the world, as well as ground-breaking perfume and make-up lines. This exquisite hardback book, with photographs and sketches, examines a decade of Dior glamour until he died in 1957.

THE SCENTUAL GARDEN by Ken Druse, Thames & Hudson

Growing for fragrance is at the heart of this visually vivid encyclopaedia of plants. Working with perfumers’ classifications, Ken Druse has 12 categories, from floral and fruity to balsamic and medicinal. He also explains how plants produce scent and how they communicate with each other.

ISLANDS Australian Geographic

From the Whitsundays and Norfolk in the east, to Kangaroo and Phillip in the south, Rottnest and Cocos in the west and Torres Strait and Fitzroy in the north, this is the ultimate guide to Australia’s islands.

FOR VALOUR: AUSTRALIANS AWARDED THE VICTORIA CROSS by Craig Blanch & Aaron Pegram, NewSouth

The fascinating stories of 100 great Australians who have shown extreme bravery in battle.