Coffee table tomes A lavishly illustrated book is a generous gift that keeps on giving

The Writer’s Map edited by Huw Lewis-Jones (Thames & Hudson)

A glorious, illustrated gathering of maps from all over the literary world. They are drawn by authors or inspired by authors, and come accompanied by their insights and explanations of their own bookish journeys. This exquisitely crafted atlas is a must for any passionate reader. Infinite Wonder: An Astronaut’s Photographs from a Year in Space by Scott Kelly (Doubleday) NASA astronaut Scott Kelly spent a recordbreaking year in space on board the International Space Station, completing 5,440 orbits of the Earth, witnessing 10,944 sunrises and sunsets – that’s 16 a day. During that time, he amassed a collection of breathtaking photos, which he presents here with his own commentary to give an eye-opening view of our planet and his life in space. This awe-inspiring book offers a fascinating glimpse of what it’s really like to be a NASA astronaut. Animal by James Hanken (Phaidon)

From cave art through bestiaries to paintings, classic and new, Man has always been drawn to making images of the animals that share the world with us. This sumptuous book celebrates the beauty and variety of species from hummingbirds to elephants.

Great English Interiors by Derry

Moore and David Mlinaric (Prestel) Spanning five centuries, this beautifully illustrated book looks inside some of the finest buildings in the country and explores the architects, designers and trends that have contributed to their style.

“Maps drawn by authors or inspired by authors and accompanied by their insights and explanations of their own bookish journeys”