An offering of books for the holidays
If I had my druthers, I’d give nothing but books as holiday gifts and receive nothing but books in return. Call me a bibliomaniac, but I’d be perfectly content. That’s not the way the world works, of course, but a well-chosen volume always makes a classy present. Here are 10 recent releases you might add to your shopping list.
‘THE ART OF THE HOLLYWOOD BACKDROP’
In the age of CGI marvels, it’s easy to forget the special magic of 20th century Hollywood films and their enchanting scenic painting. This lavishly illustrated coffee table book, by Richard M. Isackes and Karen L. Maness, traces the history of this art form, from silent films with Laurel and Hardy through Golden Age spectacles such as “The Wizard of Oz” and “North by Northwest” to contemporary exemplars “Interstellar” and “Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events.” (Regan Arts, $100.)
‘THE SHINING’
Revisit the haunted Overlook Hotel in this slipcover edition of Stephen King’s 1977 horror classic with 11 full-page color illustrations by Edward Kinsella (and one creepy wasp embossed on the cover). The novel is a perfect introduction to King for those who’ve only seen the movie, or a collectors’ edition for the hard-core fan. The Folio Society publishes illustrated editions of great books by Isaac Asimov, Emily Dickinson, William Shakespeare and many others. (The Folio Society, $79.95.)
‘MUHAMMAD ALI UNFILTERED’
Among the many great ones we lost in 2016, only Muhammad Ali was “The Greatest.” This book, from Derek Jeter’s publishing imprint, offers authorized photos of the boxing legend, civil rights activist and family man, along with a foreword by widow Lorraine Ali and quotes from the man himself (“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee”), along with short tributes from friends and fans such as Chris Rock and President Barack Obama. (Jeter Publishing/ Gallery Books, $28.)
HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN
A pair of slender little volumes by the famed Danish storyteller, “The Snow Queen” and “The Fir Tree” could almost be stocking stuffers (if you have large enough stockings). The wintry fairy tales come with colorful, decorative illustrations by Sanna Annukka— the English// Finnish designer for the textile brand Marimekko—that ought to please children as well as design-obsessed adults. (Ten Speed, $16 each.)
‘BOB DYLAN: THE LYRICS, 1961-2012’
Whatever you think about the Nobel Prize for Literature that Bob Dylan picked up this year—there was outrage in some literary circles—this collection of his lyrics is indispensable for any fan of the iconic folk singer, now 75. The volume covers his remarkable output across 31 albums and includes such classic Dylan songs as “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” “Visions of Johanna,” “Tangled Up in Blue” and more. (Simon & Schuster, $60.)
‘BARBRA’
Hello, gorgeous. This lavish, oversized coffee table book features photographs of Streisand by Steve Shapiro and Lawrence Schiller, who covered her first decade in Hollywood. Here are film stills and shots from the sets of “Funny Girl,” “On A Clear Day You Can See Forever,” “The Way We Were,” “The Owl and the Pussycat,” “Up the Sandbox,” “Funny Lady” and “A Star Is Born,” as well as interviews with the photographers and essays on the star by Patt Morrison and Lawrence Grobel. (Taschen, $69.99.)
‘YVES SAINT LAURENT COLORING BOOK’
The coloring book craze takes an haute couture turn with this lovely little book featuring sketches by the iconic French fashion designer (1936-2008), all ready for your colored pencils and creative whims. Saint Laurent’s inspirations—travel, art, performance, his dog—are explored through some of his most recognizable creations. (Arsenal Pulp Press, $12.95.)
‘SHAKESPEARE AND COMPANY, PARIS’
Founded by American George Whitman in 1951, the Englishlanguage bookshop on the Left Bank is beloved for its new and used books, its couches and old upright piano, and its lodgings for young writers, or “Tumbleweeds.” This affectionate tribute—with remembrances by Allen Ginsberg, Robert Stone, Ethan Hawke and others, and plentiful photos and illustrations—makes you long to live la vie bohème in Paris. ($34.95.)
‘GOLDEN GIRLS FOREVER’
All hail Dorothy Zbronak, Blanche Devereaux, Rose Nylund and Sophia Petrillo. Jim Colluci’s book is a valentine to the 1985-1992 NBC sitcom about four unmarried older women sharing a house in Miami. Fans will lap up the series back story; profiles of stars Bea Arthur, Rue McClanahan, Betty White and Estelle Getty; episode synopses; and lots of photos on and off the set. There’s trivia, too, such as Elaine Stritch’s account of her disastrous audition. (Harper Design, $25.)
‘TEN RESTAURANTS THAT CHANGED AMERICA’
Remember Mamma Leone’s, the midtown Manhattan Italian restaurant that served up large portions of lasagna and veal Parmesan? Mamma’s, whose doors were open from 1906 to 1994, is just one of the businesses explored by Yale historian Paul Freedman in this delicious illustrated history of the country’s most influential eateries. Also included: Howard Johnson’s, Sylvia’s, The Four Seasons and Chez Panisse. (Liveright, $35.)