Tastes Magazine | Stylish gift ideas » Books

Angela Brazil books – vintage schoolgirl fiction

Jackie — Sat, 27 Dec 2014 08:56:14 +0000

Art objects indeed – but a great read too

These volumes are now extremely collectible. If you didn’t read Angela Brazil books when you were a girl, then your mother or even grandmother probably did, especially if they were brought up in England. The author was born in Victorian England; a time during which ‘young ladies’ were expected to read improving, non-fiction books, religious tomes or about moral matters.

Interested in writing even as a child, the author started to write fiction for girls as the twentieth century dawned, bringing about a new way of life for women ans girls, as the strictures of Victorian life were abandoned. Her first book was written in 1904 and her writing career spanned over forty years.

The books describe another age – one we are completely unfamiliar with today – and that itself makes them a ... Read More »

An unusual gift for the Beatles fan

Jackie — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 09:13:44 +0000

For the Beatles lover

If there’s a Beatles fan on your gift list, the chances are that he or she has lots of CDs, recordings, books and more. So what on earth can you buy for them that will be fascinating and truly appreciated? Here’s a wonderful idea at a very attractive low price, too.

This site offers a compilation pack of over sixty newspaper pages from the New York Times (replicas) that showcase Beatles news starting with the first time they performed in America right through until the assassination of John Lennon. This is absolutely fascinating. As you can see from the images,the articles include photographs and this gives the fan the unusual opportunity of seeing the group in a contemporary setting. So many books have been written, and will continue to be, but these historical newspaper reprints show us how ... Read More »

John Fitzgerald Kennedy – books & DVDs

Jackie — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 10:34:43 +0000

The Kennedy Assassination – fifty one years on

Those of us who are old enough will never forget that day. And for those who don’t remember, the events of 22nd. November, 1963 are important to know about because in moments, the world changed. Millions of words have been written about Kennedy and that fateful day but now, respected authors are writing about it from a fifty year perspective.

There are films too that depict and investigate the assassination. Of course, there are still unanswered questions – or are there? Is it important to read and learn about the event, which is fresh in the minds of some, but ‘just another’ historical event for others?

The demand for these items is huge. Fifty years on … but people still search for more knowledge about this earth-shattering event. Those who aren’t old enough to remember ... Read More »

Kindle Fire HD 6

Jackie — Tue, 11 Nov 2014 20:55:11 +0000

If you’re looking for a tablet for under $100 then Fire HD 6 is for you. It is a stylish tablet, with everything you would expect to find, or indeed you’d need from a tablet device.

Here are some techy details: with fast quad-core processor, HD display, front and rear cameras, Dolby Audio, and five color choices. I love the feature that allows you create different profiles for each member of the family, and it has parental controls.

I love its clear display and 6” is a great size, and being a Kindle, it has access to thousands of books and magazines. Click here for more information.

Books for the bibliophile from the Folio Society

Jackie — Wed, 01 Oct 2014 08:48:35 +0000

The best gifts for the book lover

With worldwide shipping direct from The British Museum in London these special-edition, Folio Society books are the absolute best gift for anyone who appreciates books, literature and fine quality. There is a lovely selection of books available including those suitable for children, the historian, the collector or simply those who appreciate the finer things in life.

So many delightful and classic subjects are covered that there’s something for everyone. Today, so many of us read on our tablets, phones or laptops and this makes areal, classic book an item to be treasured. These splendid volumes will become family heirlooms that will be passed down and appreciated through the generations. For book lover in your life, why not start a new family tradition? Start a collection of these wonderful volumes and enjoy your own family library ... Read More »

The best cookbooks – curated by Anthropologie

Jackie — Sun, 29 Jun 2014 06:03:19 +0000

A truly wonderful selection of stylish recipe books

Isn’t it excellent when you find a marvelous collection of curated items? And it’s even better when that collection has been put together by a group of people such as the talented stylists at Anthropologie. Known for their fabulous fashion and excellent taste, this retailer has searched for – and found – the very best in mouthwatering recipe books.

Many different types of recipes are featured as you can see here, from classic cocktails to tempting treats. Check the link below and you’ll see that a simple recipe book can be an art object in itself. I want all the books featured! On the site, you’ll be given tantalizing glimpses of the full color photography, the delicious recipes and the stylish typography and design.

See the gorgeous selection here

So much more than just a recipe ... Read More »

Fabulous art and lifestyle books

Jackie — Thu, 12 Dec 2013 08:43:46 +0000

Art, travel & lifestyle books for the collector

For some people, books are more than just something to pass the time on a lengthy flight or on the beach. And for those people there are no better gifts than books especially those we have featured here. This is the famed collection of Assouline.

These fabulous book collection features primarily art books which includes the art of fashion, architecture, classic cars and various other stylish design icons. The world is explored, both the physical and the creative. Creative includes the art of cooking and the making of cocktails; plus other lifestyle pleasures.

For the cultured and inquisitive, for those who appreciate fine design, for those who see the book in itself as an art form, these are perfect gifts. These are the sort of books that will grace family libraries for generations to come. ... Read More »

Top books for fashion lovers

Jackie — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 08:37:01 +0000

The best books for the fashionista

So many of us are interested in this wonderful subject. There are books in this carefully curated collection which are perfect for the budding fashion designer, for those with an interest in the history of couture, people who want insight into the world of the top designers or those who are simply interested in all matters fashionable.

This is a truly fascinating collection of stylish books. They have been hand-picked to reflect the very best of the genre. There are books here by Christian Dior … Diane von Furstenberg … Prada … and Edith Head who gave her flair and impeccable style to the most sophisticated Hollywood actresses in those early movie years. There are beautiful boxed sets and perfect single volumes. These books made truly wonderful gifts for lovers of fashion of any era and any ... Read More »

Vintage children’s books for the collector

Jackie — Wed, 09 Oct 2013 09:55:19 +0000

Rare, signed and collectible books

I can’t tell you how delighted I was to discover this fabulous site. It has books on just about every subject imaginable. It has rare first editions, many signed by the author and whereas some books sell for tens of thousands of dollar, others are available for just a couple of bucks. And although I’m talking in USA currency, books shipped from, and to, everywhere.

You see, this bookstore works differently to others. In addition to their own stock, they sell books on behalf of other people from all over the world. The children’s books are particularly fascinating. The book covers alone are exciting to me. I see books there that I read as a child and it’s interesting to know that they are still available today. This being said, there are books for sale that ... Read More »

John F. Kennedy books, DVDs and memoribilia

Jackie — Mon, 03 Jun 2013 08:18:40 +0000

A pivotal event in history – the assassination of President John F. Kennedy

Some of us are old enough to remember 22nd, November 1963 and can remember exactly where we were and what we were doing when we heard that the president had been shot in Dallas. There’s no doubt that this was an event that changed the world. Since that time countless books and films have been made and there are memorabilia items available that are a must for every household. I believe this.

History is constantly being rewritten. Eye witnesses don’t live forever. The truth becomes distorted. What will future generations make of the Kennedy assassination? From day one, there were conspiracy theories – what will our children and grandchildren believe to be true? By making sure that we have these items to pass on to future generations we can ... Read More »