Today I searched my bookshelves to find some beautiful ‘coffee table’ type
history books, that would make lovely Christmas gifts for history lovers.
So, here are my recommendations!
(I have linked to Amazon for ease, but please make sure you check your local bookshops first)
Treasures Afoot: Shoe Stories from the Georgian Era by Kimberly S. Alexander
If you follow me on Instagram, you will have probably noticed how much I
love 18th century shoes and shoe buckles! This book is full of information and
stories detailing how Georgian era shoes were made, sold, and worn. The author
traces the fortunes and misfortunes of wearers as their footwear was altered to
accommodate poor health, flagging finances, and changing styles. She explores
the lives and letters of apprentices, cordwainers, merchants, and brides. Taking readers on a colourful journey through the bustling streets of London into ship cargo holds, New England shops, and,
ultimately to the homes of the eager consumers. The photographs are beautiful,
it is a (historical) shoe lovers paradise!
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I am taking it right back with this next suggestion, to the time of the dinosaurs! I highly recommend Dinosaurs and Prehistoric Life. It would
make a great gift for dinosaur lovers of any age. It’s a big book filled
with not only dinosaurs, but also other Prehistoric life and Geology. Among the
vast information, it teaches you how fossils become preserved, evolution, mass extinctions and it features the latest scientific
findings. Beautifully illustrated and packed with information.
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The Tudors in 100 objects by John Matusiak
As you know I am obsessed with both the Tudors and historical
objects. I share historical objects almost daily over on Instagram. This well-researched
book sheds light on the lives of the Tudors by exploring 100 objects that they left behind.
It has beautiful photos and detailed write ups of both everyday and royal objects.
It is full of facts to annoy non-history loving friends with, and it is a great
addition to a Tudor lover’s bookshelf.
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This book is as visually stunning and lavish as its
subject. It is presented in a protective slipcase to keep it safe, and its
pages are filled with images and information about Versailles and its gardens.
It features amazing close-up photos of details and objects that you might otherwise miss
if you were visiting in person, including areas closed to the public. It gives
the reader their own private tour of this iconic chateau, without leaving their own home! As well as discussing Versailles' history, it also provides us with a glimpse
into when it has been used as a backdrop for modern fashion shoots and
films.
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I highly recommend Mary-Ann Ochota’s brilliant book Hidden
Histories. It arms the reader with the information needed to
‘read’ the landscape and spot the human activities that have shaped the land.
This is the perfect book to accompany history and archaeology enthusiasts whilst out
walking through Britain. With helpful illustrations and photos, the book
details: hillforts, standing stones, stone symbols, mudlarking and
fieldwalking, ancient trackways, ancient trees, royal and noble estates,
place names, churches, and much more. It is such an interesting and useful book.
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This is the smallest book on the list, so not a coffee table
book, but it would make the perfect little stocking filler gift for a Tudor
lover!
Carole-singing, present-giving, mulled wine, and even minced pies were
all popular in Tudor times. This book explores the 12 days of Christmas, Tudor
style. A fascinating little book that may be small, but is packed with
information. It's great to pull out each Christmas!
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18th-Century Fashion in Detail (Victoria and Albert Museum)
by Susan North
I just recently bought this book. I adore 18th
century clothes, and this book is all about the garments in the Victoria and
Albert Museum’s extensive fashion collection. Written by one of the museum’s
fashion curators, this beautiful book uses colour photography, line drawings and
close ups of garment details, to teach you all about clothes worn in Georgian
England. (It’s worth mentioning that if the 18th century isn’t your
thing, the V&A have other books in this series) Perfect for fashion history
lovers!
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If you enjoyed these recommendations, then I am more than happy to do a part two. Let me know below!
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