In a world increasingly dominated by digital content, there's something profoundly satisfying about the weight of a beautifully crafted book in your hands. The slight resistance of the cover as it opens, the whisper of pages turning, the richness of photographs so vivid you can almost step into them.
These sensory experiences are at the heart of what makes a truly exceptional coffee table book.
But not all coffee table books are created equal. Assouline stands apart, existing in that rarefied space where books transcend their function as reading material and become works of art in their own right.
The Alchemy of Books as Art
Founded in Paris in 1994 by Prosper and Martine Assouline, this publishing house began with a singular vision: to reinvent the illustrated book. What started as a passion project has evolved into a global authority on luxury lifestyle.
Each volume celebrates the visual splendor of its subject, whether that's a faraway destination, an iconic designer, or a cultural movement.
"We created this company because we believed that books can be more than just books. They can be objects of desire, sources of inspiration, and vessels of beauty." — Martine Assouline
This philosophy elevates Assouline's creations beyond mere coffee table books into something far more significant. They are cultural artifacts that tell stories not just through words, but through carefully curated photographs, exceptional graphic design, and uncompromising production values.
When Books with Photographs Become Portals to Elsewhere
The power of a good coffee table book lies in its ability to transport you:
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Open "Provence Glory" and suddenly the scent of lavender seems to fill the air
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Flip through "Aspen Style" and feel the crisp mountain air against your face
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Explore "Dior by Raf Simons" and witness fashion history unfolding before your eyes
This transportive quality comes from Assouline's meticulous approach to visual storytelling. Their books with photographs aren't random collections of pretty pictures; they're carefully orchestrated visual journeys.
Each image builds upon the last, creating a narrative that engages all the senses.
"Aspen Style" by Aerin Lauder exemplifies this approach. Through its pages, readers experience the unique alchemy that makes Aspen special – where natural splendor meets sophisticated living.
The photographs capture not just the visual appeal of this mountain paradise but its particular mood and energy.
Beyond Decoration: How Good Coffee Table Books Enhance Our Spaces
Interior designers have long understood what many of us intuitively feel: books bring something irreplaceable to our living spaces. They add color, texture, and most importantly, depth of personality to a home.
But a collection of Assouline books does something more.
These volumes function as silent storytellers, speaking volumes about your tastes, interests, and values before you say a word. A carefully chosen stack might include "Dior by Raf Simons," revealing an appreciation for the evolution of haute couture.
The distinctive spines – often in rich colors with gold lettering – create a visual rhythm on shelves. Their oversized dimensions command attention on tables.
The covers themselves feature images so compelling they function as frameable art.
This is where the concept of "books as art" becomes literal. An Assouline book doesn't just contain artistic photography; it is itself an art object that enhances any space it occupies.
The Tactile Pleasure in a Digital Age
In our screen-dominated era, the physical qualities of Assouline books offer a welcome counterpoint:
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The substantial weight in your hands
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The smooth resistance of heavy paper stock
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The subtle scent of ink and binding
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The satisfying sound of a page turning
These sensory experiences satisfy something primal in us – a hunger for tangible beauty in an increasingly virtual world.
This tactile quality makes a collection of books from Assouline particularly meaningful as gifts. Unlike digital presents that are consumed and forgotten, these volumes become touchstones of shared passions.
"I've given Assouline books as gifts for years. They're my go-to when I need something that feels both personal and luxurious. Everyone remembers who gave them their first Assouline." — Emma Collins, Interior Designer
Curating Culture: From Art Deco to Contemporary Design
Assouline's catalog spans a breathtaking range of subjects:
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Artistic movements: From art deco to maximalism
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Exotic destinations: Morocco, Samarkand, the Forbidden City
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Fashion icons: Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent
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Cultural phenomena: From James Bond to the FIFA World Cup
What unites this diverse collection is an unwavering commitment to quality and a sophisticated editorial eye. Assouline doesn't just document culture; they help define it.
They identify the essential elements that make a destination, designer, or movement worthy of celebration.
The Future of Luxury Publishing
As we look to the future, Assouline continues to redefine what coffee table books can be. Their limited editions – some housed in custom slipcases or featuring hand-tipped photographs – push the boundaries of book as object even further.
Their boutiques, from London's Piccadilly to New York's Plaza Hotel, have evolved into cultural destinations themselves. They showcase not just books but a complete lifestyle vision.
For those who appreciate beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural storytelling, Assouline's contribution to the world of publishing cannot be overstated. They've transformed coffee table books from occasional indulgences into essential components of a well-lived life.
In a disposable culture, they create permanence. In a noisy world, they offer focused beauty.
And in doing so, they remind us of the irreplaceable value of physical books in our digital age.
Explore our curated collection of Assouline titles, including "Aspen Style," "Provence Glory," and "Dior by Raf Simons" in our online store or visit our boutique for personal assistance selecting the perfect volume for your collection or as a memorable gift.
