Summer Reading Guide: Must-Read Books On Art, Music, Comics, Photography & Literature
Looking for the perfect artsy book to dive into this summer? Whether you're lounging on the beach or relaxing at home, there's no shortage of inspiring new releases spanning photography, music, fine art, comics, and literature. From powerful biographies to stunning coffee table editions, these books offer something for every creative mind.
Highlights include Disobedient– Liz Fremantle's compelling novel based on Renaissance artist Artemisia Gentileschi–and a beautifully illustrated edition of Yann Martel's modern classic Life of Pi .
Art enthusiasts will appreciate Ahuva Zeloof's Faith , featuring images of her expressive sculpture, and Remi Rough's Future Language of the Ikonoklast , a documentation of pioneering British Graffiti movement The Ikonoklasts.
Comic book lovers can revisit Marvel history with The Folio Society's deluxe edition of Stan Lee's Fantastic Four– published to coincide with the latest Marvel Movie–while music fans can celebrate the legacy of the Montreux Jazz Festival in 50 Summers of Music .
For photography aficionados, must-have releases include Bruce Weber: My Education from Taschen, along with striking new works from contemporary photographers Scott Offen and Amanda Sauer.
From illustrated literary classics and groundbreaking comic book collections to powerful photography and music retrospectives, these new releases explore the intersections of creativity, identity, and cultural legacy. Here are the most compelling art, music, photography, and design books to add to your summer reading list.
Giant Willow Oak by Amanda Sauer (L'Artiere) L'Artiere
Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle (Penguin Books)
Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle–the celebrated author behind bestselling historical novels turned Hollywood hits such as Firebrand –is a powerful historical novel based on the early life of Baroque painter Artemisia Gentileschi. Set in the vibrant and patriarchal world of 1611 Rome, the story follows young Artemisia as she strives to become an artist in a society where women are expected to remain silent. Raised in a family of painters, Artemisia knows she possesses exceptional talent, but her future is not her own to shape. When a new tutor, the charismatic Tassi, enters her life, he briefly seems to offer a glimpse of freedom—until a violent betrayal shatters her world.
After accusing Tassi of rape, Artemisia finds herself at the center of a sensational trial that shakes Rome and puts her very character on trial. Fremantle masterfully captures the emotional weight of a young woman forced to fight for her voice, her future, and her dignity in the face of societal condemnation. Disobedient is both a gripping courtroom drama and a stirring portrait of resilience, illuminating the true story of one of art history's most groundbreaking women.
Also look out for Fremantle's latest novel Sinners– set in Rome in 1599–based on the tragic tale of Beatrice Cenci.
Disobedient by Elizabeth Fremantle Penguin Books
Life of Pi by Yann Martel – Illustrated Edition (The Folio Society)
Experience Yann Martel's Life of Pi like never before with The Folio Society's stunning illustrated edition. Featuring bold new artwork by Violeta Encarnación and an exclusive introduction by the author, this deluxe version of the Booker Prize-winning novel reimagines the beloved tale of survival, spirituality, and storytelling. This new collector's edition is ideal for fans revisiting the book ahead of its theatrical adaptations or those discovering its themes anew.
Life of Pi © The Folio Society The Folio Society
Marvel: Fantastic Four Collection (The Folio Society)
Celebrate the origin of Marvel's first family with this deluxe collector's edition of Fantastic Four , released ahead of the highly anticipated movie reboot starring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, and others. Curated by bestselling author Jonathan Lethem, this edition brings together essential 1960s-era issues from Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, presented in a beautifully designed hardcover with a slipcase. A must-have for comic book fans, collectors, and Marvel Universe enthusiasts.
Fantastic Four © The Folio Society © The Folio Society
Future Language of the Ikonoklast by Remi Rough (Velocity Press)
A visual history of the British graffiti collective that reshaped street art, Future Language of the Ikonoklast by Remi Rough documents the evolution of the Ikonoklast Movement since its founding in 1989. Led by six pioneering artists including Remi Rough, this book features rare imagery and insight into the collaborative ethos that challenged and expanded the boundaries of graffiti. A vital reference for street art historians and contemporary urban culture fans.
Future Language of the Iconoclast. Velocity Press © Velocity Press
50 Summers of Music – Montreux Jazz Festival 50th Anniversary Book
50 Summers of Music chronicles five decades of the Montreux Jazz Festival through rare photos and stories from music legends like Nina Simone, Miles Davis, and Quincy Jones. With a foreword by Montreux CEO Mathieu Jaton and text by Arnaud Robert, this retrospective offers an immersive look at one of the world's most influential music festivals.
Over 175 previously unpublished images bring the festival's backstage energy and onstage magic vividly to life. This is an ideal publication to peruse as the 59th Montreux Jazz Festival comes to an end and preparations begin for its 60th Anniversary.
50 Summers of Music. Montreux Jazz Festival Montreux Jazz Festival
Bruce Weber. My Education (TASCHEN)
Celebrated fashion and portrait photographer Bruce Weber presents his most personal work to date with My Education , a richly curated volume published by TASCHEN.
Known for iconic images captured for fashion bibles Vogue , GQ , and Vanity Fair , Weber explores themes of family, identity, and sensuality through never-before-seen photos and signature portraits of cultural icons like Leonardo DiCaprio, Louise Bourgeois, Kate Moss, Amy Winehouse, David Bowie and Kim Kardashian. More than 500 images showcasing Weber's wide artistic range are featured, along with personal anecdotes giving an insight into his most iconic images. A must-have coffee table book for photography lovers and pop culture followers.
Bruce Weber 'My Education' / TASCHEN TASCHEN
Grace by Scott Offen (L'Artiere)
Grace is a poetic and visually striking collaboration between photographer Scott Offen and his partner Grace. This large-format book blends dreamlike imagery with themes of gender, mythology, and nature. Through intimate and symbolic photographs, Grace challenges traditional artistic representation and offers a deeply personal meditation on transformation and freedom.
Teresa Piardii's design and Laura McPhee's text elevate Offen's striking, fairytale images, created through a fruitful creative partnership with Grace.
Grace by Scott Offen L'Artiere
Ahuva Zeloof Faith (Silvana)
Faith is a striking exploration of the artistic evolution of contemporary sculptor Ahuva Zeloof, best known for her textured stone carvings and expressive bronze figures. Although a latecomer to the art world, Zeloof has risen quickly, exhibiting internationally alongside figures like Tracey Emin and David Hockney, and holding three solo shows in London. This latest collection marks a significant turning point in her career, as she shifts from emphasizing physical manipulation to evoking spiritual resonance through organic forms.
The sculptures in Faith —many cast in bronze from Nubian stones found along Israel's Mediterranean coast—invite viewers to interpret their shapes intuitively, embodying Zeloof's belief that art can emerge naturally when guided by instinct. Accompanied by fine art photography from Georgia Metaxas and a thoughtful essay by curator Federico Poletti, the book offers both a visual and intellectual journey through Zeloof's creative process. Edited by Shelly Verthime, FAITH is not only a showcase of Zeloof's evolving artistry but also a meditation on the dialogue between nature, form, and human perception.
Ahuva Zeloof 'Faith' / Silvana Ahuva Zeloof / Silvana
Giant Willow Oak by Amanda Sauer (L'Artiere)
Amanda Sauer's Giant Willow Oak is a contemplative visual exploration of one tree across time. Sauer spent years documenting the same willow oak in Washington, D.C., through seasonal cycles, offering a lyrical tribute to nature's quiet strength and the passage of time.
Sauer's deeply contemplative images of the ancient Oak offer the opportunity to meditate on the importance of humanity's relationship with nature, and the legacy of the living world. Ideal for fans of slow photography, environmental art, and meditative visual storytelling.
Giant Willow Oak by Amanda Sauer (L'Artiere) L'Artiere
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
Sydney Sweeney Is Facing A Backlash Over Her New American Eagle Campaign. Here's What People Are Saying
Sydney Sweeney's new collaboration with the fashion brand American Eagle has become the centre of a whole lot of debate. The Euphoria star unveiled a new campaign with the American clothing brand last week, to promote their line of denim last week. However, it didn't take long before social media clips to promote the deal sparked a wave of discomfort among many critics, largely due to some of the language that's used in the campaign. This is the story so far… What is Sydney Sweeney's new ad campaign for American Eagle all about? For American Eagle's autumn 2025 campaign, Sydney Sweeney can be seen sporting items from the brand's denim range, including a new pair of jeans inspired by her. The campaign also makes use of the slogan 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans', a pun on the term 'great genes'. In another, she explains: 'Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality and even eye colour.' 'My jeans are blue,' she then quips, at which point a narrator delivers the line: 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.' Why are some people upset about Sydney Sweeney's new ads for American Eagle? Unfortunately this repeated use of the slogan 'great jeans', a pun on 'great genes', has put some viewers in mind of the language used by white supremacists and eugenicists. By centring a blonde, white star in a campaign referencing 'genes', some critics are accusing the brand of tone-deafness at best – particularly in the current political climate – and deliberately pushing a white supremacist agenda at worst. HuffPost UK has contacted representatives for both Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle for comment. Others are pointing out that Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle campaign doesn't mention one other important aspect of the product American Eagle's new 'Sydney Jean' features a butterfly detail on its back pocket, in a nod to domestic violence awareness, a cause which the White Lotus star has championed throughout her career. In fact, an American Eagle press release confirmed that '100% of the purchase price from 'The Sydney Jean' will be donated to Crisis Text Line', a charity in the US which aims to help those affected by domestic violence. However, the ads are also being criticised for not highlighting this key part of the campaign, with some saying its accompanying slogan is even more jarring as a result. Has Sydney Sweeney or American Eagle said anything about the controversy? Not yet, but we'll be sure to keep you updated if and when they do… READ MORE: Glen Powell's Ex Makes Veiled Comments About How Sydney Sweeney Rumours Affected Relationship Sydney Sweeney Fires Back After Producer's Takedown Of Her Looks And Talent Sydney Sweeney Makes Blunt Comment On Women's Empowerment In Hollywood
CNET
3 hours ago
- CNET
Access More Than 30,000 Movies and TV Shows With This One Free Item
When I was an undergraduate student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, I added a concentration in film studies as part of my English and Comparative Literature degree. This choice exposed me to the marvelous world of film scholarship, adding to my already fervent love for movies. The decision also meant I was screening anywhere from four to seven movies each week for assignments and my honors thesis. The one platform that saved me throughout my semesters of frantic screenings was the streaming service Kanopy. Kanopy is an on-demand video platform that boasts a catalog of 30,000-plus titles, including classics, film noirs and award nominees. And unlike other streaming services like Netflix that are consistently raising their prices, Kanopy is still free. As a college student, I had free access to the platform with my university email address. The best part -- besides Kanopy being ad-free -- is that I didn't have to give up my account after I graduated; I'm still streaming its robust offerings for free thanks to my public library card. Below, I'll show you how you can sign up with Kanopy, and why it's worth it. Read more: 9 of the Best Netflix Alternatives to Entertain You How to create a Kanopy account With Kanopy, you can stream for free — without ads — movies, TV shows and documentaries. To create a Kanopy account, you can do the following: Go to and click Get Started . . The next window will ask if you're signing up with a university credential or a public library card. Select which option applies to you. You'll need to select your library system or university from the dropdown list. To find a library near you, share your location when prompted or search for your library by name, city or ZIP code. You can do the same when searching for your university. Hit Continue. Create your Kanopy account by filling out the requested fields (name, email address and password). Click Sign Up . . You will receive a verification email from kanopy@ Open the message, and click Verify My Email . . Start streaming. You'll need to select your library system or university from the dropdown list when creating a Kanopy account. Kanopy/Screenshot by CNET Are there limits to the number of films I can watch per month? Yes, Kanopy does not offer unlimited streaming. After signing up, you can stream up to 10 titles per month. Your 10 play credits will renew at the beginning of every calendar month. These credits do not carry over if you don't use them. Why is there a monthly limit? CNET Kanopy works on a pay-per-checkout model, meaning the public library system pays a small fee each time you check out a title. By limiting checkouts to 10 titles per month, libraries can ensure they stay on budget. Which films are offered on Kanopy? Kanopy catalog gives you access to over 30,000 titles, including: Award-winning foreign films Critically acclaimed movies A24 films Documentaries Classic films from the Criterion Collection Content from the Great Courses and PBS Festival indie or world cinema Storybooks Films and series for children Some notable standout films include Memento (2000), Donnie Darko (2001), Dial M for Murder (1954), and my personal favorite, Portrait of a Lady on Fire (2019). If you're interested, you can read my commentary about why I love this film so much. Does Kanopy offer seasonal collections? Yes, Kanopy offers select seasonal and speciality collections. Kanopy's Holiday Collection is released each December and includes a slew of Christmas features and documentaries, and Yuletide classics. In October, Kanopy released its Fright Fest collection -- a catalog of Halloween favorites -- comprised of horror flicks, slashers, thrillers and more. The Fright Fest collections includes A24 favorites, creepy classics, cozy horror and so much more. Kanopy/Screenshot by CNET You should also explore our full rundown of the best movies on Max, Netflix and Amazon Prime. Plus, stream our favorite horror double-feature now on Netflix.
WIRED
3 hours ago
- WIRED
These Are Our Favorite Wristwatches Under $1,000
Few would have expected the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch to create such a furor both in and out of watch fandom when it was released in 2022, yet in just a few years, it has become one of the most desirable watches today due to its initial scarcity, dual brand recognition, and attractive price. Thankfully, it's much easier to buy a Moonswatch than when it was first released, including online, and the days of needing to pay scalpers for one through eBay are happily over. The Moonswatch takes its name and design from the classic Omega Speedmaster, also known as the Moonwatch, due to it being the first watch on the moon. Unlike the Omega Speedmaster, it's made of bioceramic (which feels a lot like plastic), doesn't have a sapphire crystal, has a quartz movement, is only water resistant to 30 meters, and most definitely hasn't been to the moon. None of this matters, though, as there's so much to like about the Moonswatch, from how it bridges the divide between normal people and watch fans, how it's practically guaranteed to stir up some kind of emotion, and that there's almost certainly a color scheme or design feature that will appeal. Just don't expect it to have the best build quality, or for it to feel anywhere near as expensive as its price suggests. Some also complain about the Velcro strap, but the branding looks great, and it's perfect to throw on your wrist when you're in a hurry. Once it's on, it's so light you barely know it's there. A rubber alternative strap is available if you do hate the Velcro, though. Even if you haven't heard of any other brands and watches on our list, I bet you have heard of the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch, but don't pass it off as just clever marketing. It's a Swatch at heart, and that makes it a fun and affordable gateway into watch ownership. Specs Case and strap: 42 mm, 20-mm band Movement: Quartz (ETA G10.212) Glass: Hesalite Water resistance: 3 ATM Warranty: 2 years Rotate North started out in 2019 with its Atlantic dive watch, but it has expanded its range to include several other models since then, and I love the Tempest aviation watch. Built in Germany and finished in the UK, the Tempest comes in a 40-mm case size with a choice of bright rubber straps, and I love the 12- and 24-hour markers on the dial, the date window, and the 300-meter water resistance rating. Perhaps best of all, Rotate North gives you the choice of movements. You can choose the Tempest with a Seiko NH35A automatic movement, which the company says it chose due to its 'exceptional durability, reliability, and impressive accuracy (-20 to +40 seconds per day) rating.' The movement will turn up more than once on this list for these very reasons. Alternatively, you can choose a Ronda 715LI quartz movement if you want the watch to always be ready to go, and to save a little on the purchase price, too. Specs Case and strap: 40 mm, 20-mm band Movement: Automatic (Seiko NH35A) or Quartz (Ronda 715LI) Glass: Sapphire Water resistance: 30 ATM Warranty: 2 years
