The 30 Best Coffee Table Books for Men in 2022
By Staff Writers | Updated November 23, 2022
They say a home without books is a body without soul. And let’s face it, we all want soul. Great books—ones that inspire & entertain, add depth and dimension to our homes. They offer insight to our tastes and interests. Engaging us in ways touchscreens just can’t. But weeding through the stacks of fresh publications is a big commit, so we hit the books & curated a proper list for you.
For pretty near every human interest, from the iconic and legendary to the unknown and long-forgotten, there is a book that’s been written. In many cases, a fresh, creative, high-quality book that digs a little deeper and shines a light on something we love.
When we find these books, we want to share them. With family, friends, and houseguests. Because they make our house feel like home.
In assembling this list, we covered lots of material—spanning film, fashion, and photography to rock music, sports and pop culture. Definitely guy books but far from typical. Check it out.
Our America: A Photographic History by Ken Burns
$45
Ken Burns is renowned for making some of the best-known, most-beloved, and most insightful documentaries, including many following the progression of American history over the last 40+ years. Now, in the pages of Our America: A Photographic History, he shares his deep knowledge of America’s soul through images that best embody our country’s progression, from its founding over 200 years ago to modern-day society. Featuring striking images of civil war and stirring tributes to great people who changed the country, it’s a visual journey through the moments and events that made America what it is today—entirely raw and unfiltered truth through the lens of a camera.
Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record
$63
Fifty years ago, mankind did something utterly unprecedented: they took their first steps on the moon. The success of the Apollo mission forever changed the landscape of space exploration, and gave us our first insights into what it means to walk among the stars. Now, in the pages of Apollo Remastered, you can see the original NASA photographic film of that mission, brought to life by image restorer Andy Saunders. In crystal-clear quality, these photos offer breathtaking and vivid insights into the marvels of outer space, life aboard the Apollo spacecraft, space-walks, and so much more never before seen until now.
1000 Design Classics
$72
In the pages of this beautiful coffee table book, you will see 1,000 of the most iconic designs brought to life in glorious detail. Each features an in-depth history and origin of each item, along with an explanation of what makes them such works of art. From mystery pieces by anonymous creators to masterpieces by the world’s most famous designers—including modern designers whose works have captivated audiences in the last decades—the book is filled with eye-catching, inspiration-lighting ideas that any design enthusiast will love to explore.
The Stephen King Ultimate Companion
$27
Few authors have left a mark on 20th and 21st century fiction like Stephen King, the man behind The Stand, The Dark Tower, Carrie, and countless other works of horror. Now, in celebration of his 75th birthday, The Stephen King Ultimate Companion recounts his journey through author-hood, telling the stories behind the stories that made him a household name. There are even never-before-seen pictures from the author’s private collection that offer a glimpse into the man from whom such mind-bending tales were born. Fans of Stephen King—and the horror genre in general—will devour every page of this fascinating book.
Homicide
$49
Have you ever wondered exactly how police detectives conduct their investigations? Not the over-dramatized way you see it on TV, but the real-life, down-to-earth truth? Now, through the pictures captured by author and photographer Theo Warner, Homicide pulls back the veil on what it really means to conduct a police investigation. As the first photographer to be given access to the NYPD, Wenner snaps the ugly, nitty-gritty, behind-the-scenes images of actual investigations conducted over the course of two years. It’s an eye-opening look into America’s most iconic city, and the murders that put a stain on its reputation.
Norman Mailer. Neil Leifer. Howard L. Bingham. The Fight
$74
No boxing match in history has ever garnered as much attention and interest as “The Rumble in the Jungle”, the legendary bout between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman that took place in Kinshasa, Zaire in 1974. Now, in the pages of The Fight, you can read the story brought to life by legendary journalist, essayist, activist, and Ali’s personal writer, Norman Mailer. Plus, see real-life pictures of the two boxing superstars captured by photographers Neil Leifer and Howard L. Bingham. It’s a glimpse into boxing history like you’ve never seen before—and will never see anywhere else.
Immortal Axes: Guitars That Rock
$36
Showcasing legendary and infamous guitars from many of the greatest players to ever plug-in, Immortal Axes is the latest from acclaimed photog’ Lisa S. Johnson, & in stunning images, documents the legendary instruments of B.B. King, Kurt Cobain, St. Vincent, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and many more covering more than one hundred and fifty icons of rock.
Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office
$18
Drawing on hundreds of hours of exclusive interviews with the cast and creators of The Office and illustrated with 100 bts photos, this new book is billed as the hit show’s definitive oral history. It features a foreword by Greg Daniels, who adapted the series for the U.S. and is “narrated” by star Brian Baumgartner aka Kevin Malone. Out November 16.
There and Back: Photographs from the Edge
$34
Academy Award–winning director of Free Solo and National Geographic mountain photographer Jimmy Chin has collected his works into a new collection titled There and Back: Photographs from the Edge that features more than 200 original images from his global adventures with the world’s top alpine athletes. From Tibet’s Chang Tang Plateau to Antarctica’s Queen Maud Land, Chin’s images take you up close to the action.
Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos
$16
From the hosts of the popular Talking Sopranos podcast, this new oral history captures some of the iconic show’s most important voices, covering the beloved series from every angle with the people who lived it: the creators, actors and writers who shaped a truly classic show. Edie Falco, Steven Van Zandt, David Chase, and Lorraine Bracco all share their tales.
Soled Out: The Golden Age of Sneaker Advertising
$52
More than a decade in the making, Soled Out is the definitive – and only – collection of sneaker advertisements from the footwear industry’s golden age. Written and compiled by Simon ‘Woody’ Wood, founder of Sneaker Freaker magazine, this 720-page volume collects nearly 900 vintage ads.
The Joy Of Pizza
$24
The Joy Of Pizza is a sweeping, in-depth exploration of the world’s most beloved food. A guide to the craft and an ode to its simple origins. Written by Dan Richer, master pizzaiolo and owner of Razza—voted by The New York Times as NYC’s Number One Pizza Place (even though it’s in Jersey) it goes deep, giving readers step-by-step instructions to make incredible pies at home.
Patented Chronicles A Century Of Product Design
$60
Phaidon’s forthcoming book Patented is an unprecedented history as well as an essential field guide to more than a century of products and industrial design told through 1000 U.S. Patents. From the Vespa Piaggio scooter to the iPhone 1, it also includes designs from creators like Eero Saarinen, Charles Eames, & Isamu Noguchi.
Spirited: Cocktails From Around The World
$38
Carefully assembled & edited by Adrienne Stillman, author of Where Bartenders Drink, Spirited is a full-color reference guide to more than 600 cocktails from around the world. From certified classics to the truly exotic, it merges images, recipes, infographics and cultural texts to present an authoritative global guide to booze.
Nike: Better is Temporary
$58
Created as a true collector’s edition, Nike: Better is Temporary is a landmark publication charting Nike’s transformation from rebellious upstart to global phenomenon. It is an immersive visual survey offering a deep, behind-the-scenes exploration into Nike’s ethos-driven design formula, and places industry-defining innovations and globally recognized products alongside previously unpublished designs, prototypes, insider stories, and more. Hardcover, 320 pages.
Bob Marley: Portrait of the Legend
$39
There are many books on the amazingly influential & tragically short life of Bob Marley. This new one is a visual history, created to honor Marley’s 75th birthday, it’s an expansive oversize tome that collects over 150 original photographs of the Trenchtown rocker—a visionary who would become the forefather of reggae and one of the greatest musical and sociopolitical icons of twentieth-century pop culture. Release date: October 13.
Whatever It Takes: Tom Morello Biography
$27
There may be no other guitarist who’s worked with both Bruce Springsteen & Wu-Tang. But that’s Tom Morello. Impossibly versatile & just as influential. Especially to guitar nerds. As the cofounder and axe-man of Rage Against the Machine, Audioslave, and Prophets of Rage, Morello has made some of the loudest & most important rock-n-roll of the modern era. In this new biography he shares his incredible journey as a guitarist, songwriter, singer, and political activist.
Jimmy Page: The Anthology
$34
As a Guitar God spanning generations, Jimmy Page has amassed an extensive private archive of iconic guitars, stage costumes, and personal ephemera. He packs all of it into this new 400-page book. In it, he guides reader through hundreds of rare items, many of which are unseen, others of mythic status, such as the Gibson double neck guitar, his dragon emblazoned suit, his white embroidered poppy suit, and the outfit worn in the concert film The Song Remains the Same. Also included are handwritten diaries, correspondence, rare vinyl pressings, previously unpublished photos and lots more.
Rock Covers: 750 Album Covers That Made History
$22
Showcasing more than 750 iconic album covers that shaped rock history, this new collection from Taschen combines the classic covers with insightful fact sheets, insider interviews, and lists from leading collectors of their top 10 records. From Elvis Presley, The Beatles, The Sex Pistols, Pink Floyd, The Cure, & Iron Maiden to Sonic Youth, it catalogs decades of rock music’s rich visual history.
NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football
$29
To celebrate the upcoming Golden Anniversary of the National Football League, NFL 100 celebrates a hundred years of history, tracking America’s most popular and highly watched sport from its humble beginnings in Canton, Ohio, to its current state of high stakes commercial influence. All the key moments and famous athletes are honored within the pages of this handsomely produced book.
Cabin P*rn: Inside
$18
Created by DIY.org & Vimeo co-founder Zach Klein, the original Cabin P*rn picture book has sold over a quarter-million copies. That’s a lot, so no surprise there’s a follow-up. Where the original book showed sexy exteriors from around the world, this one takes readers deep inside. To show you how these delightful little hideaway homes are decorated. 336 pages.
The Stan Lee Story
$260
The first pressing of this book sold out instantly. Now it’s back: a giant-format tome nearly ten years in the making celebrating the one and only Godfather of Comics, Stan Lee. From his childhood in Depression-era New York, to transforming Marvel into the world’s number one comics publisher, to his 21st-century reinvention as Chief Creative Officer of POW! Entertainment, Stan Lee remains the most legendary name in comic book history & this 624-page book proves it.
1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List
$16
The Washington Post called this book “the ultimate literary bucket list.” Covering fiction, poetry, science and science fiction, memoir, travel writing, biography, children’s books, history, and more, this book is not a definitive list of literary classic works but instead a celebration of story & discovery. It also offers recommendations from one work to another, so in all, there are actually 6000 books listed inside.
Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed
$27
Once you figure out how to handle edibles, it’s a welcome alternative to smoking flower. Inspired by the Vice Channel show of the same name, Bong Appétit the cookbook teaches you how to make your own THC-infused meals, dishes, and munchies. It includes 65 easy-to-follow recipes, techniques, and guidance for cooking with cannabis. It’s also packed with great, full-color photos.
The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983
$170
Made with the full cooperation of George Lucas and Lucasfilm, this new premium-quality, oversized 604-page volume from Taschen covers the making of the original Star Wars trilogy—Episode IV: A New Hope, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, and Episode VI: Return of the Jedi—and features an exclusive interview with Lucas. The book is profusely illustrated with script pages, production documents, concept art, storyboards, on-set photography, stills, and posters.
Beastie Boys Book
$25
This is not your standard music memoir, the Beasties would never do that. Yes, Beastie Boys Book tells their whole story but alongside the band narrative you will find rare photos, original illustrations, a cookbook by chef Roy Choi, a graphic novel, a map of Beastie Boys’ New York, mixtape playlists, pieces by guest contributors, and many more surprises. Available for pre-order now. Release date: October 2018.
Ali
$32
In June, 1963, on assignment from Sports Illustrated, peerless portrait photographer Steve Schapiro traveled to Louisville to spend some time with Cassius Clay, the young Olympic champion boxer who even then was well on his way to becoming Muhammad Ali. The two spent five days together, with Schapiro gaining intimate access to this legend-in-the-making. Ali is a collection of the photographers best images—many of which have never been published before.
Where to Drink Coffee
$15
This is the only guide you need to find a proper cup. In Where to Drink Coffee, 150 top baristas and coffee experts share their secrets: 600 killer coffee spots across 50 countries. From cafés, bakeries, and restaurants to more surprising spots—a video store and an auto shop, the recommendations include insightful reviews, key information, maps, and easy-to-navigate geographical organization.
Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016
$76
Starting with Marilyn Monroe from 1953, this complete, unabridged and titillating tome includes over 734 nude centerfolds from the pages of Playboy covering 6 decades. Consider it the definitive reference on the female form, a celebration of skin that captures the complete cultural and aesthetic arc of the Playboy centerfold.
Cabin P*rn
$26
Based on the popular website of the same name, Cabin P*rn is a 336-page full-color photo collection packed with shocking acts of hardcore cabin action.
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