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38 Best Coffee Table Books for Men

By Author Info  |  Updated November 29, 2023

38 Best Coffee Table Books for Men
 

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.



Signature Cocktails Curates 200 Iconic Drinks (with recipes) from Around the Globe

Signature Cocktails


 

Cocktails are so much more than just “a nice drink”—they are an expression of individuality and a work of art unique to each city, region, or country where they were created. Look at the distinctions between the Mai Tai, Mojito, Michelada, and Moscow Mule and it immediately becomes clear.

In the pages of Signature Cocktails, you will be taken on a fascinating journey through 200 of the most celebrated cocktails from around the world. From classics like the Bellini and Martini to striking newcomers unique to world-renowned mixologists and bars, you will learn the story behind the cocktails, the artistry and chemistry that goes into making them, and the unique character that sets them apart from every drink that came before.

Spanning more than six centuries of history, this Phaidon published coffee table book will teach you everything you ever wanted to know about cocktails.

Whether you’re a professional mixologist or just a guy like me who loves to mix up a stiff drink at the end of the day, this will be your ultimate guide to making the “perfect” cocktail—not only the classics, but maybe even a signature drink of your own.




The Amplified Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana

The Amplified Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana


 

When published 30 years ago, Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana offered some fascinating insights into the iconic rock band and the sound that shaped Generation X. Now, on its 30th anniversary, the book is getting some huge updates.

The Amplified Come as You Are: The Story of Nirvana takes what the original book offered—exclusive interviews with the band, including the only interviews ever done with Kurt Cobain before his suicide—and adds a fresh layer of polish.

The book has been re-written and “amplified”, featuring new annotations, thoughts by the author, retrospective analyses of the impact Nirvana has had on the modern music world, and deeper, more refined insights into the creativity and life of one of the greatest songwriters ever to rock a concert.

Nirvana fans, this is the coffee table book you will absolutely want to add to your collection.




Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut, And Craft

Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut, And Craft


 

Anyone who has spent significant amounts of time catching, cleaning, and gutting fish will tell you that there is both an art and science to the process. Now, you can learn all about it in the pages of Fish Butchery: Mastering The Catch, Cut, And Craft.

Written by culinary trailblazer and James Beard award-winner Josh Niland, this book is intended to be the “complete guide to fish butchery”. It will teach you everything you need to know about catching, butchering, and ultimately crafting the perfect meal using 15 different species of fish, each with fascinating potential to be used in creative ways.

By the time you’re done, you’ll be raring to put your newfound knowledge to the test and take your culinary skills to the next level.




The Atlas of Car Design: The World’s Most Iconic Cars

The Atlas of Car Design: The World's Most Iconic Cars


 

In its 568 pages, The Atlas of Car Design features 750 photos & illustrations that show off the 650 most beloved (and hated) car designs throughout the decades.

Iconic German, Japanese, French, Italian, British, and American vehicles that have revolutionized the car industry—both in form and function—are on glorious display on every page of this illustrated coffee table book.

Follow along to see how cars have evolved from their first creation little more than a century ago, and how the world (including travel, advertising, and photography) has changed right along with them.

It’s an in-depth look into every aspect of the car industry, from design to engineering to economics to culture to fandoms, one that will keep you hooked from start to finish.




Ozzy at 75: The Unofficial Illustrated History

Ozzy at 75: The Unofficial Illustrated History


 

As the legend known to the world as “Ozzy” Osbourne approaches his 75th birthday, Ozzy at 75 explores 75 of the greatest accomplishments and highlights of what has been a truly eventful career and life.

From his early days co-founding Black Sabbath to his co-founding of Ozzfest to his Parkinson’s diagnosis, this book explores the man who has more than earned the title of “godfather of heavy meal”, offering you a glimpse behind the scenes through interviews, candid photos, and never-before-told stories.

Learn about the music that shaped who he became, the albums that are his legacy to the music world he forever changed, the collaborations that are still monuments of music history, and the crazy adventures both on and off the stage that makes him the singularly great Ozzy that he is and always will be.




"The Computer" from Taschen is a Richly Illustrated Exploration of the Origins of Computing

The Computer


 

There is no doubt about it: the computer revolutionized every single industry and changed the world as we once knew it. Without it, our modern society would be drastically different, and marvels of technology would simply not exist. Now, take a visual journey through the history of the computer through the pages of Taschen’s The Computer.

In the book, you’ll learn about the ancient and historical mechanical machines that gave rise to the idea of a modern computer, the earliest digital machines, and the technology that led to computers being present in virtually every household around the globe.

It’s filled with richly colored archive images, an ongoing glossary of evolving computer technology language, and profiles of the men and women responsible for significant advancements in the field.

This book is guaranteed to be a fascinating exploration of where computing started, how it got to where we are today, and where it might yet take us into the future.




Ultimate Collector Motorcycles: 100 of the Most Legendary and Coveted Motorcycles of All Time

Ultimate Collector Motorcycles


 

Ultimate Collector Motorcycles is the creation of Charlotte & Peter Fiell, authors renowned in the field of transportation design. In its pages, you’ll find a curated selection of the 100 most beautiful and desirable motorbikes on the planet—some dating back more than 100 years!

Not only will you get to enjoy full-color, high-definition photographs of these iconic and game-changing motorbikes, but you’ll read the stories behind them, see the designs that inspired them, and learn more about their history and construction. This is the coffee table book every biker enthusiast and collector will want to have on their shelf.

Hardcover, two vols. in slipcase, 11.1 x 14.2 in., 20.72 lb, 940 pages.




JIMI is a Comprehensive Visual Celebration of the Groundbreaking Guitarist

JIMI is a Comprehensive Visual Celebration of the Groundbreaking Guitarist


 




Raising the Bar: A Bottle-by-Bottle Guide to Mixing Masterful Cocktails at Home

Raising the Bar: A Bottle-by-Bottle Guide to Mixing Masterful Cocktails at Home


 

Time to step up your home mixology game—not with fancy cocktail bitters or new kitchen gadgets, but more knowledge. In the pages of Raising the Bar, you’ll learn the basic “formula” for constructing the perfect cocktail, walking you through every bottle in your bar to explain how each can be used to maximum efficiency to make as wide a variety of drinks as possible.

As it builds on the foundation, you’ll learn more and more ways to use the liquor already in your cabinet. By the end of the book, you will have no trouble whipping up all your favorite cocktails along with a few new ones. Best of all, you’ll be armed with the knowledge you need to craft recipes that will be a surefire hit among your friends and family.




Our America: A Photographic History by Ken Burns

Our America: A Photographic History by Ken Burns


 

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.




The Race of Gentlemen

The Race of Gentlemen


 




Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record

Apollo Remastered: The Ultimate Photographic Record


 




1000 Design Classics

1000 Design Classics


 




The Stephen King Ultimate Companion: A Complete Exploration of His Work, Life, and Influences

The Stephen King Ultimate Companion


 




Homicide Offers a Look at the Detectives Working for the NYPD Homicide Division

Homicide


 




Norman Mailer. Neil Leifer. Howard L. Bingham. The Fight

Norman Mailer. Neil Leifer. Howard L. Bingham. The Fight


 




Immortal Axes: Guitars That Rock

Immortal Axes: Guitars That Rock


 

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

Welcome to Dunder Mifflin: The Ultimate Oral History of The Office


 

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

There and Back: Photographs from the Edge


 

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

Woke Up This Morning: The Definitive Oral History of The Sopranos


 

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

Soled Out: The Golden Age of Sneaker Advertising


 

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

The Joy Of Pizza


 

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.




Spirited: Cocktails From Around The World

Spirited: Cocktails From Around The World


 

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

Nike: Better is Temporary


 

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.




Whatever It Takes: Tom Morello Biography

Whatever It Takes: Tom Morello Biography


 

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

Jimmy Page: The Anthology


 

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

Rock Covers: 750 Album Covers That Made History


 

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

NFL 100: A Century of Pro Football


 

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

Cabin P*rn: Inside


 

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, Over 600 Pages of Comic Book Gold

The Stan Lee Story


 

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

1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List


 

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

Bong Appétit: Mastering the Art of Cooking with Weed


 

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.




Taschen Releases Definitive Star Wars Archives Volume 1

The Star Wars Archives. 1977–1983


 

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 Shines a Light on the OG Influencers

Beastie Boys Book


 

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 Collects Intimate Images of a Legend

Ali


 

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 Takes You Where The Experts Go For Joe

Where to Drink Coffee


 

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

Playboy: The Complete Centerfolds, 1953-2016


 

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

Cabin P*rn


 

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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