Best Art Encyclopedias Books of 2026

The Flower Color Guide by Phaidon Press is a stunning reference book for anyone who loves flowers. The book features 400 flowers organized by color, with an emphasis on seasonality and creative color schemes. It includes beautiful photography taken by Putnam & Putnam in their Brooklyn studio, as well as tips on flower care, vessel preparation, and suggested color schemes. The Flower Color Guide is perfect for seasoned flower enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore the possibilities of arranging flowers. Overall, this book is a delightful and comprehensive flower guide that is both practical and visually appealing.

Art: The Definitive Visual Guide is a beautifully-illustrated guide to the history of art, showcasing more than 2,500 of the world’s most influential paintings and sculptures. Each artistic movement is explained in clear detail with descriptions of their origins and influences, characteristic styles and techniques, and typical subjects. The book also features a visual timeline of key works and detailed close-ups to help readers understand the composition and subject matter. This art book is perfect for art and history lovers, as well as an ideal coffee table book and classroom companion. Overall, this book is a comprehensive and insightful reference for anyone interested in art history.

The Legend of Zelda: Art & Artifacts is a must-have for any fan of the iconic video game franchise. This book collects over 400 pages of fully realized illustrations from the entire thirty-year history of The Legend of Zelda, including rare and never-before-seen content. From game box art to sprite art, this book has it all. The high-quality paper and oversized format allow readers to fully immerse themselves in the fine details of each piece. The book also includes interviews with some of the artists behind the series, making it a comprehensive look at the art of The Legend of Zelda.

The Super Mario Encyclopedia: The Official Guide to the First 30 Years is a must-have for any Super Mario fan. This comprehensive guide covers all seventeen games in the series, from the original Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario 3D World. Readers will learn about the evolution of iconic characters like Yoshi and the Goomba, as well as tips on how to find every coin, star, sun, and mushroom. The book also includes an interview with producer Takashi Tezuka and explanations of glitches. Dark Horse Books has done an excellent job of creating a definitive resource for everything Super Mario.

The National Geographic The Photo Ark is a visually stunning and important book that showcases photographer Joel Sartore's lifelong project to capture portraits of the world's animals, with a focus on those facing extinction. The book features over 6,000 animal portraits, from tiny to mammoth, and is paired with eloquent prose from veteran wildlife writer Douglas Chadwick and an inspiring foreword from Harrison Ford. Sartore's powerful message through his art is to know these animals is to save them. This book is a thought-provoking argument for saving all the species of our planet and is a must-read for anyone passionate about animal conservation.

Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman is a beautifully illustrated compendium of curiosities that explores the wonders of the sea. The book takes the reader on an artistic journey across the open ocean, along shorelines, and below the waves, examining the formation of the world’s oceans, the salty sea, and oceanic phenomena. Rothman’s colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and discussions on the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures make this book a fascinating read for all ages. The book is a must-have for anyone who loves art, science, and the ocean.

The Encyclopaedia Eorzea Volume II is an official Final Fantasy XIV lore book written and compiled by the game's development team. This hardcover, full-color volume is packed with art and information, providing a panoramic overview of the world of Eorzea and its inhabitants. The book also includes an exclusive bonus item code for an in-game item, Matoya’s Hat. This second volume contains newly compiled information on the realms of the game, making it a valuable addition to any Final Fantasy XIV fan's collection.

Art That Changed the World: Transformative Art Movements and the Paintings That Inspired Them is a visually stunning and comprehensive guide to art. From prehistoric cave paintings to modern masterpieces, this book covers every major movement in art and showcases 2,500 of the world's most iconic paintings, sculptures, and other artwork. The book presents turning-point paintings that epitomized each artistic movement and explains the social and cultural background of each period. The glossary of technical terms and the comprehensive index make it an indispensable reference book for art-lovers. This book is a perfect coffee table solution for any home in need of conversation or enlightenment.

The Pokemon Visual Companion: Fourth Edition is an updated guide to the animated series that takes readers on a journey through every region, from Kanto to Galar. With comprehensive information on each Pokemon, including legendary and mythical creatures, this book is a must-have for any avid Pokemon fan. The book also follows Ash's journey and introduces his friends and travel companions. What sets this book apart is its ability to provide expert knowledge and endless inspiration while nurturing curiosity about the world we live in. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any children's bookshelf.