Best Art History Books of 2025

Chanel: Collections and Creations is a visual journey through the history of the iconic fashion house. The book delves into the private archives of Chanel, showcasing the brand's signature designs from the past and how they have been reinvented by modern fashion designers. With previously unpublished archive photographs and original drawings by Karl Lagerfeld, the book is a stunning tribute to the lasting fame of the brand. Daniele Bott's expertise in fashion and beauty journalism shines through in this beautifully crafted book. It is a must-read for anyone interested in fashion history.

The graphic novel "Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History" by Art Spiegelman is a Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece that tells the story of the author's father's experiences during the Holocaust. The Jews are portrayed as mice, while the Nazis are depicted as menacing cats. The book weaves the author's relationship with his father into an unforgettable tale of survival and the lasting legacy of trauma. It is a haunting and disarming look at one of history's most unspeakable tragedies. The unusual comic-book format and skillful graphics make it an engaging read for young adults and a must-read for everyone.

Super Interesting Facts For Smart Kids: 1272 Fun Facts About Science, Animals, Earth and Everything in Between is a must-have for inquisitive young minds. With 1272 fascinating facts, readers can explore the world in detail, from space and history to words and language. The book is divided into themed sections, making it easy to navigate and capture the attention of even the smartest kids. The final Pot Luck section covers a wide range of topics, including dance, business, fashion, and technology. This book is a fantastic addition to any child’s library, offering endless entertainment and knowledge.

The Villa: A Novel by Tarryn Fisher is a psychological thriller that tells the story of two childhood friends, Emily and Chess, who reconnect on a girls' trip to Italy. The high-end holiday home they stay in has a dark history, and Emily begins to uncover the truth about a murder that occurred there in 1974. As she delves deeper, dangerous secrets from the past and present emerge, putting both women in danger. Hawkins weaves an intricate tale of betrayal and sisterhood, with a unique twist on the classic whodunit. A must-read for fans of suspenseful thrillers.

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 Biblia Reina Valera 1960 letra grande is a Spanish Bible that features a large font, words of Christ in red, and full-color illustrations of the Holy Land. It comes with a quality hardcover, a dedication page, and a ribbon marker, making it an ideal gift or personal use. The Bible also includes a concordance, visible headings, and over 10,000 cross-references. Its elegant design, practicality, and durability make it perfect for daily reading and use in church. This edition retains the classical beauty and eloquence of the Reina Valera Revisada 1960.

The book "Van Gogh. The Complete Paintings" is a comprehensive study of the life and art of Vincent van Gogh, including a detailed monograph and a complete catalogue of his 871 paintings. Despite battling mental illness and disinterest from contemporary audiences, van Gogh is now celebrated as one of the most important painters of all time. This book, published by Taschen, provides a beautiful and detailed look at van Gogh's work and life, making it a must-have for art lovers and scholars alike.

"1000 Record Covers" is a journey through the evolution of cover art from the 60s to the 90s. The book showcases the best rock album covers from Michael Ochs’s private collection, which includes works of art that have become as famous as the music they represent. The book is a must-have for music fans and art enthusiasts alike, providing a sweeping look at an underappreciated art form. Vinyl lovers will find this book particularly captivating, as it champions the cause of the vinyl revival. Overall, this book is a celebration of the eclectic TASCHEN universe and a fascinating study of the intersection of art and music."

Barron’s Test Prep delivers an excellent resource for AP Art History students with their AP Art History: 5 Practice Tests + Comprehensive Review + Online Practice. This comprehensive guide features in-depth content review, tips, strategies, and study advice for exam day, and five full-length practice tests to sharpen test-taking skills. The book also includes online practice with two full-length practice tests and 400 flashcards on Barron’s Online Learning Hub. The author, John B. Nici, is a professor of art history and has published extensively on art history pedagogy. Overall, this book is a must-have for any student seeking to master the AP Art History exam.

This book provides a fascinating insight into the relationship between Edward Hopper and New York City. Through paintings, drawings, prints, and archival materials, readers get a glimpse into how Hopper's experience of the city's spaces and architecture influenced his work. The book features over 300 illustrations and contributions from authoritative and emerging scholars. Kim Conaty, the Steven and Ann Ames Curator of Drawings and Prints at the Whitney Museum of American Art, provides fresh insights into Hopper's life and art. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Hopper's work and his relationship with New York City.