Bibliotaph... New & Notable

Compiled by Victoria Chase

An examination of the substantial role that Chicago played in the development of the modern single-family home in the twentieth century. Susan Benjamin and Michelangelo Sabatino—Modern in the Middle: Chicago Houses 1929- 1975—hardcover, 296 pages, Monacelli Press (moncellipress.com)

Notable for his elegant, sophisticated rooms that combine sumptuous fabrics, well-selected antiques, and contemporary comfort, interior designer Matthew Patrick Smyth shares his design process through some of his most recent work. Matthew Patrick Smyth, Wendy Goodman (foreword), Judith Nasatir (text)—Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus On Interiors—hardcover, 256 pages, The Monacelli Press

A celebration of the scenic route, this book presents 200 once-in-a-lifetime adventures both near and far. Whether your passions lie on foot, in the saddle, behind the wheel, or at the helm, there’s an itinerary for everyone. Unforgettable Journeys: Slow Down And See The World—hardcover, 320 pages, DK Eyewitness Travel (dk.com)

Rookwood Pottery was arguably the most famous company making art pottery in the United States in the late nineteenth century into the twentieth century. Published to coincide with the company’s 140th anniversary, author and historian Bob Batchelor tells the compelling story of this artisanal ceramics company, still operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley from its founding to present day. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator interviews, stories of Rookwood's avid collectors, as well as never-before-seen images and documents from the company's historic archives. Bob Batchelor— ROOKWOOD: The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon—hardcover, 240 pages, Rockport Publishers (quarto.com)

This entertaining book reveals the identities and lives of some of the most famous characters populating art history. Based on art scholarship but written for the casual observer, these intriguing tales shed new light on familiar masterpieces. Michele Robecchi and Francesca Bonazzoli—Portraits Unmasked: The Stories Behind the Faces—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)

As of press time, the college football season was a maybe. If it happens, this book, offering tailgating tips and tricks from James Beard Award winner John Currence will take your tailgate to the next level If it doesn’t, you’ll have plenty of practice for 2021. John Currence—Tailgreat: How to Crush It At Tailgating—hardcover, 256 pages, Ten Speed Press (penguinrandomhouse.com)

Photographer Lorenz Andreas Fischer has traveled to the Alps for years, and this photo book brings together his impressions, showing us the startling beauty of the Alpine mountains. Lorenz Andreas Fischer—THE ALPS: High Mountains in Motion—hardcover, 288 pages, teNeues (teneues.com)

Organized by season and encompassing more than twenty celebrations, iconic tastemaker Aerin Lauder reveals how to bring beauty, style, and joy into everything from milestone events to everyday meals. Available in October. Aerin Lauder— Entertaining Beautifully—hardcover, 240 pages, Rizzoli (rizzoliusa.com)

This is the first book dedicated to photographer Ernst Haas’s color photographs of New York City in the 1950s and 60s. Born in Vienna, Haas moved to NYC in 1951 and used his trained eye and Kodachrome film to capture the city’s palpable energy. Phillip Prodger and Alex Haas (foreword)—Ernst Haas: New York in Color, 1952-1962—hardcover, 208 pages, Prestel (penguinrandomhouse.com)