Coffee table books with the wow factor that are perfect for gifting, as chosen by Charlotte Griffiths
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (MinaLima Edition)
With not one but two visual retellings of Mary Shelley’s classic landing on screens towards the end of 2025, it’s high time you read/reread this gothic masterpiece in its original book form.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (MinaLima Edition)
Minalima editions are always spectacular, and this is no exception. Here, the unabridged text of Shelley’s horrifying tale is brought to life with the creative partnership’s trademark intricate, sprawling illustrations, glittering gold-leafed elements and papercraft 3D pop-ups that fold out and literally leap off the page.
For anyone who doesn’t know the plot, this unforgettable work of speculative fiction (often lauded as the first-ever sci-fi novel) follows scientist Victor Frankenstein as he attempts – and succeeds – to re-engineer life from inanimate body parts, only to cruelly abandon his creation when he realises the unsettling repercussions of his unchecked ambition.
Laden with meaning, messages and morals, many people reread Frankenstein every year when the nights draw in, finding new life lessons within its pages. It isn’t just for scientists or fans of spooky stories. This exquisite new edition is the perfect way to get Shelley’s work into the hands of people who might not otherwise pick up a copy.
The Perimeter by Quintin Lake
The Perimeter by Quintin Lake
Armchair travelling at its finest. This stunning large-format book documents photographer Quintin Lake’s five-year adventure around the coast of the UK, capturing his journey in detail-laden, beautifully composed images that illustrate his account of his travels.
In April 2015, Lake set off from St Paul’s Cathedral in London with a 20kg bag of photography kit and hiking gear, determined to circumnavigate our country. You might have followed his journey on what-was-Twitter or his brilliant blog, but this stunning book brings his entire experience together for the first time in an impactful and fascinating record.
The stylish page layouts – using Lake’s photography – showcase what is on offer to those exploring Britain. With the coast always directly on hand, Lake walked 11,000km over 454 days – at times wandering through urban environments, at others heading off the beaten track to wild camp – all while battling midges, weather, tides and his own worries. This irresistible story is ideal for anyone who has daydreamed of setting off on a similar expedition. Maybe 2026 could be your year?
The Library of Lost Maps by James Cheshire
Not strictly a coffee table book, but definitely an edition that would look extremely handsome in your home – if you ever put it down, that is!
The Library of Lost Maps by James Cheshird
Set to be one of the season’s big sellers, The Library of Lost Maps is a non-fiction book by James Cheshire, Britain’s only professor of geographic information and cartography, documenting his three-year academic voyage through a long-forgotten map library found in the heart of University College London.
The uncovered collection of papers and charts illuminates forgotten periods in history, which in turn shed new light on geopolitical relationships, complex trade routes and our scientific understanding of the world. However, maps aren’t just for navigation: they also reveal a lot about ourselves and the state of the world at large, which Cheshire explains with his trademark infectious enthusiasm for his chosen subject.
Perfect for reading in small bursts between naps, or simply whiling away the short winter days gazing at the information-laden illustrations, this book is guaranteed to delight anyone with even a passing interest in politics, geography or travel – and will load you up with facts to fascinate those around you for the entirety of the festive season.
Kids’ books for Christmas
A special something for the little bookworms in your life
Puffin Books’ Clothbound Collection by various authors
Earlier this year Puffin marked its 85th anniversary and, as part of the celebrations, the imprint rereleased eight modern classics of children’s literature in tactile, yellow, cloth-bound hardback editions. Choose your favourite and bestow it on your kiddo (or keep it for yourself!).
You Choose Christmas by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
A spectacular seasonal adventure for readers aged three and up, this beautifully illustrated book allows little ones and their older sidekicks to celebrate Christmas in their own way. Another brilliant book from local writer Pippa Goodhart and star illustrator Nick Sharratt.
One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
A Rundell book is a sure-fire hit in any season. This special Christmas tale, exquisitely illustrated by the artist Emily Sutton, is full of all the imaginative twists and unexpected magic that make the award-winning writer’s books so fondly beloved.
Not to be missed!
Puffin Books’ Clothbound Collection by various authors
You Choose Christmas by Pippa Goodhart and Nick Sharratt
One Christmas Wish by Katherine Rundell
Check out November’s Book Club and the Booker Prize 2025 longlist reads
