From his humble beginning selling comic books in his native Cologne to his rapidly expanding book publishing empire, Benedikt Taschen has been all about living large — literally. Sumo, a 464-page, 66-pound compendium of Helmut Newton’s photography is one of the largest and heaviest books ever produced — it comes with its own display stand — and among the most expensive, too. The first copy in a limited edition published in 1999 and signed by many of the celebrities whose images appear in its pages sold at auction for $364,000.
TASCHEN’s success derives from his personality: he publishes books that reflect his own diverse personal enthusiasms. TASCHEN’s lavishly produced art books run the gamut from the ridiculous (The Big Book of Breasts) to the sublime (17th-century naturalist Albertus Seba’s Cabinet of Natural Curiosities).
The TASCHEN catalog includes scholarly examinations of cultural icons such as Muhammad Ali, gorgeous monographs on painters like Hieronymous Bosch, exquisite books of photography like Sebastião Selgado’s Genesis and portfolios of muscle cars. In addition to his 11 bookstores located in the United States and Europe, TASCHEN recently opened an art gallery in Los Angeles devoted to photography.
As you can see from the titles available on these pages, you are more than likely to have an interest in common with Benedikt Taschen — and his marvelous books give you a way to explore it fully.
Illustration Now! 3 by Ed Julius Wiedemann
By TASCHEN
Located in Bradenton, FL
Illustration Now! 3 by Ed Julius Wiedemann. Softcover book published by Taschen in 2009. Printed in Germany, illustrated, 448 pages.
Paper
Ice Cold, "Megan Thee Stallion", Limited Edition Book with Signed Fine Art Print
By TASCHEN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The definitive photographic history of how hip-hop blinged out and redefined the world of jewelry, luxury, and style. Signed color inkjet print on archival paper, 16 x 20 in.; hardcover volume in a slipcase, 9.8 x 13.4 in., 6.29 lb., 388 pages. Whether it’s diamond-encrusted grills, oversized “truck” style chains, bust-down Rolex and Patek Philippe watches, or a Tiffany necklace, jewelry is a cornerstone of hip-hop culture. Glittering, blinged-out jewels are the shining statement of a collective identity: unapologetic, charismatic, and street savvy. Spanning the history of hip-hop jewelry, from the 1980s to today, Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History is a stunning compilation of storytelling and visuals. Hundreds of extraordinary images of every major hip-hop artist on record celebrate how “ice” has become a proclamation of identity and self-expression. Starting with Run-DMC’s gold Adidas pendants and Eric B. & Rakim’s ostentatious dookie rope chains and Mercedes medallions, the jewelry then transforms from street style into a booming design culture. The hip-hop tradition of “show up and show out” reaches new heights with artists like Pharrell Williams, Jay-Z, Gucci Mane, and Cardi B...
Faux Leather, Paper
Christo & Jeanne-Claude, The Gates, Limited Signed Book & Original Fabric Square
By Christo and Jeanne-Claude, TASCHEN, Wolfgang Volz
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Saffron in the City A colossal installation in New York’s Central Park February 2005 marked the ephemeral installation of a monumental work of art by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in N...
Fabric, Paper
Great Escapes: Italy Angelika Taschen and Christiane Reiter Hardcover Book
By TASCHEN, Angelika Taschen
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Great Escapes: Italy Angelika Taschen and Christiane Reiter Hardcover Book. To travel through Italy is as close as one gets to being in paradise. For centuries, writers, artists, architects, and merchants have been drawn here, inspired by the beauty of Venice, Florence, Naples, and Rome. Countless books, paintings, poems, and sculptures are evidence of its undying appeal, and over the past 60 years, the country has become one of the world’s top travel and holiday destinations. The loveliness of Italy—its architecture, landscapes, culture and food (some of the world’s finest!)—if not eternal, is certainly enduring, and the easygoing and relaxed Italian lifestyle, il dolce far niente, is still unrivaled. Here, some of Italy’s most amazing landscapes are brought to life, like Lake Como (residence of George Clooney), Venice, Florence and Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, and no less magical, the Aeolian Islands off the coast of Sicily. In these mythical surroundings are legendary hotels full of atmosphere, where novels are set, movies are made, weddings are celebrated, and famous love stories consummated: Villa d’Este on Lake Como, the Hotel Splendido...
Paper
Great Escapes North America Daisann McLane Taschen
By TASCHEN
Located in Moreno Valley, CA
Great Escapes North America Daisann McLane Taschen.Title: Great Escapes North AmericaPublisher: TaschenPublication Date: 2015Binding: Hardcover. From dazzling cities to eccentric sma...
Paper