2012 Christmas Gift Ideas

Books are the perfect Christmas present. There's always a perfect book for every family member, and every difficult-to-buy-for friend. You give more than a gift if you give a book for Christmas: you're giving ideas, stories, dreams, lives, insights, and inspiration. And they're easy to wrap too!

We also offer gift wrapping and are happy to take phone orders. Just give us a ring on (02) 9572 7766.

Here are some of our gift ideas for Christmas this year.

How Music Works by David Byrne
RRP $39.95 (hardback)

From the frontman of Talking Heads comes David Byrne's magnum opus on the subject of music. Touching on the joy, the physics and the business of making music, How Music Works is an irresistible adventure and an impassioned argument for music's liberating, life-affirming power.

Perfect for: the musician in your life

The Science Magpie by Simon Flynn
RRP $29.99

The Science Magpie brings together a hugely diverse collection of classic, common and unusual tidbits from across science and its history. Science, humankind's greatest intellectual achievement, is capable equally of delight and amusement as much as learning and the advancement of knowledge.

Perfect for: anybody you think should learn the Large Hadron Collider rap

Sincerely curated by Marieke Hardy and Michaela McGuire
RRP $29.99

With sold-out live events around the country and a bestselling book, Women of Letters have revived the gentle art of letter writing. In this all-new collection of missives, a dazzling array of noteworthy Australians share their wisdom, wit and wildest dreams.

Perfect for: your pen pal

Flinders by Rob Mundle
RRP $49.99

The exciting story of Matthew Flinders the man who named Australia and the first to chart its coastline. Rob Mundle brings Matthew Flinders fascinating story to life from the heroism and drama of shipwreck, imprisonment and long voyages in appalling conditions, to the heartbreak of being separated from his beloved wife for most of their married life.

Perfect for: geography teachers, history buffs, and map lovers

Give Me Excess of It by Richard Gill
RRP $49.99

Give Me Excess of It is Richard's memoir, tracing his life from school days to the highs (and lows) of conducting and directing an opera company. It's warm, extremely funny, highly opinionated, occasionally rude (where warranted) and always sublimely full of the love of music. We have a limited number of signed copies too.

Perfect for: lovers of music and memoirs

Trains and Lovers by Alexander McCall Smith
RRP $19.99

In the words of Alexander McCall Smith: 'You feel the rocking of the train, you hear the sound of its wheels on the rails; you are in the world rather than suspended somewhere above it. And sometimes there are conversations to be had, which is what the overarching story in this collection is all about...'

Perfect for: those often on trains

The One World Schoolhouse by Salman Khan
RRP $29.99

Like Malcolm Gladwell, Jamie Oliver and even Gareth Malone, Salman is a trailblazer who is radically challenging the way we think about the world's big social and personal issues. A gifted and inspiring speaker, Salman Khan's book summarises the ways in which we can radically improve our experience and use of education.

Perfect for: parents and teachers

Vogue On Designers
RRP $29.95 each or $110 slipcase of four

Vogue on Designers is a new series of fashion books which tell the fascinating stories of iconic designers accompanied by world-class photographs and illustrations from the Vogue archive. Available on: Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, and Alexander McQueen.

Perfect for: fashionista history fans

Mastery by Robert Greene
RRP $29.99

'Live by your own rules' - Robert Greene, the 'modern Machiavelli' debunks the prevailing mythology of success and presents a radical new way to greatness. Mastery builds on the strategies outlined in The 48 Laws of Power to provide a practical guide to greatness - and how to start living by your own rules.

Perfect for: masters of their own destinies

Because I Love You by Barbara Toner
RRP $29.99

One mother acknowledges the universal truth that advice should only ever be offered if sought. She's chosen to ignore it, as any self-respecting mother should, in this heartfelt address to her own three daughters. The result is an indispensable guide to be shared by mothers and daughters of all ages everywhere.

Perfect for: your daughter... or your mother

Black Caviar by Gerard Whateley
RRP $45

Written by acclaimed journalist and broadcaster Gerard Whateley, with a foreword by Peter Moody, Black Caviar documents the career of the racehorse who transcended the track to become an Australian icon. Limited number of copies signed by Gerard Whateley available instore.

Perfect for: punters

The Best of Grand Designs by Kevin McCloud
RRP $45

Grand Designs is broadcast in over 130 countries. Its success, says Kevin, is due to ′good old-fashioned story telling; of joy and sorrow, torment and triumph, expressed tangibly in the making of a building′. Kevin delves into the archives to highlight his favourite projects.

Perfect for: architecture enthusiasts

Underwater Dogs by Seth Casteel
RRP $29.99

With over 80 photographs of dogs of every size, shape and breed in a variety of moods - silly, focussed, surprised, primal.

Perfect for: canine devotees

Grace: A Memoir by Grace Coddington
RRP $39.95

The hotly anticipated memoir of the creative genius at Vogue: a dazzling and beguiling story of fifty years in fashion. For decades, Grace Coddington's personal touch has steered wildly imaginative fashion spreads in Vogue magazine.

Perfect for: the most stylish person you know

Antonio Carluccio: The Collection
RRP $49.95

Antonio Carluccio is an internationally acclaimed cook whose worldwide book sales number in the millions and whose television series have screened in over 20 countries. With over 300 of his best recipes.

Perfect for: the godfather (or godmother) of the kitchen

Bond on Bond by Roger Moore
RRP $34.95

To celebrate the film franchise's wonderful heritage, Roger Moore has written a book that features all the Bond movies, along with a wonderfully witty account of his own involvement in them.

Perfect for: aspiring MI6 agents/actors

The 10 Best Games of All Time by Angels Navarro
RRP $24.95

From well-loved favourites like Solitaire or Snakes and Ladders to lesser-known treats like Bizingo or the Goose Game, there's lots of fun here for everyone!

Perfect for: kids, big and small

Steve McCurry: The Iconic Photographs
RRP $79.95

American photographer Steve McCurry is universally recognized as one of today's finest image-makers and has won many of photography's top awards. This special limited-edition monograph brings together the most memorable and beautiful of his images, taken around the world over the last 30 years.

Perfect for: photography fanatics and travel addicts

Outback by Scott Bridle
RRP $49.99

Helicopter pilot and photographer, Scott Bridle offers a unique view of the vast cattle stations and raw natural beauty of outback Australia.


Perfect for: an overseas friend

Infographica by Martin & Simon Toseland
RRP $19.99

Ever wanted to see the world in a new way? Infographica collects intriguing data from across our planet - including how many people were killed by cows in 2011, the average lifespan of people living on each continent and the number of McDonalds restaurants in different countries.

Perfect for: fact fiends, graphic designers and data scientists

Find and Keep by Beci Orpin
RRP $39.95

This gorgeous ideas and craft book features all of Beci's favourite things, from wall murals such as life-size paper Christmas trees, to embroideries and herb gardens and picnic fare.

Perfect for: crafty creatives

Bradman's War by Malcolm Knox
RRP $45

An absorbing and thoughtful account of Bradman's famous 1948 Ashes team that reveals the idolised leader's controversial ruthlessness in pursuit of their record-breaking undefeated tour of England. We also have copies signed by Malcolm Knox, Arthur Miller and Neil Murray.

Perfect for: everyone who spends summer glued to the cricket

Colour: A Journey by Victoria Alexander
RRP $39.99

Explores the implications, history and cultural meanings of colour. With chapters on individual colours, their history and their influence, Colour will inspire you to make creative choices in your wardrobe, your home and your life.

Perfect for: colourful characters