Art at Home · Art books and catalogues
How to choose art books and catalogues by total cost and value
A considered guide to art books and catalogues, with 5 choices selected around total cost and value.
See the selections ↓
The criterion
Choose by total cost and value.
The listed price is only the beginning when comparing art books and catalogues. Delivery, alterations, framing, refills, upkeep, and likely years of use can change which option represents the better value.
What to look for
- The complete cost required to make the object usable in your life.
- Quality concentrated in the details that affect daily experience and longevity.
- A realistic relationship between frequency of use and money spent.
Questions worth asking
- What additional cost appears after checkout?
- Which detail is the price premium actually buying?
- Would the less expensive option need replacing sooner?
5 considered choices
The considered list
Each selection has a clear role. Use “Best for” to find your match, then confirm the practical details that matter to you at the maker or retailer.
PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE
Alexander Calder: Minimal Maximal
$50
- Best for
- Readers comparing art books and catalogues with a strong starting point in mind.
- Why this one
- This earns its place in the art books and catalogues edit by offering a useful balance of function, material, scale, and total cost.
- Check before buying
- Confirm dimensions, material or fibre content, care, returns, delivery cost, and current availability on the linked page.
HACHETTE/CHRONICLE BOOKS
It Will Be More Beautiful Than You Could Ever Imagine: The Art of Susan O'Malley
$40
- Best for
- Readers comparing art books and catalogues with everyday usefulness in mind.
- Why this one
- This earns its place in the art books and catalogues edit by offering a useful balance of function, material, scale, and total cost.
- Check before buying
- Confirm dimensions, material or fibre content, care, returns, delivery cost, and current availability on the linked page.
INGRAM/DAP
KAWS Handbook
$18.95
- Best for
- Readers comparing art books and catalogues with a distinctive alternative in mind.
- Why this one
- This earns its place in the art books and catalogues edit by offering a useful balance of function, material, scale, and total cost.
- Check before buying
- Confirm dimensions, material or fibre content, care, returns, delivery cost, and current availability on the linked page.
INGRAM/TASCHEN
Mondrian
$20
- Best for
- Readers comparing art books and catalogues with a lower-priced entry in mind.
- Why this one
- This earns its place in the art books and catalogues edit by offering a useful balance of function, material, scale, and total cost.
- Check before buying
- Confirm dimensions, material or fibre content, care, returns, delivery cost, and current availability on the linked page.
HACHETTE BOOK GROUP
Real Artists Wear Black: And Other Lies About Being Creative
$24.99
- Best for
- Readers comparing art books and catalogues with ease of care and support in mind.
- Why this one
- This earns its place in the art books and catalogues edit by offering a useful balance of function, material, scale, and total cost.
- Check before buying
- Confirm dimensions, material or fibre content, care, returns, delivery cost, and current availability on the linked page.