Architecture
Whether you're a Frank Lloyd Wright or an Arnold Newman fan or you need a book on designing public toilets, whether you're planning an extension to your own home or thinking of renovating an old New Zealand villa, whether you're a student of architectural history or writing a paper on 19th Century European architecture, whether you're converting or building from scratch, you can be pretty sure you'll find something of interest in our stock.
We have books covering just about every aspect of architecture you can think of: from carved stone cathedrals, horizon-dominating skyscrapers, airy glass & steel work spaces, Hindu temples in glorious colour, geodesic domes, fabulous sports arenas to Gothic palaces and functional seats of government.
If you haven't yet become a fan of architecture and architects, maybe now is a good time to start. The choice is limitless.
Crafts
Think of sewing, knitting, embroidery, quilting, weaving, basketry, straw work or crochet and then consider all the different varieties within each of those fields and you could try a new handcraft every year without ever getting bored.
Our books cover step-by-step instructions, planning, design, basic principles, colours, patterns, fabrics & materials, practical tips, helpful hints and a huge wealth of useful advice on every aspect of whichever craft you decide to have a go at.
Come in and browse our selection in the shop or have a look at our online stock and get knitting, weaving, sewing, embroidering, tatting or quilting today. Don't delay or you won't get all your Christmas presents made in time!
Inventions from the Shed
Inventions from the Shed by Jim Hopkins and Julie Riley
Do you think you possess the iconic Kiwi ingenuity? Whether you're a budding inventor looking for some inspiration or just enjoy stories of everyday New Zealanders creating something extraordinary, this book makes for an interesting read or a great bragging point to share with your overseas friends.
It features more than 100 original inventions for farming, fishing, computers, transport, office work, building, parenting, extreme sports, everyday life and more - all designed and built by Kiwis in their own shed.
Stop by for some ideas on your way to grab a piece of 4x2 and some number 8 wire and get inventing!
New Zealand Books
Whether you're looking for local histories, biographies, quality literature or NZ specific books on anything from gardening and geography to art and engineering, chances are we'll have what you are after!
Not in Dunedin? We have over 13,000 New Zealand titles listed online and more being added every week.
Bags and Purses
There is a bag museum in Amsterdam called (informatively but rather unimaginatively) 'The Museum of Bags and Purses'.
This book equally imaginatively titled 'Bags' offers an overview of some of the bags in that collection. It covers the history, the uses, and the design of all sorts of bags over the last 500 years. Included are pouches, wallets, chatelaines, reticules, travel bags, minaudieres, vanity cases, evening bags, designer bags and more. This is a must for enthusiasts and professionals alike.
If you just happen to be an inveterate collector of handbags then this will give you material for justifying your next unnecessary purchase. You can learn all sorts of useful information from this book as well as trivia like what kind of bags Madonna prefers.
Then you could move on to Michael Tonello's (much more imaginatively named) book 'Bringing Home the Birkin: My Life in Hot Pursuit of the World's Most Coveted Bag''.
Tattoos
Maybe you're thinking of getting a tattoo. It's not a bad idea to have a look at the huge array of body art on offer, from ancient designs of primitive tribes to the fashion statements of today, from hearts & flowers to tigers & dragons, from traditional to photographic, from abstract to simple script, from portraiture to totally weird, or from the occult to cartoons.
Looking through the books will not only inspire you, it will help you to work out what you want. It will give you a respect for the artistry of the tattooists and an understanding of the global appeal of tattoo art.
Check out our great selection of books, either in the shop or in the online catalogue.
It's in the Post
When was the last time you sent something by post? No email or text can induce quite so much excitement as receiving a handwritten letter - at least until lotto jumps on the digital bandwagon!
While sadly few seem to regard it as a viable form of communication these days, post has played an important part in the lives of people for centuries. As result, the stamps used can tell us a lot about how our country has changed over the years.
This book gives a great snapshot of the history, culture, and views of New Zealand over the years. From the first stamps printed for New Zealand in London 1855, to the modern stamps we see today, each provides an insight into important events, changing attitudes and national identity of the population.
This is a fantastic little book for the devoted philatelist, someone with an interest in history or design, or just the casual reader.
It might just inspire you to pick up a pen and write to somebody - keep the stamp designers creating new art and the postal service running!
Music music music
We have a huge selection of sheet music (which isn't quite sorted yet but keep watching this space). There is classical and pop, piano and organ, choral and popular songs, banjo and guitar, violin and viola, clarinet and saxophone, and more, more, more. We will have something for every musician (once it is all organised and set out neatly).
Meanwhile, feast your eyes on this blast from the past: a selection of old popular songs from Hollywood musicals and films.
