With the end of the year and the holiday season rapidly approaching, it’s not only the time for Best-Of lists, but also Christmas gift inspiration. You’ll find both here: We’ve selected the 7 must-read (or at least flip-through) photography books of the year that will look good on both your shelf and coffee table, from historic fashion publications to artsy monographs.
I
Martin Parr: Think of Scotland

This October he released his personal ode to Scotland, unsurprisingly titled »Think of Scotland«. Parr has been exploring and photographing the country for over 25 years, turning his lens on everything from passed-out drunks and rainy landscapes to kilts, national dishes, and football fans, closely observing the cultural and social routines of people going about their ordinary lives. »Think of Scotland« finally brings to light a stunning selection of Parr’s greatest, previously unpublished archive.
II
Fashion Photography: The Story in 180 Pictures

III
Stephen Shore: Selected Works, 1973–1981

Interestingly, publisher Aperture has invited an international group of fifteen photographers, curators, authors, and cultural figures to each choose ten photographs and present them from their own personal points of view, revealing the tremendous influence Shore’s work continues to have on more than one generation of photographers and artists. He was, after all, among the first photographers to take color beyond the domain of advertising and fashion photography. The commentators range from cult film director Wes Anderson and renowned artist Ed Ruscha, to star curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and fellow photographer Thomas Struth.
IV
Daniel Sannwald: Spektrum

Spektrum, published this November by Hatje Cantz, brings together his best works from recent years, taking the reader on a journey through his magical, surreal, and psychedelic universe, effortlessly switching between analogue and digital, camera and iPhone, photography, collage, and painting. To find out more about Sannwald’s dreamy cosmos, read our interview with the artist here.
V
Catwalking, Photographs by Chris Moore

Although even now, at the age of 83, Moore still doesn’t appear to be thinking of retiring, it’s not too early to look back on a vast and exciting career that stretches over no less than six decades. As Moore has seen and shot them all, »Catwalking« includes all the legendary catwalk shows of fashion history, from Gabrielle Chanel’s final collection to Karl Lagerfeld’s first for the label; from Galliano's graduation show to Alexander McQueen’s first posthumous salon show, where Moore was the only photographer to be allowed in. The iconic images take the reader on a thrilling trip through fashion history and are accompanied by essays and interviews by award-winning fashion critic Alexander Fury.
VI
Wolfgang Tillmans

VII
Rinko Kawauchi: Halo
