This article isn’t for those who already know everything about art — who can instantly recognise an artist by their brushstroke, who navigate art movements with ease, collect with purpose, and store stories behind every piece.

It is for those at the beginning of the journey, or somewhere in the middle, still feeling like it is the beginning. Because art has no bottom, it is infinite. There is always more to see, to learn, to understand.

It is a gift when books manage to make things clear, not just through the words, but through the layout too. When they don’t overwhelm, when they leave you with something that sticks. Especially when the topic is as layered and complex as art. Putting together a book that makes the art world feel more open and welcoming — that is an art in itself.

This selection includes books that helped us at some point, and many other beautiful, useful reads brought together with the help of the incredible team of HOBB (حب) — a design-focused bookstore we truly admire.

The Short Story of Art is a smart, compact guide that breaks down 50 key works — from ancient cave paintings to Damien Hirst — and connects them to the movements, themes, and techniques that shaped them.

It is designed for curious minds — easy to navigate and read, with clear language and no confusing jargon. Perfect for anyone who wants to understand how art evolved, who did what, and why it still matters.

Yes, it is a book about just one artist — but trust us, it is absolutely worth it.

This playful dictionary unpacks the people, ideas, and oddities that shaped Marcel Duchamp — from Fountain and chess to puns, love, and the fourth dimension. Think of it as a mini-universe dedicated to one of the most mind-bending artists of the 20th century, told through sharp entries and fresh research.

We only came across this book recently, and it quickly became one of our favourites. At some point, we realised: when you really want to understand something, who explains it best? Kids’ books do. The Art Book for Children might be made for kids, but honestly, every adult should have a copy.

It is packed with bold, full-page artworks — from paintings and photos to video and sculpture. Each chapter focuses on a single artist and delves directly into what makes their work significant. No overwhelming lists, just the key ideas — explained clearly and in a way that makes you want to explore even more.

This book brings together the voices and artworks of neurodivergent artists from Creativity Explored — a San Francisco-based nonprofit that supports people with developmental disabilities through art.

Inside: over a hundred vibrant works — from raw sketches to joyful portraits and surreal abstractions — plus quotes, stories, and chapter themes like “I Speak Through My Art” or “Blackiful”. It is both funny and moving, deeply human, and flips the script on how we perceive disability and creativity.

Whether you are into art, inclusion, or just want to be inspired, this ones a visual and emotional gem.

A beautiful book — just crack it open and you are instantly drawn into a world of stunning visuals. It is also a no-pressure guide to starting an art collection that truly reflects you. Whether you have never set foot in a gallery or just don’t know where to begin, this book breaks it all down — how to spot what you love, where to find it, and how to make it feel at home (literally).

Written by two insiders from Christie’s, it is packed with tips on discovering new artists, buying smart, framing, hanging, and even caring for your pieces long-term. Paintings, sculptures, photos, or quirky little gems — whatever your vibe, this book helps you build a collection that is personal, meaningful, and totally yours.

This illustrated guide shows how anyone, no matter their background, can use art to process tough emotions, shift perspective, and feel more grounded.

Author Susie Hodge takes us through powerful works by artists like Frida Kahlo, Matisse, Louise Bourgeois, and Rodin, revealing how their art tackled fear, sorrow, joy, and hope. With 12 themed chapters, this book explores how art can calm anger, ease sadness, spark reflection, and help us reconnect with ourselves.

Whether you are a longtime art lover or just curious, How Art Can Change Your Life is your gentle nudge to start seeing art not just as something to look at, but something to feel through.

Art: The Whole Story is your go-to guide for understanding the world’s most iconic artworks, from ancient sculptures to today’s boldest performance pieces. Written by an international team of artists, curators, and historians, it takes you through the evolution of art, period by period, with context, commentary, and stunning visuals.

Expect deep dives into key masterpieces — from Mughal miniatures to Japanese woodblock prints, Seurat’s colour science to the shock of Picasso’s Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. Whether you are new to art or just want to see it differently, this book helps you decode the visuals, spot the innovations, and feel the cultural pulse behind each work.

Artists on Art is a glimpse into the minds of creative legends through their own words, images, and interviews. From how they found their visual voice to the ideas that drive their work, this book brings together insights that are raw, honest, and often unexpectedly personal.

Perfect for anyone curious not just about what artists make, but why they make it, and what it all might mean for you.

Modern art can be confusing, but this guide makes it click. In Understanding Modern Art, Jon Thompson breaks down over 200 iconic works, from Van Gogh to Basquiat, revealing the stories, symbols, and techniques behind each piece.

It is like having an art-savvy friend walk you through the museum — approachable, insightful, and full of those “aha!” moments that make modern art unforgettable.