Whether you’re an aspiring wildlife photographer or shopping for a gift for that friend who has everything, these wonderfully illustrated books look perfect on a coffee table or lab bench, and they’re great too! readings.
each has brilliant, full-color images showcasing expertly captured weather phenomena, 3d renderings of cosmic clouds, magnificent birds of prey, and even the macroscopic world of fungi. To put it one way, these are the kinds of books that will keep your guests entertained while you make them the perfect cup of tea (with a little help from science).
You are reading: Science coffee table books
This list is our pick of the best photography books for your coffee table, but if you want to add even more great titles to your reading list, check out our list of the best science books or the best science books for kids. Or, if you’re itching to get your picture taken, check out our favorite instant cameras from iconic brands like Polaroid and Fujifilm.
the best scientific photography books for your coffee table
a tree portrait: a celebration of britain’s favorite trees
adrian houston
This dedication to British trees features the favorites of Joanna Lumley, Alan Titchmarsh, and George McGavin, among others. The photographer, Adrian Houston, asked celebrities to answer the question: What is your favorite tree?
Their answers inspired the pages of a portrait of the tree. Stunning images celebrate trees from across the UK: the sweet-smelling magnolia in Regent’s Park, the endangered Giant Sequoias in Edinburgh’s Royal Botanic Gardens, and the ancient bark of yew trees in the West Country.
the houston book asks us to consider our own experiences in nature and appreciate anew the enduring strength of these 370-million-year-old plants.
the universe: the bbc tv series book
andrew cohen, with a foreword by professor brian cox
A companion to the new bbc series, this book tells the story of the creation of the universe in true prof brian cox style: detailed spacescapes, shimmering galaxies, and simple, accessible answers to some of the biggest questions in science. life.
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While there are many great coffee table books in a similar vein, this recently published title goes right to the edge of our scientific understanding. it’s a must have for any budding astronaut.
- read our interview with professor brian cox about his latest tv show, universe
dinosaurs: new visions of a lost world
michael j benton
Do you think dinosaurs were all big, scaly, and camouflaged in color? think again.
Paleobiologist Michael J Benton has set out to challenge everything we thought we knew about dinosaurs, diving into the latest research to bring these long-extinct creatures to life.
Of course, this isn’t technically a photography book, but expert paleoartist Bob Nicholls’s illustrations make this coffee table book a real treasure. it fully deserves its place on this list, and is sure to be loved by any recipient this Christmas.
- more great dinosaur books for adults and children
wildlife photographer of the year: portfolio 31
You can always trust the Wildlife Photographer of the Year to surprise us with some of the most stunning and thought-provoking images, and this year’s competition was no exception.
Astonishingly diverse images and fascinating stories have been collected into this elegant tabletop book. our personal favorites feature a pack of cheetahs struggling to swim across a raging river, and a rather terrifying venomous spider caught hiding under a photographer’s bed.
At a time when the future of our planet is top of mind, this book is a timely reminder of what is at stake.
macro photography: the universe at our feet
don komarechka
A more technical book than some of the others on this list, but the procedures are complemented by images of incredible detail. Whether you want to capture the bugs in your garden or the vibe that comes from adding milk to your coffee, you’ll find macro-photographer Don Komarechka’s many tips accessible and even enjoyable.
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macro photography takes practice and patience! But if you need inspiration, take a look at these fascinating microscopic images from the Nikon Small World Photography Contest 2021.
the elements: a visual history of their discovery
philip ball
In this fascinating visual history of the elements, Philip Ball covers more than 3,000 years of scientific discovery from the classical age of Plato to the present day.
Each item and the story behind its discovery have been told in detail using engaging imagery including scientific firsts in photography, as well as interesting artifacts and some beautiful historical drawings.
more than this, the book is virtually a story of scientific discovery itself.
iconotypes: a compendium of butterflies & moths
richard vane-wright (introduction)
Admittedly quite specific, this beautiful reproduction of William Jones’ unpublished compendium of butterflies and moths is a snapshot of a time when collecting insects was becoming popular.
many of the species in this book were described for the first time, and the work done by amateur entomologists like jones became an important reference source for professional scientists.
With 1,600 illustrations, this carefully reproduced volume is finally available more than 200 years after its completion.
the best books of all time
We think this is an excellent selection of photography and coffee table books, but if you don’t like anything here, take a look at some of our book recommendations:
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- 5 of the best dinosaur books for adults and children
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