The characteristics of coffee table books and their favorite theme: fashion

Abstract

The following paper aims to investigate and show which are the peculiarities of coffee table books, a publishing product that is still little dealt with a particular focus on coffee table books about fashion. The term, which can be replaced by libri da tavolino in Italian, refers to publications characterized by the presence of many pictures and illustrations, accompanied by explanatory texts. The English term used to identify them first appeared in an article published by the art historian Creighton Gilbert in 1962. The coffee table book, however, set its roots much earlier with the French humanist philosopher Michel de Montaigne, and then developed definitively with the birth of publishing houses specializing in the publication of such a product, from the beginning of the 20th century. What distinguishes the coffee table book from any other type of publication is the big size, usually corresponding to the dimensions of an A4 sheet. Nevertheless, books of smaller or much larger sizes can be found. Each product can also be bound with different types of bindings, from the simplest and most classic to the most particular, such as the Bodonian one. Another essential characteristic of this publishing product is the cover, sometimes accompanied by a slipcase, which plays a key role in its function. It is then intended to highlight an analysis of further elements such as price and content, with a greater focus on the theme of fashion, leading to a reflection on the category’s favorite themes. Finally, the study wants to underline Italy’s backwardness in the production and publication of this product compared to other foreign countries.