What can you give the favorite people in your life? A few of their favorite things, of course. If those things are too costly or too inaccessible, however, give them the next best substitute: a book that indulges their passions.
For the art lover in your life, consider an oversized museum-quality copy of “Mary Cassatt: Modern Woman” ($65), published by The Art Institute of Chicago in association with Harry N. Abrams Inc., Publishers. The more than 100 colorplates and 300 drawings illustrate themes that dominated Cassatt’s work: the daily lives of 19th Century women. And don’t forget to include tickets to the Art Institute of Chicago’s major exhibition of Cassatt’s work, running through Jan. 10, 1999. Call 800-929-5800 to order tickets.
Just about everybody knows a chocolate lover. Here’s your chance to satisfy their darkest chocolate fantasies. “Chocolate: From Simple Cookies to Extravagant Showstoppers” (HarperCollinsPublishers, $35) by Nick Malgieri offers 380 luscious recipes that pleasure the palate of anyone who loves chocolate.
Those interested in modern fashion design will get a kick out of “Versace: The Naked and the Dressed,” (Random House, $50) featuring 20 years of the late designer’s work as seen through the lens of legendary fashion photographer Richard Avedon.
If you know someone who loves to travel, the National Geographic Society’s “Eye of the Beholder: The Photography of James Stanfield” (Random House, $40) and “Another Africa” (Anchor Books, $35), with photographs by Robert Lyons, and essays and poems by the world-renowned author Chinua Achebe, will certainly transport them to faraway places — without jet lag.
Perhaps you know an inquisitive child who yearns to know a whole lot more. “Children’s Illustrated Encyclopedia” (DK Publishing Inc., $40) is colorfully illustrated and fun to read, guaranteed to capture a child’s imagination for hours. Adults will love it too.
For the realist who likes documentary photographic essays, “W. Eugene Smith Photographs 1934-1975” (Harry N. Abrams, $75) is an eye-opener. The more than 300 duotone photographs include images from the one-time Life photographer’s landmark essays “Country Doctor” and “Albert Schweitzer: Man of Mercy.”
There just might be someone on your gift list who enjoys political humor. Wrap up a copy of former Sen. Bob Dole’s collection of political anecdotes and quotes, “Great Political Wit: Laughing (Almost) All the Way to the White House” (Nan A. Talese/Doubleday, $16.95). It’s a
Don’t forget television fans. “TV Mania: A Timeline of Television” (Harry N. Abrams, $12.95) will keep them entertained with moments from some of the medium’s best-loved shows, such as “Hazel,” “What’s My Line?” “The Jeffersons.”
And for the Chicago sports fan on your list, “Six Times As Sweet” (HarperHorizon, $17) by Jan Hubbard is the official 1998 NBA Finals retrospective, featuring glorious photographs of spectacular plays by Michael Jordan and company. The game-by-game statistics and commentary recapture the excitement all over again. This book is a winner.
