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Good homes are places where lives can unfold, families grow up, dogs jump on sofas, friends share your hospitality. They should also be places where you can find some solitude – a quiet corner to read a book, have a Saturday afternoon nap. In short, they need to be able to sustain you, inspire you and tell your story thanks to their architecture, use of materials and contents. These are the attributes that Monocle has always celebrated when covering residences in its design and architecture pages – whether featuring a city bolthole, a modernist seaside residence or a summer outpost in a forest. Now Monocle is bringing this all together in one book that explores individual homes, housing projects old and new, communities of self-builders, even whole neighbourhoods where a simple philosophy of building well has created quality of life for many. Monocle has also recruited key thinkers, writers and designers to share their perspectives in a series of fascinating essays. The Monocle Book of Homes is packed with great photography that delivers the bigger picture and also offers a focus on the smallest details. This is a book that could change how you live.

The Monocle team celebrates the endlessly fascinating and culturally rich country of Japan. Ever since it launched in 2007, Monocle has had a rich and deep connection with Japan. From day one the magazine has had a Tokyo bureau – which today also encompasses a Monocle shop and radio studios – run under the watchful eye of Asia bureau chief Fiona Wilson. Over the past decade the magazine has built up a unique understanding and passion for the nation. It has covered everything from a live journey on the Emperor’s jet and the tastiest places to eat in Kagoshima to the fashion designers crafting new levels of excellence and the businesses with remarkable stories untold outside Japan. This new book reveals the best of the nation in the run up to the 2020 Olympics. Complete with stunning photography and intriguing essays, it is a unique showcase of a country that for many remains a mystery.

From the team at Monocle, the first in a new series of practical travel guides. Following in the footsteps of the hugely successful Monocle Book of Italy and The Monocle Book of the Nordics, Monocle’s latest title turns its focus to Portugal in an exciting new series of country-specific books. A handbook in feel and tone, this practical guide will transport you to the sun-dappled hills of Lisbon and the winding streets of Porto as well as lesser-known locales from the Alentejo region, with its plentiful vineyards, to the dramatic landscapes of the Azores. Plus, discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat and shop – stop off at an elegant palácio, indulge in a family-run tasca and scour the streets for the creamiest pastéis de nata – and the cross-country trips we’d make (whether by car, boat or horse). You’ll also be introduced to the country’s rich culture, including the history of Portugal’s vibrant visual identity and the folks at the heart of it all. So join in, hit the tiles and explore this fascinating country in Portugal: The Monocle Handbook.

Monocle’s latest book is a celebration of the Nordic region, with some surprises, quirks and – maybe – a sauna or two along the way. Monocle’s journalists, editors and photographers have returned time and again to all corners of northern Europe for insights, inspiration and ideas for living better.This book isn’t about hammering the overhyped hygge trend or fussing over foamy food. Much the opposite – it’s about a shared but distinct set of values that have helped varied nations excel in quiet diplomacy, thoughtful design and reasoned debate. Monocle looks beyond the clichés and uncovers the folks, firms and stories that help the region rank highly for everything in everything from art and architecture to eating well. Far from lumping these different nations together, the Monocle team will highlight the people, places and products that show the Nordics in all their nuances: lessons we can all learn from makers in Norway’s high north or retailers reaching higher in Reykjavík; the firms building bridges in Denmark or selling Swedish soft power abroad. The world can learn a lot from our knowing northern neighbours – and The Monocle Book of the Nordics is the ideal place to start.

The fifth edition in Monocle's best-selling travel handbook series, with everything you need to plan a short trip, or a longer stay, in Switzerland. This practical and inspirational guide takes you on a tour of Monocle's most cherished Swiss spots. We have traversed the cities, hiked to remote mountain villages, swum in the lakes and rivers and skied the highest alpine slopes to bring you the best of the nation's bounty. We take you from stunning medieval villages to the renowned galleries and contemporary architecture in Basel, Geneva and Zurich, and beyond to the lakes, rivers, vineyards and alpine peaks, introducing Monocle's favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across Switzerland. Discover traditional mountain cuisine as well as great music venues, cool bars and the best luxury pitstops. You'll also find out about a new generation of food and wine producers upholding ancient traditions and creating the best produce from local ingredients, as well as contemporary artisans creating great fashion, jewellery and leather accessories. For those looking to spend more time, or even put down roots in Switzerland, the book also profiles the cities, towns and cantons where you could make a home, the architects and designers to commission and interior design inspiration for your new apartment in Zurich or a cosy alpine retreat. So, whether you are putting together an itinerary for a summer hiking break, a winter snowboarding escape, a culinary and winetasting tour, or planning to stay a little longer, Switzerland:The Monocle Handbook makes the perfect companion.

Discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across France. Following Spain: The Monocle Handbook is the third title in premium series of country-focused guides. France: The Monocle Handbook presents our favourite spots across this sunny nation, from Paris and Marseille to Basque Country and Corsica. Discover innovative retailers and charming hotels, as well as leading museums and galleries – and, of course, a vineyard or two. We also introduce the smartest areas to move to, plus advice from the plucky entrepreneurs who’ve already set up shop. It’s time to see this varied country afresh.

Discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across Spain. Hot on the heels of Portugal: The Monocle Handbook, Monocle’s latest title turns its focus to sunny Spain in the next of its country-specific books. This practical guide will steer you from the streets of Seville to the mountains of Mallorca, introducing Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across the country. Discover the sleekest beachside boltholes in the Costa Brava, the family-run restaurants plating up the tastiest tapas in Andalucía and the buzziest bars in Barcelona before getting your cultural fix in Valencia, Bilbao or Madrid. You’ll meet the Spaniards making waves in the fashion industry, visit the artisans turning out beautiful contemporary designs and hear from the chefs shaking up the country’s food scene. And of course you’ll find out the finest stretches of sand on which to lay down your towel. For those looking to put down roots in Spain, the book also profiles the cities, towns and neighbourhoods worth investing in, the architects and designers to commission and even some interior design inspiration for your apartment or holiday home. So, whether you are putting together an itinerary for a sun-soaked weekend or planning to stay a little longer, Spain: The Monocle Handbook makes the perfect companion.

The best photo assignments from the Monocle archive, published to mark the magazine's fifteenth anniversary. Back in 2007 the first issues of Monocle magazine hit newsstands and kiosks around the globe. At its core was a pledge to commission all original photography – capturing the world on film, on the ground and in the moment. The cover of that first issue featured a Japanese helicopter pilot from the country's defence force – taken as part of a 10-day reportage assignment for both photographer and writer. In the years since, Monocle has continued in its pursuit of documenting the world through its unique lens – from embassies and residences to world leaders and cultural stars. Each issue has featured a dedicated photographic Expo section celebrating lesser-known locales, obscure events and curious characters through truly outstanding photography. Alpine wrestlers, Syrian outposts, French legionnaires, noodle-makers, game show hosts and private member’s clubs have all graced the pages. The Monocle Book of Photography draws on the best of these photographic stories from an archive a decade and a half in the making. A handsome linen bound edition with the highest quality gloss paper and printing, the book also features supporting text about the photo assignments and the stories behind them, including first hand accounts from the photographers involved.

The Monocle team dips its toe into the world of swimming, revealing 100 beautiful and inspiring places to take the plunge. Swimming is excellent exercise of course, but it’s so much more than that: it can be a transcendental experience, offering us space to reflect and to escape. It’s an antidote to screens and all-encompassing technology. Perhaps it’s the shedding of inhibitions that come with a dip, or could it be that getting somewhere under our own steam is an act that’s health-giving, refreshing and life-affirming? Whatever it means to you, swimming – alone or with others, badly or brilliantly – is about being in the moment. This new book celebrates bathing in glorious full-colour photography, revealing the editors’ chosen spots from inner-city architectural wonders to lakes, beach clubs and bagni. So whether you’re looking to do laps in Italy, tread water in Australia, sink into the icy depths in Iceland – or perhaps just sit on the side and let others do the hard work – this guide includes a setting for everyone. Dive right in.

Discover Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit in Greece. Following Monocle’s bestselling handbooks on France, Spain and Portugal, this practical and inspirational guide takes you from the bustling streets of Athens to the forested ski slopes of Arcadia, and beyond to Crete and the Ionian, Cyclades, Dodecanese and Aegean islands, introducing Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across Greece. Discover rural tavernas, isolated island retreats, great music venues, cool bars and the best luxury pitstops. You’ll also find out about a new generation of olive oil producers, wine-makers and beekeepers upholding ancient traditions and creating the best produce from local ingredients, as well as contemporary artisans creating the great fashion, jewelry and leather accessories. For those looking to spend more time, or even put down roots in Greece, the book also profiles the cities, towns and islands where you could make a home, the architects and designers to commission and interior design inspiration for your new apartment on the Athens Riviera. So, whether you are putting together an itinerary for a sun-soaked summer break, a culinary and wine-tasting tour, or planning to stay a little longer, Greece: The Monocle Handbook makes the perfect companion.

The sixth edition in Monocle’s best-selling travel handbook series, with everything you need to plan a short trip, or a longer stay, in Thailand. From bustling markets to the renowned art galleries and contemporary architecture of Bangkok, and beyond to beaches, rainforests and national parks, this handbook introduces Monocle’s favourite places to stay, eat, shop and visit across Thailand. Discover talented ceramicists and bamboo artists as well as skilled bespoke tailors, cool bars and the best luxury pitstops. Find out about the traditional street food vendors creating delicious dishes using local ingredients, as well as contemporary artisans creating great jewelry, homeware and wellness products. For those looking to spend more time in Thailand, the book also profiles the towns, islands and provinces where you could make a home, the architects and designers to commission, and interior design inspiration for your new apartment or tropical beach villa. Whether putting together an itinerary for a summer getaway, a city escape or an even longer stay, Thailand: The Monocle Handbook makes the perfect companion.

Monocle has always been a champion of taking it slow. It has encouraged readers to dive into a lake and go for a run. To sleep well. To eat food whose makers are proud of its provenance. In a shouty, jabbing-finger moment in history, it has done its bit to argue for a new modern etiquette to be generous with our time, hospitality and forgiveness. Now its editors and correspondents have brought all of this together in The Monocle Manifesto for a Gentler Life, a book that urges us all to slow down, reconnect, make good things and see nice places. And it also knows when to wear a cheeky smile. Chapters include: • An illustrated guide to being nice, respecting your neighbour and controlling your social media rants. • Profiles of the happiest nations – and the least lonely too. • How to build a house that’s good for you and your family. • Essays from leading thinkers and great writers on what we can gain if we shift gear. • The businesses charting a better course – from management to pride in production. • Food – a celebration of the locally made, the chefs that bring people together and a recipe or two. • The objects to own that will give pleasure for years. • The people who changed direction, slowed down and made it work. • The compact cities where you can run a company, be inspired, have a good social life – and be hiking in a forest at 5pm.

Following the success of The Monocle Book of Japan, Monocle’s latest book is a celebration of all things Italian. Few countries pack a punch like Italy – energetic, enigmatic and effortlessly cool, it’s a country of chic beach clubs, tradition-steeped hilltop towns and cities full of soul. Its cuisine is celebrated the world over, its design aesthetic has become synonymous with both functionality and style, and it’s home to the undisputed capital of fashion: Italy's appeal is undeniable. Covering all these topics and many more, The Monocle Book of Italy is packed with insight and is fully illustrated with specially commissioned photography to paint a unique portrait of the nation. From the vaporettos of Venice and the boutiques of Milan to the family-run trattoria of Trieste and the sunny shorelines of Sicily, discover the people, places and products that define this captivating country. La dolce vita never looked so good.