How Zora Neale Hurston Helped Her Readers Understand the World

Today, 7 January 2016, marks what would have been the 125th birthday of American author Zora Neale Hurston. Best known for her book “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” Hurston’s words exposed the violent realities of black people in America to the rest of the world. As essayist Roger Rosenblatt explains in TIME, Hurston’s books helped the nation understand the challenges of being an outsider in …

The Fabric of India

A slideshow of images from the book accompanying the V&A exhibition

London’s Victoria and Albert Museum (aka V&A) boasts an incredible collection of handmade Indian fabrics and textiles—a collection they say is the greatest in the world. Though their exhibition “The Fabric of India” is coming to a close this weekend, the accompanying hardcover book is surprisingly comprehensive—offering extensive research and accessible knowledge, as much as it inspires through vivid imagery. Featuring historic pieces (some dating …

Japanese Art and Design

240 pages of Japan's meticulous craftsmanship and evolving aesthetic

Japan’s illustrious history of design permeates nearly every aspect of its modern culture. Centuries of painstaking craftsmanship—combined with an unparalleled attention to detail and ancient traditions steeped in ritual and honor—have given way to a forward-thinking society that’s passionate about improving the experience of life. A new book by V&A Publishing, “Japanese Art and Design,” explores this underlying quest for excellence through the country’s most …