We all need a cocktail sometimes. This book will help you make one without the aid of your laptop or smartphone. Tis’ the season to turn off all electrical distractions, after all. We’re not huge fans of the fact that there’s two separate volumes for men and women but, that aside, it looks like it’ll be a great Christmas gift for someone. Or yourself. From Assouline.

Let’s face it, cigars are incredibly douchey these days. They’re of a bygone era and now the people who use them are 16 years old trying to feel grown up and bankers. But you can celebrate that bygone era in this book, which showcases some famous cigar users and reminisces of a time when a cigar wasn’t shorthand for douchebag. From Assouline. Mr Porter has it. Be sure to check out these other titles from Assouline.

A little textile history from Assouline. Hudson’s Bay have been at the forefront of the nu-blanket movement but many currently sporting their rainbow stripes may not know the history of this fine Canadian institution. 300 years in the business, The bay is one of the oldest commercial enterprises in the world. Originally fur traders, the search for skins lead them to form relationships with Native Americans and blankets were traded for pelts with the number of stripes (points) denoting weight and size. Today the company sells all manner of goods and is represented by several subdivisions in Canada.

The book, Hudson’s Bay Company, offers a detailed insight into the company with over 200 illustrations and a forward by Vanity Fair’s Graydon Carter.

Click for images

One of France’s finest, Fernand Léger is the subject this soon to be released heavy-weight coffee table book, Fernand Leger: A Survey of Iconic Works. An artist who covered a range of mediums, sculpture, stained glass and film to name but a few, his geometric, bright and bold designs are instantly recognisable. Limited edition, 140 pages with 80 illustrations, each image is layered separately onto the page and the entire volume is hand-bound, the kind of quality you’d expect from Assouline.

More looks after the click.

Hi-tech winter gear fans, Cabourn parka owners, thermal collectors, expedition history buffs – this one’s for you. The famous Terra Nova expedition was one of bravery and tragedy. Assouline brings us this collection of photographs, letters and diary entries from Robert F. Scott and his team, introduced with forwards and commentary by HRH Princess Anne and Prince Albert of Monaco. Hand-bound with an embossed cover, this is a sizable collectors piece measuring 24 inches high, more coffee table than coffee table book. Published by Assouline.

More looks inside the book after the click.

Curated lets us know about this:

“The Miller House and Garden releases from Assouline this September. A quintessential expression of American modernism, Miller House and Garden created in 1952 by design geniuses Eero Saarinen, Alexander Girard, Dan Kiley, and Kevin Roche integrates home and landscape in a compelling composition of forms and spaces, honoring historical precedents without forgoing innovation. Part of Assouline’s renowned memoir series, Miller House and Garden shares not only the aspirations of the Miller family but also the spirit of an era.”

See more over at Curated.

New from Assouline, Diane Elisabeth Poirier’s Tennis Fashion shares the cultural and societal impact of on court fashions through history.

Looking at the fashion of tennis is like opening a window into culture and society. Tennis is the second most popular sport in the West, and over the last century it has become, more than any other, an important part of our society and culture. The remarkable impact of tennis is apparent in the record number of fans and spectators the sport has attracted in the thirty years since major tournaments have been broadcast live on radio and TV. As tennis comes of age with yet another museum devoted to it in Paris (inaugurated at Roland-Garros during the May 2003 championship), this journey through the history of tennis fashions sheds new light on the top sporting events of the 20th century, on the lifestyles that tennis brought into being and turns the spotlight on the most charismatic champions and the way they have influenced the fashions of their time.

The book features 60 images over 80 pages, and is being sold at the very reasonable price of $25.00.

Page views from Tennis Fashion follow.

Assouline have spent some serious time working on this beautiful Coca-Cola 125th Anniversary presentation book. “A special, limited edition. This illustrated book celebrates the world’s most iconic beverage with the brand’s photographs, advertisements, and designs as well as memories from film, social history, and pop culture. Decade by decade, Coca-Cola represents the American zeitgeist with nostalgia and flair…” The special limited edition package comes  hard-bound color plates in a red linen clamshell box.” An absolute serious buy for all Coca-Cola collectors.

For those looking to appreciate the history of the Coca-Cola brand for a slightly more economical price, a $65 clothbound trade edition is also available. Available June, 2011. Pre-order from Assouline.

More looks after the click.

Here’s a preview of the new Coca-Cola iPad App by Assouline coming May 26, 2011 in celebration of the release of the Coca-Cola 125th special edition book.

Curated turns us onto this book release:

“Renowned landscape architect Jack deLashmet reveals some of the most glorious yards in Hamptons Gardens, a book which will published by Assouline in June. The stories behind the creation of some of the most sumptuous outdoor spaces in the United States are uncovered, along with designer bios from the world’s most famous landscape architects.”

See more over at Curated.