Maurice Sendak, the children’s book author and illustrator who saw the sometimes-dark side of childhood in books like Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen, died early Tuesday. He was 83.

President Obama hosted a film screening of To Kill a Mockingbird in the Family Theater at The White House to commemorate its 50th anniversary with guests including local students from Washington-Lee High School, Mary Badham Wilt, the actress who played Scout, and Veronique Peck, widow of Gregory Peck who played Atticus Finch. The President also acknowledged the American Film Institute for their commitment to the fine arts and NBC Universal and USA Network for their efforts to commemorate this important film.

Internationally-known artist Derek Hess has spent the past twenty years creating fine art & rock poster art that has not only made him a household name, but has also caught the attention of both the Louvre and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where his work is featured in both institutions permanent collections. In addition to numerous CD covers he has been featured on TLC, MTV, Fuse, VH1, Alternative Press, Spin, Juxtapoz Magazine and many others. After years of creating posters and flyers for well-known bands such as Deftones, Thursday, Every Time I Die and Taking Back Sunday, as well as his very popular fine art Hess has finally compiled a book of his much in demand Black and White drawings.

Black Line White Lie features over 275 black and white images by artist Derek Hess. Derek dedicates this huge 300 page book to his fans which also includes a chapter of over 70 tattoos that people have done of his works.

323East Gallery
Friday April 27th 6-8p
323 E. Fourth Street
Royal Oak, MI. 48067

Diplo is without a doubt one of the most popular DJ’s and producers across numerous genres and just like you, we’ve come to respect his craft. Diplo collaborated with Urban Outfitters to release this travel book, 128 Beats Per Minute with photographer Shane McCauley.

Dear Everyone,

Over the last couple of years I have been traveling all over the world to play and make music. Along the way I brought my friend Shane McCauley to photograph it and these images have become the book 128 Beats Per Minute. We visited so many places and met so many people that have inspired, influenced, and informed myself and others. This book is a culmination of just some of the experiences I’ve had so far and I’m lucky to have had Shane there to photograph them for you. There are a lot of DJ’s in this book and I hope you investigate and learn more about all of them, the music they make, and the cities they’re from. Without you and them none of this is possible and I am grateful that I can share this with you.

Sincerely,
Dilpo

An inspiring collection of poems, meditations, and lyrics by one of the world’s most revered musical legends.

Bob Marley’s music defined a movement and forever changed a nation. Known worldwide for their message of peace and unity, Marley’s songs—from “One Love” to “Redemption Song” to “Three Little Birds”—have touched millions of lives. This collection is the best of Bob Marley presented in three parts: “The Man,” giving an in-depth look into the life of Bob Marley; “The Music,” comprising his most memorable lyrics as well as links to many of his songs in iTunes; and “The Revolution,” containing his meditations on social equality and the Rastafari movement. Enriched with iconic photographs, Listen to Bob Marley provides insight into a reggae legend, the inspirational man behind the music.

This ebook features an introduction by daughter Cedella Marley and an illustrated biography of Cedella including rare photographs from her personal collection. Available here.

Escape Hotel Stories takes readers on a journey to some of the world’s most stunning hotels, often located in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, while advocating the importance of preserving the environment. Each hotel or resort in this volume possesses a unique relationship with its surroundings, offering an escape into natural paradises spanning the globe: A ranch in the heart of Wyoming’s wild plains, eco-lodges on Easter Island or in Alaska, a mountain ryokan in Japan, luxury tents in the Australian desert. Mattéoli accompanies each travel narrative with references to inspirational writers and artists, many of whom were environmental proponents ahead of their time.

A Chilean native born to a Scottish mother, Francisca Mattéoli spent her childhood in Latin America. After living in Brazil, she now resides in Paris and writes travel stories published by National Geographic France, Condé Nast Traveler, Air France magazine, and on her blog at www.franciscamatteoli.com/blog.

Continue reading “Escape Hotel Stories: Retreat and Refuge in Nature” »

Steve Stoute is promoting his book: Tanning of America, which speaks on hip hop’s influence on mainstream culture and is the ethos Translation LLC advertising agency. Steve is giving away an autographed copy of the book at noon today @stevestoute. Spread the word, and try to win one yourself as the autographs are signed by Eminem, Nas, Diddy, and Jay Z. His twitter account is already buzzing so check it out!

This limited-edition volume, showcases the 100 most exceptional cars of the twentieth century. Each luxury vehicle featured from a 1909 Blitzen Benz to a 1997 Porsche 993 Turbo S was chosen for its revolutionary design, magnificent lines, and head-turning capabilities. This Impossible Collection is presented on cotton paper in a beautiful black rubber presentation box with a cutout metal plate. Available here.

Continue reading “The Impossible Collection of Cars” »

In the first-ever photography book published by a private space explorer, Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberté’s photographs capture the colors and textures only visible from 220 miles above the Earth’s surface from the International Space Station. This exclusive, hand-bound, artist’s limited edition features a topographically embossed cover and is presented in a linen clamshell case. Proceeds from the book benefit Laliberté’s One Drop foundation, which aims to eliminate poverty by providing access to clean water.

Laliberté dedicated his personal spaceflight to raising awareness about water issues facing humankind, making his the first, in his own words, “poetic social mission” in space. Proceeds from book sales will go to Laliberté’s One Drop foundation, a nonprofit organization created to fight poverty worldwide by ensuring that everyone around the planet has access to water, now and in the future. Available here.

Common sat with Shira Lazar to talk about his new book, “One Day It Will All Make Sense.” He also discussed his views on homosexuality growing up, how it’s up to us to change the state of “political warfare” and what he’s most proud of from Hip Hop.