LITERATURE
December Book Club Coffee table books with the wow factor that are perfect for gifting, as chosen by Charlotte Griffiths Frankenstein
With not one but two visual retellings of Mary Shelley’s classic landing on screens towards the end of 2025, it’s high time you read/reread this gothic masterpiece in its original book form. Minalima editions are always spectacular, and this is no exception. Here, the unabridged text of Shelley’s horrifying tale is brought to life with the creative partnership’s trademark intricate, sprawling illustrations, glittering gold- leafed elements and papercraft 3D pop-ups that fold out and literally leap off the page. For anyone who doesn’t know the plot, this unforgettable work of speculative fiction (often lauded as the first-ever sci-fi novel) follows scientist Victor Frankenstein as he attempts – and succeeds – to re-engineer life from inanimate body parts, only to cruelly abandon his creation when he realises the unsettling repercussions of his unchecked ambition. Laden with meaning, messages and morals, many people reread Frankenstein every year when the nights draw in, finding new life lessons within its pages. It isn’t just for scientists or fans of spooky stories. This exquisite new edition is the perfect way to get Shelley’s work into the hands of people who might not otherwise pick up a copy. MARY SHELLEY (MINALIMA EDITION) The text of Shelley’s horrifying tale is brought to life with Minalima’s intricate illustrations
Armchair travelling at its finest. This stunning large-format book documents photographer Quintin Lake’s five-year adventure around the coast of the UK, capturing his journey in detail-laden, beautifully composed images that illustrate his account of his travels. In April 2015, Lake set off from St Paul’s Cathedral in London with a 20kg bag of photography kit and hiking gear, determined to circumnavigate our country. You might have followed his journey on what-was-Twitter or his brilliant blog, but this stunning book brings his entire experience together The Perimeter QUINTIN LAKE
for the first time in an impactful and fascinating record. The stylish page layouts – using Lake’s photography – showcase what is on offer to those exploring Britain. With the coast always directly on hand, Lake walked 11,000km over 454 days – at times wandering through urban environments, at others heading off the beaten track to wild camp – all while battling midges, weather, tides and his own worries. This irresistible story is ideal for anyone who has daydreamed of setting off on a similar expedition. Maybe 2026 could be your year?
26 DECEMBER 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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