SIGNS OF THE TOMES: Black History Month - Top 5 Must-Have Coffee Table Books For Your Home
(Plus a Surprising Bonus)
February marks Black History Month in most parts of the diaspora (except in the UK, where it is celebrated in October). For us, the descendants of African peoples, this month-long observance is a time to honour the remarkable achievements and resilience of Black individuals throughout history; those who dared (and still dare) to live, dream and create despite more than five centuries of systemic adversity.
In this inaugural edition of "SIGNS OF THE TOMES," we present five contemporary coffee table books that joyfully and unapologetically encapsulate the richness of the Black experience. Authored by Black writers, or centred on Black narratives, these selections are not only visually stunning but also serve as vital records of Black lives and contributions to polity and culture, the arts, sports, travel and fashion.
1. The Most Iconic
Sapeurs: The Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele Tamagni
This groundbreaking work introduced the "African coffee table book genre" as we know it today. Via the world of the vibrant and audacious Sapeurs—Congolese dandies known for their impeccable style, it challenged prevailing narratives at the time by showcasing a contemporary, CLOTHED Africa. By ushering Black faces on coffee tables around the world, with the same heft and presence as the (still) reigning king of coffee tables, Tom Ford, The Gentlemen of Bacongo quickly sold out. After the death of its author a few years later, it was only found in secondary markets for many years. However, the iconic tome, featuring the African dandy (Sapeur in French) in a hot pink suit and matching bowler, is back in print through its original publishers, Trolley Books.
2. The Most Re-defining
Afrosurf by Mami Wata
I'm sure you’ve heard at least one of the following sayings: Black people can't swim, we don't ski, and we definitely don't skydive or bungee jump! Well, it's true for most: Many of us refuse to, or are deathly afraid of participating in these kinds of dare-devil activities. Surf was also on my non-exhaustive list of "cultural don'ts" until a few years ago when I saw a curious Kickstarter campaign for an art book entitled AFROSURF. Edited by Mami Wata, a Cape Town surf company, "Afrosurf" is the first book to comprehensively document and celebrate surfing and related street culture in Africa. Initially appearing in 2021, the title seeks to redefine what we hold true about ourselves, our limitations, and the "extreme" leisures of our kinfolks across the globe.
3. The Most Fashionable
Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion by Marcellas Reynolds
My interest in fashion - like most - began with models. In the early 2000s, during Jamaica's successful model wave, I would pore over the rare newspaper clippings and Models.com articles to keep abreast of the local muses who'd gone on to become international stars: Carla Campbell, Nadine Willis, Jaunel McKenzie, Reshima Hemmings, Sunna Gottshalk, Nakiesha Robinson, Canise Jackson, Jeneil Williams....to name a few. This led me to discover the other top girls of the moment, like Kinee Diouf, Mia Aminata, Sessilee Lopez, Ajak Deng, Tia Shipman, Chanel Iman....and the list goes on. Reynolds' book is an ode to that magical period - and the watershed era before. Celebrating over 70 Black models from the past seven decades, the anthology highlights their groundbreaking contributions to the fashion industry and is filled with stunning visuals and personal narratives. A must-have for all fashion enthusiasts!
4. The Most “Must-Have”
Rihanna by Rihanna
So far, I've avoided monographs (i.e., books devoted to a single artist or their body of work) because they are not usually varied or mainstream enough for a general audience. But I would be remiss if I didn't mention Rihanna's 2019 release by Phaidon. A visual autobiography, this 500-page tome offers an intimate look into the life and career of the Barbadian superstar. Featuring personal photographs and unique design elements such as designer bookstands, cloth-bound covers, and pull-out posters, “Rihanna” - the book - is both a collector's item and a testament to Rihanna's multifaceted influence. A hit among her millions of millennial and Gen-Z fans upon its release, it's essentially a work of art!
5. The Most Wanderlust
Zanzibar by Aline Coquelle
French photographer Aline Coquelle presents a love letter to the Zanzibar archipelago, capturing its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture. Released in 2020, “Zanzibar” immerses readers in the island's beauty and heritage by mimicking the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean, which have made the region famous and a much-loved tourist destination, on its cover. In a series of intimate portraits of an indigenous community bursting with life, Coquelle - through her lens - preserves and celebrates life beyond paradise.
Bonus: The Most Unexpected
Jamaica Vibes by Lisa Lovatt-Smith and Novia McDonald Whyte
If there was any doubt about the coolest island in the Caribbean, it's settled: "Jamaica Vibes" shines a spotlight on the renowned tropical island - the eternal home of Reggae, Bond, and “irie”. Released in the fall of 2023, it includes a foreword by Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records, offering readers a visual feast of Jamaica's landscapes and lifestyles.
Incorporating these titles into your collection will not only enhance your decor but honour the diverse narratives that exist within the Black community. Each book serves as a testament and celebration of Black excellence, inviting reflection and conversation. And given their sheer size and design, they are guaranteed to please even the most discerning book collector.
Selection: Sapeurs: The Gentlemen of Bacongo by Daniele Tamagni (Trolley Books); Afrosurf by Mami Wata (Mami Wata); Supreme Models: Iconic Black Women Who Revolutionized Fashion by Marcellas Reynolds (Abrams Books); Rihanna by Rihanna (Phaidon); Zanzibar by Aline Coquelle (Assouline); Jamaica Vibes by Lisa Lovatt-Smith and Novia McDonald Whyte (Assouline).
16/02/2025
Signs of the Tomes is a quarterly column and guide to the most captivating coffee-table books, tomes, and monographs. From breathtaking photography and bold design, to deep dives into art, culture, and history, these are the books that are meant to be seen, held, and savoured.