Beautiful books have always been true treasures in the collective imagination. From their glossy papers, to their beautiful images, through their abnormally large format, they have the gift of exerting a strange fascination. As the Christmas holidays approach, the idea came to us within the editorial team to publish an article where everyone would distill the crème de la crème of the beautiful books that had the gift of astonishing them. Whether you want to gift them or add them to your own collection, GQ offers you a selection of the beautiful, favorite works of its journalists. Are you passionate about fashion, cooking or sports? You will definitely find what you are looking for there.
The editor's favorite beautiful books GQ
The selection of Hugo Zelli, Head of Audiences & Social Media
“Offer a moving journey through a century of forbidden love stories with They love each other – a century of photographs of men in love (1850-1950). This beautiful photo book brings together 350 private photos, collected by the collector couple Hugh Nini and Neal Treadwell. These poignant images, taken in a context where homosexuality was often repressed, celebrate the courage and tenderness of these couples from the four corners of the world and from all social classes. An LGBT gift idea that is both inspiring and historical, perfect for enriching a library.”
They love each other: A century of photographs of men in love 1850-1950
The selection of Jérémy Patrelle, Managing Digital Editor
“I like Roger Federer and I like watches (maybe thanks to him, who knows?). So, inevitably, when beautiful books on these prestigious subjects come out, I have a furious desire to jump on them and devour them. Before placing them in my very modest library. The book on Roger Federer is a visual biography with superb photos of his greatest successes, his childhood, his family, his wife Mirka in particular. With some testimonies from Trevor Noah, Bill Gates, Anna Wintour and, obviously, his friend Rafael Nadal, who we will talk about a little later. It's beautiful, intimate and – a little – expensive. But nothing is too good for Roger. And if you read the site from time to time GQyou know that the Swiss aesthete often wears watches from one of the biggest Swiss luxury brands: Rolex. I advise you to discover the two-volume work on the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona written by Anthony Marquié and Grégoire Rossier, two watchmaking experts who have just opened a branch of Watchfid in France, an advisory office dedicated to watch enthusiasts. The first is devoted to manual winding models produced between 1963 and 1988 while the second focuses on automatic models released since 1988. To whet your appetite, do not hesitate to read our ranking of the most beautiful Daytonas in history .
Finally, even if he traumatized my/our/your Roger Federer on several occasions, it is impossible not to love Rafael Nadal. In 2024, he bowed out of tennis, after a 23-year career, 22 Grand Slam tournaments, including 14 Roland-Garros. It's inhumane for this man of incomparable kindness. Journalist Fabrice Abgrall, who you can hear on France Info for more than 30 years, “Rafael Nadal: the greatest of all time” has been released. A book in the form of portraits drawn by those who have worked with him on the circuit for more than four years: coaches, players… Rafael Nadal himself also tells his story. And we read with pleasure.”
Federer (Classic edition)
Rafael Nadal: The Greatest of All Time
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA: Vol. 1 – Manual winding models
ROLEX COSMOGRAPH DAYTONA: Vol. 2 – Automatic winding models
The selection of Adeline Grais-Cernea, Deputy Editor
“Horses from Saudi Arabia, it is more than a book, it is an object in its own right that can be collected and passed down through generations. Dazzling, almost sensitive images. You don't have to be a horse fan to fall under the spell and want to stroke each page.
Resisting guilt is for me one of the most important books of the year which should be given to every person who arrives on Earth.
Mona Chollet tells, as she knows so well, the why and how of this little inner voice that resonates deep within every woman to tell them that they are not up to the task. It's not easy to deconstruct this cultural-inter-generational heritage and yet it is vital. Thanks Mona (as usual).”
Resisting guilt: On some obstacles to existing
The selection of Maxime Joly, Wellness Editor
“For sports fans already nostalgic for last summer, Hugo Sport has published a photo book retracing the most significant moments of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. From the torch relay to the unforgettable opening ceremony, the feat of Armand Duplantis or the triumph of Teddy Riner, cycling in Montmartre or fencing at the Grand Palais, this pretty object forgets nothing. The detail that makes the difference: the golden binding, like the memory we will keep of this historic event.”
Paris 2024: The official book of the Olympic Games
The selection of Sidikhi Diallo, Art Director
“75 designers for sustainable fashion: When you have an ecological conscience and are a fan of fashion, you can legitimately ask yourself questions about those who are taking concrete action for eco-responsible fashion. This book is a concentrate of talented creators who do good for our wardrobe and the planet.
