Growing popularity in premium luxury publications from brands like Assouline is opening the doors to new areas of interest for readers. Covering what seems to be everything under the sun, Assouline prides itself on delivering high-resolution imagery with the information provided by the highest respected and knowledgeable individuals. From exquisite architecture to the finest bottles of champagne, Assouline aims to indulge readers with information and media on the most interesting topics of conversation. In this special, we have compiled a categorized list of The Most Expensive Luxury Books by Assouline Publications. Shop any of the Assouline Publication products featured in this special, as well as the others on their website, by clicking the links below.
Architecture
Vatican: A Private Visit to a Secret World
Illustrated with archival images and dramatic photography, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume features insightful texts by renowned journalist Caroline Pigozzi, a specialist in Vatican history, and historian Giovanni Maria Vian, former editor in chief of L’Osservatore Romano newspaper, revealing hidden stories that have unfolded within these labyrinthine corridors.
Price: $1,200
Art
Salvador Dalí : The Impossible Collection
With insightful texts by art historian Bérénice Geoffroy-Schneiter, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume showcases 100 of the rarest and most precious treasures marrying natural splendor and human craftsmanship, from amazingly detailed artifacts of ancient global civilizations to surprising modern creations by artists Man Ray, Hu Qin and Chris Burden. This special edition handcrafted volume is nestled in a luxury gold leaf covered case with a clear sliding lid infused with gold flakes.
Price: $895
Automotive
Formula 1: The Impossible Collection
A spirited tribute to the sport and all those who have made it possible over the decades, this handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume dynamically illustrates that Formula One is far more than “cars going around in circles,” it is the culmination of a passion that fires the mechanics, technicians, engineers and team directors behind the scenes, in addition to the drivers themselves, who are prepared to possibly pay the ultimate sacrifice to be part of its glorious history. Housed in a luxury clamshell case with a metal plaque, this spectacular tome is lightly scented with an exclusively made rubber-infused essence, and is presented in a red canvas tote bag to preserve its craftsmanship.
Price: $995
Design
Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh (Ultimate Edition)
When Virgil Abloh took his first bow for Louis Vuitton in June 2018, fashion changed forever. The newest addition to the Ultimate Collection, Louis Vuitton: Virgil Abloh honors the designer’s boundary-breaking creativity on and off the runways. With over 250 stunningly iconic images and personal reflections from Abloh’s inner circle, including Nigo, Naomi Campbell, Luka Sabbat, Kendall Jenner and Kid Cudi, the book is the definitive chronicle of a partnership that redefined not only dress codes but their very vocabulary. The Ultimate features a special-edition removable glossary highlighting the numerous sneaker collaborations Virgil Abloh spearheaded during his time at Louis Vuitton.
Price: $1,200
Fashion
Yves Saint-Laurent: The Impossible Collection
With esteemed fashion journalist and Saint Laurent expert Laurence Benaïm, Assouline has curated the 100 most iconic signature pieces from Yves Saint Laurent’s forty-year oeuvre, from the very first looks that appeared on the runway in his eponymous debut collection in January 1962 following his departure from Dior, to his final couture presentation upon his retirement in 2002.
Price: $1,050
Food & Drink
The Impossible Collection of Champagne
From exceptional vintages to an array of more recent releases, this exclusive selection curated by World’s Best Sommelier Enrico Bernardo spans three centuries and is illustrated by various tasting experiences, insightful tips and singular anecdotes. He highlights the most remarkable bottles ever produced, all united by the impossibility of ever having them together in one cellar at a time, hence this volume’s title. Presented in a wooden box, this edition is bound by hand and luxuriously crafted with hand-tipped labels, making it a must have for all champagne aficionados.
Price: $1,200
Luxury Brands
Windows at Tiffany and Co.
This hand-bound oversize Ultimate Collection edition presents a well-curated tour of the intricately crafted displays that continue to serve as references of the zeitgeist, from the legendary designer Gene Moore’s Christmas and Valentine’s displays to the neon creations of the current Tiffany & Co. creative team. Along with never-before-seen concept sketches, historical manuscripts, behind the scenes imagery and insights by cultural influencers and devotees of the world’s global arbiter of design.
Price: $895
Sports
Golf: The Impossible Collection
Assouline
In this most recent addition to Assouline’s highly covetable and lauded Ultimate Collection, George Peper, former editor in chief of Golf magazine and 2016 PGA Lifetime Achievement Award winner for Journalism, takes readers on an incomparable golf journey as he travels the world detailing the 100 most significant, historically noteworthy, and architecturally paramount courses. Describing intricate holes that have confounded the game’s best, revisiting tournaments that have made and broken champions, and elucidating the unique and truly special characteristics of each course makes Peper the perfect golf partner as he walks readers through the clubhouses, fairways, and bunkers.
Price: $1,200
Travel
AlUla XXL [2nd Edition]
Assouline in collaboration with the destination of AlUla announces the September 2020 release of an immersive book of photography and illustrations titled, AlUla. With stunning images taken by internationally renowned photographer Robert Polidori, and interpretive illustrations by multidisciplinary artist Ignasi Monreal, AlUla virtually transports readers to the destination, giving them a glimpse into the city’s rich history and a unique look into AlUla’s local culture.
Price: $15,000
Watches
The Impossible Collection of Watches (2nd Edition)
Selected by specialist Fabienne Reybaud, each of the exceptional Rolex watch models in this beautiful handcrafted Ultimate Collection volume showcase the most valuable and technically innovative models the luxury watchmaker has produced, including watches never seen in print before: From the first wristwatch dating to the early 1900s and the first Oyster Perpetual from 1931, to an Explorer worn during Sir Edmund Hillary’s expedition to the summit of Mt. Everest in 1953 and the Submariner worn by actor George Lazenby in the James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, they are sure to astonish collectors the world over.
