The hottest coffee table books to buy right now

Alexandre Assouline believes. He is the son of Prosper and Martine Assouline, who founded the eponymous publishing house in 1994 and made their surname synonymous with luxury reads, and has led the company since last year. An exceptional book must “seamlessly blend intellect and emotion, asserting its presence with an eye-catching cover and beautiful packaging”, he says.

And summer is the time to get sampling. Seek the “educational, inspirational, and dynamic”, Assouline says. “They help you escape and that’s what everybody wants for this time of the year!” The hefty tomes make thoughtful gifts, believes Taschen’s UK director Yusuf Butolli, and are “for optimists who appreciate culture and the arts in their many forms”.

Tempted? Here are the ones calling to be flicked through on a sun lounger near you. Africa Fashion (V&A)It’s the It fashion exhibition of the summer, and the publication is equally stylish. The Victoria and Albert museum’s Africa Fashion exhibit, which runs July 2 – April 16, is a swift and explosive chart of Africa’s clothing trade from post-independence, and builds up to an explosion of contemporary talent.

The glittering pink book which features a look from Nigerian brand Orange Culture on the cover, is arresting on the shelf and packed with insight, from essays on African textile histories to the afro-fashion futures of tomorrow. The best bit? A definitive who’s who of the continent’s fashion scene now, with first person accounts from the rising stars. Africa Fashion, £25Andy Warhol’s Exposures (Shapero Rare Books)Up to date with the new releases, or after something more unique? Keep your eyes peeled for a collectable publication for you.