Few things make a better conversation piece than a big, beautiful, brightly-coloured book.

If you don’t know Taschen, you’re in for a treat.

Since its creation by Benedikt Taschen in 1980 in Cologne, Germany, Taschen has dedicated itself to bringing beautiful, unforgettable and sometimes controversial books to the forefront of the art and literary worlds.

From the risk of the risque and the fun of fetish to sleek interior design and architecture, there’s no artistic stone Taschen Publishing will leave unturned. If design and erotica aren’t your cups of tea, Taschen has also profiled countless amazing authors in glossy, gorgeous coffee-table books for decades. And that’s not all. If it’s fascinating, edgy, or stunning, Taschen has probably published on it.

Check out our feature on the inimitable Taschen. These are books worth talking about.