'GMA' Anchors' Favorite Coffee Table Books of 2011
Coffee table books are always a hit on the holidays, and it's become an annual tradition at "Good Morning America" for our anchors to share the books that caught their eye this year.
George, Robin, Lara, Josh and Sam reveal below the must-have books on their coffee tables and gift lists.
George's Picks
'Taylor Swift,' by Andrew Vaughan, $24.95 - "This is for my girls, big Taylor Swift fans," George said about his pick for his two daughters.
Get up close and personal with the Grammy-award winning country singer and pop star in this book, which traces Swift's career through photos, archive memorabilia and album artwork. From Vaughan, a Nashville-based author who has written books about music greats like Shania Twain and the Eagles, it's the perfect gift for that Taylor Swift fan in your life.
'I Love Lucy: A Celebration of All Things Lucy,' by Elisabeth Edwards, $30 - "This is for [my wife Ali Wentworth]," George said, "She's the comedian in our family."
Everyone loves Lucy and this coffee table book, released for the 100 th anniversary of Lucille Ball's birth and the 60th anniversary of the "I Love Lucy" premiere, includes never-before-seen photos, trivia, lyrics and recipes for meals included on the show. It also has Lucy's own comments on her favorite episodes.
Robin's Picks
'Vogue: The Covers,' by Dodie Kazanjian, $50
Vogue has covered fashion for more than 120 years, and this glossy tribute to the fashion magazine includes more than 300 covers, from the magazine's first in 1892 to memorable shots of Twiggy and Angelina Jolie. It showcases the work of notable photographers, such as Annie Leibovitz, Mario Testino, Richard Avedon and many others.
'New York From the Air: A Story of Architecture,' $60 - "I'm a proud Mississippian, but there's something about when you fly into New York City and you see that skyline that is absolutely beautiful. And [in this book] there are some spectacular, spectacular shots throughout the city," Robin said.
Photographer Yann Arthus-Bertrand has released an updated version of his 2003 hit, with new photos of stunning New York City scenes. From Central Park's Great Lawn to an overview of midtown Manhattan at sunset, the aerial perspective is captivating.
Josh's Picks
The History of Rome in Paintings, $235 - Rome is "probably my favorite city in all the world," Josh said, "I was there this summer… I try to get back there as often as I can."
This oversize book chronicles the Eternal City as it was captured by painters from antiquity to the 20th century. Filled with more than 300 full-color illustrations, the subjects range from religion to architecture to customs and portraiture, and includes analysis from art historians.
'Pearl Jam Twenty,' by Pearl Jam, $40 - "For me, Eddie Vedder was my rock star. He was the legend I wanted to be," Josh said.
Published in celebration of the band's 20th anniversary and in concert with Cameron Crowe's documentary of the same name, the book traces the band's grunge beginnings to chart-topping success to its political activism of today.
Sam's Picks
Chihuly Garden Installations, $75 - "I have had a fascination with stained glass and hand-blown glass ever since I was a kid," Sam explained. "I will travel the world to see [Dale Chihuly's]work, but you don't have to."
This book concentrates on the work of Dale Chihuly, an American glass blower who creates one-of-a-kind sculptures and garden installations. Many of the sculptures mimic plants and flower,s and stunning scenes from nature. Chihuly's art is in the collections of more than 200 museums worldwide.
The Violent Earth, $40
What causes volcanoes to erupt and earthquakes or hurricanes to strike? This book, put together by contributors from the Smithsonian, describes in detail the forces at play behind these natural events on Earth, using photos, artwork and infographics.
Lara's Picks
'Live, Love & Decorate,' by Martyn Lawrence-Bullard, $50 - "I have a lifelong passion for antiquing," Lara said. "I think this is a great gift because it's aspirational and inspirational. This book just has so many terrific ideas that every single one of us can take from it."
Martyn Lawrence-Bullard is a celebrity decorator known for his keen eye and flea-market finds. This book showcases his work in the homes of star clients, such as Sir Elton John, Cher, Ellen Pompeo, Kid Rock and more.
'Harper's Bazaar: Greatest Hits,' by Glenda Bailey, $65
This book highlights the best of the fashion world through the lens of Harper's Bazaar's editor-in-chief. Filled with more than 300 images, it spotlights memorable moments in fashion, design and film, straight from the pages of the iconic magazine.
More 'GMA' Gift Favorites:
Four women we know by just one name - Marilyn, Judy, Oprah and Gaga - have big books with beautiful photos out in time for the holidays.
'Andre De Dienes: Marilyn,' by Steve Crist and Andre de Diennes
'Marilyn: Intimate Exposures,' by Susan Bernard, Jane Russell and Lindsay Lohan
'Judy: A Legendary Film Career,' by John Fricke
'The Oprah Winfrey Show: Reflections on an American Legacy,' by Deborah Davis
'LADY GAGA x TERRY RICHARDSON,' by Lady Gaga and Terry Richardson
And there are some terrific books with never-before-seen photos and stories about the Beatles - one by Linda McCartney and one by George Harrison's widow Olivia Harrison, that never go out of style.
'George Harrison: Living in the Material World,' by Olivia Harrison
'Life in Photographs,' by Linda McCartney
