Our best bargain picks for Christmas gift ideas
Over the past few weeks, we’ve been compiling a host of gift guides to help you with your Christmas shopping.
Here is a list of 10 great books available at super special prices – only while stocks last. You can find even more bargains on offer by browsing the collections below.
Australian Predators of the Sky by Penny Olsen
$14.95 ()
Australian Predators of the Sky features more than 200 paintings, lithographs and engravings of Australian raptors from the archives of the National Library of Australia, as selected by ornithologist Penny Olsen. From first impression sketches to stunningly detailed portrayals, these illustrations showcase a range of artists from across two centuries of bird art.
New Feast by Lucy Malouf & Greg Malouf
$16.95 ()
Greg and Lucy Malouf are passionate about food – the flavour, colour and texture; its historical and cultural significance; the stories it tells. In New Feast, they present fresh interpretations of vegetarian Middle Eastern food inspired by the spirit of generosity that characterises the region, and accompanied by gorgeous photographs of food and scenery.
Sailing with Cook by Suzanne Rickard
$16.95 ()
This fascinating work depicts the young James Burney’s experiences during a voyage of exploration he sailed with Captain Cook on the Resolution, and then on the Adventure, between 1772 and 1773. The book includes facsimile pages extracted from Burney’s private journal and is peppered throughout with maps, portraits, artefacts, and notes contextualising events.
The Ministry of Utmost Happiness by Arundhati Roy
$13.95 ()
Arundhati Roy’s second novel takes readers on an intimate journey across the Indian subcontinent – from the cramped neighbourhoods of Old Delhi and the glittering malls of the burgeoning new metropolis, to the snowy mountains and valleys of Kashmir. Braiding richly complex lives together, this is a ravishing and deeply humane novel.
Paris by Janelle McCulloch
$19.99 ()
Paris, the city of love and light, is surely one of the most enchanting in the world, yet it also has a tendency to keep its best spots well hidden. After spending the last 20 years exploring the city, Janelle McCulloch has discovered all of the city’s secret gems and shares them here, from the stylish boutiques on Champs-Elysees, to the irresistible cafes, tea salons and patisseries that make up the fabric of the city.
Victoria: The Queen by Julia Baird
$22.99 ()
A woman who reigned for an astonishing 64 years, Queen Victoria left an indelible mark on society – suffrage, anti-poverty and anti-slavery movements can all be traced to her monumental reign, along with a profound rethinking of family life and the rise of religious doubt. This is a fascinating, provocative and authoritative biography.
Monty Python’s Flying Circus by Adrian Besley
$24.95 ()
Monty Python’s Flying Circus recounts the story of all six members – from early days in the Cambridge Footlights to the final curtain drop in July 2014. The jam-packed gift book includes facsimile memorabilia (some removable!) from the official Python archives, such as hand-annotated scripts, previously unseen stills, and more.
Swearing Is Good For You by Emma Byrne
$12.95 ()
Swearing Is Good For You is a spirited and hilarious defence of our most cherished dirty words, backed by historical case studies and cutting-edge research. Doctor Emma Byrne outlines the fascinating science behind swearing, such as chimpanzees creating their own curse words, and also explores why it is more beneficial than we are led to believe.
I’m Just No Good At Rhyming by Chris Harris & Lane Smith
$12.95 ()
Chris Harris combines wit, wordplay and nonsense with visual and verbal tricks to help children look at the world in a new, wonderfully upside-down way. Reminiscent of Shel Silverstein and illustrated by Lane Smith, this original collection offers a surprise around every corner, such as mysteriously misnumbered pages that can only be deciphered by a certain code-cracking verse. Suitable for ages 7+.
The Story of Babar by Jean de Brunhoff
$10.95 ()
From French author Jean de Brunhoff, this is the classic story of one of literature’s most beloved elephant. After his mother is killed by a hunter, Babar avoids capture by escaping to the city, where he is befriended by the kindly Old Lady. Later, with cousins Celeste and Arthur, he returns to the great forest to be crowned King of the Elephants. Suitable for ages 3+.