Knife Fork Spoon

Dung Ngo

Is there a more perfunctory object than a fork? And yet, in the hands of skilled designers, the seemingly mundane utensil is elevated to a work of art. Travel and design editor Dung Ngo highlights more than 500 cutlery designs in this quirky compendium, from standard sets to more innovative and experimental flatware designed for children, airline travelers and people with limited dexterity. Along the way, he explains how art movements and historical events have affected these quotidian tools. $75 (august-editions.com)

Spiritual Baths: Cleansing, Healing and Ritual Waters

Telly Peters

Every culture, religion and belief system has its own rituals around water, from Islam’s wudu to Judaism’s mikvah. This venerated element not only sustains all life, but it has the power to purify, heal and transform. Holistic healer Telly Peters demystifies “intentional water practices” like spiritual baths, shower rituals, companion waters, foot soaks and moon pairings to make this everyday magic accessible for the reader, whether they’re interested in adopting existing practices or creating their own rituals. $19 (spellbookandcandle.net)

Queer Art

Mollie E. Barnes & Gemma Rolls-Bentley

There is no art without “queer art,” a concept that curators Mollie E. Barnes and Gemma Rolls-Bentley unpack in this thoughtful exploration of identity, history and evolution. They’re quick to dispel notions that queer art is solely defined by sexual expression or eroticism, and instead use thematic chapters (selfhood, love, futurism) to show a broad spectrum of artists under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella. It’s a compelling and visually stunning read that illustrates the importance of queer artists in every canon. $23 (thamesandhudsonusa.com)

LIGHT

Nathan Orsman

A wall is just a wall–until a beam of light hits it just so, and suddenly it thrums with life. Award-winning lighting designer Nathan Osman understands the magic of illumination and channels it daily in his work. In his debut book, Orsman shares beautiful photography of his collaborations with architects and interior designers on projects ranging from sleek penthouses to oceanfront estates. In each, light does more than showcase good design–it creates a palpable mood. $75 (rizzoliusa.com)