Some books are meant to be read cover to cover. Others invite you to linger here and there, slowly pulling you in at unexpected times. Such is the nature of the coffee table book, which allows one to open it at random, and find something inspiring each time. They burst with ideas, are rich in detail, and beautifully put together. Platform’s very own 20 Year Special Edition is a significant culmination of all the interactions we have had in the past two decades, and makes for a compelling add to any shelf. Here is a list of must-read coffee table books, as well as where to buy them.
The Centre Cannot Hold by Nityan Unnikrishnan
The Centre Cannot Hold by Nityan Unnikrishnan gathers selected paintings and sculptures of the artist. The book also offers glimpses of his decades-long practice as an industrial designer working with crafts, ceramics and furniture. It opens a window to the mind of the artist through pages of his sketchbooks and a conversation. You can purchase a copy here.
20 Years, 20 Platform Interviews
In the past twenty years, Platform has had the joy of interacting with countless inspiring talents and masters. From award-winning artists across genres to debutants who have now become leaders of their craft, each conversation left us more inspired and driven. Their engaging stories, unrelenting passion and fabulous artistry always made the interview so engaging and valuable. This limited edition book is a small yet significant culmination of all the interactions we have had in the past two decades. Some of the most unique interactions are captured in this book, with Anoushka Shankar interviewing her sister Norah Jones, and Anurag Kashyap and Vishal Bhardwaj in conversation. You can buy the book here.
L: The Centre Cannot Hold R: Platform's 20 Years 20 Interviews
Umrao Singh Sher-Gil: His Misery and His Manuscript
Beginning in 1889, Umrao Singh’s photography spanned six decades, encompassing rare autochromes and stereographs. After his marriage to Hungarian opera singer Marie Antoinette Gottesmann-Baktay, his personal albums grew into a vast archive. This body of work documents an Indo-European family’s life and marks Umrao Singh as a pioneering figure in Indian photography. Grab a copy here.
Zakir Hussain
Designed by renowned artist Dayanita Singh, this book was crafted in 1986 as her first project as a graphic design student. For her, the book is both medium and method, shaping how photography meets publishing and exhibition, which began with Zakir Hussain (1986). The Steidl facsimile preserves its imperfections, while Shanay Jhaveri’s essay traces the origins of Singh’s distinctive bookmaking practice. Have a look here.
L: Umrao Singh Sher-Gil R: Zakir Hussain
More Letters of Note
Featuring handwritten correspondence from literary, cultural, and historical figures, the book celebrates the enduring power of letters. Discover Richard Burton's farewell note to Elizabeth Taylor, Helen Keller's letter to The New York Symphony Orchestra about 'hearing' their concert through her fingers, the final missives from a doomed Japan Airlines flight in 1985, David Bowie's response to his first piece of fan mail from America and even Albus Dumbledore writing to a reader applying for the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor at Hogwarts. Grab a copy here.
Tokyo Cult Recipes
Tokyo Cult Recipes is packed with dozens of mouthwatering, easy-to-make recipes for miso, sushi, soba noodles, bentos, rice, Japanese tapas, desserts, cakes, and sweets, accompanied by helpful step-by-step photographs. This fabulous cookbook is also a visual guide to Tokyo street scenes, Japanese kitchen interiors, and more. Browse here.
Date 30.1.2026
L: More Letters of Note R: Tokyo Cult Recipes