What’s particularly inspiring about Tara Books is how they have reimagined the idea of the artist’s book – making high-quality, hand-produced art affordable for the average collector. Unlike many art books that are limited to small, expensive runs, the Tara Books collective can produce several thousand copies of each handmade edition at an affordable price point. While each print run is limited and individually numbered, the handmade paper ensures that every edition is unique in texture and feel. Once a print run is sold out, they may release a new edition for popular titles, but it’s never an exact replica. Each batch uses new handmade paper, which varies slightly in texture and thickness, and Tara often changes details such as the cover color or design, making every edition distinct.

Reading these books is an experience that goes far beyond what I can convey here through digital media, as the scent of the paint and feel of the paper are an integral part of the reading adventure. An average print run of 3,000 handmade books can take around three months to complete, with each individual book requiring about 65 impressions of screen-printed colors. But Tara’s approach to fair trade and collaboration is not just about creating beautiful books—it’s about supporting the artisans who craft them. Their workshop collective supports the local community while ensuring that the books remain elegant, world-class products. And the publisher is also deeply committed to sustainability, upcycling leftover prints into beautiful stationery and notebooks they call “fluke books”.

Those in the know cherish these beautiful books for their stunning quality and fair price. But that’s enough introduction – let’s look closer at the books!