The books presented here were selected for their engaging visuals, thought-provoking text, and passion for the subject matter. They’re worth giving as gifts that will be gazed upon —and even read — time and time again.

SPECTACLE
By David Rockwell with Bruce Mau, Phaidon, 255 pages, $49.95.

Architect David Rockwell doesn’t just think big — he thinks spectacular. For his book “Spectacle,” Mr. Rockwell collected photographs and practical information about the world’s biggest events, whether it’s the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, opening ceremonies for the Olympics, or an ice festival in Manchuria. Between photographs of NASCAR infields and events like the Tomatina Festival — in which a sleepy Spanish town becomes the setting of a tomato-throwing war — are interviews with people who make it all possible. Broadway producer Julie Taymor, hotel mogul Steve Wynn, producer Ron Mischer, and Barneys New York creative director Simon Doonan are among the many bigthinkers interviewed. With a handy timetable of 100 events and a directory of festivals, this is one spectacle that is also practical.

THE LURE OF GOLD: AN ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL HISTORY
By Hans-Gert Bachman, Abeville Press, 280 pages, $75.

No matter how gold is used — for religion or fashion or as money — it is almost always coveted. It is especially so as presented in the photographs of this highly informative book. Author Hans Gert-Bachman tells the story of gold from prehistoric times to modern day in straightforward prose. A quick read will give you snippets of information; for instance, of all the cultures that use or have used gold, the Etruscans had a magnificent talent for goldsmithing. Also, no matter the century, no matter the culture, the natural properties of gold have always symbolized wealth, power, and status. The book coincides with the American Museum of Natural History’s exhibit “Gold,” which runs until August. “The Lure of Gold” is available in the museum gift shop.

ANDY WARHOL: GIANT SIZE
By Dave Hickey, Phaidon, 624 pages, $125.

Sometimes it is possible to judge a book by its cover: At 14.91 pounds and larger than a square foot, this tome is aptly titled. This book has room enough to include rare or tangential memorabilia — such as a birth certificate for “Andrew Warhola,” a Chinese passport, and personal correspondence — as well as painting and photography by the artist. The plethora of images lends itself to a deeper appreciation of how Warhol worked. On just two pages devoted to Mick Jagger, there are four photos of the singer, one reproduction of a letter from him to Warhol, a portrait of him, and the front and back album covers for “Sticky Fingers.” To be best viewed, this is a book that needs a giant coffee table.

THE STATE OF THE WORLD
Reuters, Thames & Hudson, 384 pages, $50.

In this compendium of poignant prose and photography documenting the first five years of this millennium, Reuters journalists and photographers explore the state of our world today. There are serious moments — Saddam Hussein standing trial in 2005 and the aftermath of the tsunami in India and Sri Lanka the same year. And there are celebrity moments — Janet Jackson’s 2004 “wardrobe malfunction” and the 2003 kiss between Madonna and Britney Spears are included. From the new Pope to peasant children, Oscar winners to refugees, this collection of photographs and essays serves as a reminder of how human beings occupy the same world in vastly different circumstances.

TIFFANY PEARLS
By John Loring, Abrams, 303 pages, $50.

Though the pearl is the only gem that is perfect in nature, requiring no further cutting or polishing, Tiffany design director John Loring provides illumination on how a natural irritant becomes a true treasure. Designs both stunning and surprising are interlaced between tales of “La Peregrina,” the pearl that Napoleon seized in a victory over Spain, and the $530 purchase that President-elect Lincoln made for his wife. Sketches for pieces are shown against their eventual completion — such as a hexagonal pendant brooch designed by Paulding Farnham for the 1889 Paris Exposition. In addition to photographs of jewelry, the book contains paintings, photographs, and advertising images in which the pieces appear.

SEAN SCULLY: WALL OF LIGHT
Edited by Stephen Bennet Phillips, Rizzoli, 173 pages, $45.

Though the rough-edged rectangles in Sean Scully’s paintings are abstract in nature, the essays in this volume provide insight into the Irish-born, London-bred artist. The text traces the origins of Mr. Scully’s Wall of Light series, which began in Mexico. Photographs of the artist working put the 120-color reproductions of the paintings in context. With detailed descriptions of the artist’s personal and professional lives, the book can bring anyone closer to art. The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s exhibit of Sean Scully’s work is up until January 15, and the book is available in the museum gift shop.

AFTERMATH
By Joel Meyerowitz, Phaidon,350 pages, $75.

Joel Meyerowitz was the only photographer to obtain continued access to Ground Zero after the terrorist attacks of September 11. “To me, no photographs meant no history,” he said. What resulted was a collection of photographs that capture the loss of innocence and the triumph over adversity. This generation may never forget that day, but these photos preserve the memories. The oversize book includes portraits of firefighters, construction workers, and rescue personnel, as well as numerous shots of the destruction.

THE COMPLETE CARTOONS OF THE NEW YORKER
Edited by Robert Mankoff, Randon House, 656 pages, $100.

Occasionally irreverent and always witty, this collection of wordplay, social commentary, and high-brow humor not only delights — it is a testament to the way we live. Though these cartoons span many years, the ones presented here are timeless, and as relevant now as the day they were drawn.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: THE BASEBALL BOOK
Edited by Robert Fleder, Sports Illustrated, 294 pages, $29.95.

There are baseball legends galore to be found in the pages of this volume dedicated to America’s pasttime. Alongside thoughtful articles about everything from players’ histories to the fabric of uniforms, there is rich photography of home runs and outs alike. There is also another grand-slam element for the true enthusiast: trivia. Organized by decade, listings such as 10 Games You Wish You Had Seen, nicknames for players, and performance rankings make this analytical compilation a true homage for a truly American sport.

THE ORIENTALISTS: WESTERN ARTISTS IN ARABIA, THE SAHARA, PERSIA & INDIA
By Kristan Davies, Laynfaroh, 301 pages, $70.

With the Middle East still dominating the headlines, it is instructive to remember that this part of the world has fascinated Western artists for centuries. The landscape and representational paintings presented here capture various aspects of civilization — people, architecture, animals, food, and especially the sunlight — from the pyramids to India. Until December 31, paintings similar in style to those in this book can be seen at the Dahesh Museum of Art’s exhibit “Napoleon and the Nile: Soldiers, Artists, and the Rediscovery of Egypt.” “The Orientalists” is available in the museum gift shop.