I have a big weakness for art books, but I like to display a few that get people lost in the work or serve to open up conversation. Right now I have a Barbara Kruger collection, and works by Joseph Cornell, but I think the one that gets the most reaction from folks is called Malkovich, where photographer Sandro Miller recreates famous photographs using John Malkovich as all the models. It’s both historically smart and gonzo ridiculous.

In addition to Phaidon and Taschen, I find Yale University Press puts out a lot of good art books.