1. Balthazar Korab: Architect of Photography, John Comazzi - As a celebrated photographer of iconic architecture, there is perhaps no better portfolio of the mid-century masters than Korab’s. Comazzi’s book chronicles the photographer’s origins and career path from Eastern Europe to becoming Eero Saarinen’s staff photographer and beyond. Visit Fast Company Design for a peak and get yours on IndieBound or Amazon.

2. Handcrafted Modern Europe: At Home with MidCentury Designers, Leslie Williamson - Photographer Leslie Williamson is currently developing a new book of European mid-century architecture from 13 notable architects and designers — including Alvar Aalto, Gae Aulenti, and Bruno Mathsson. Read more about the book’s development and become a supporter on Kickstarter.

3. Irving Harper Works in Paper, Michael Maharam -  There is, of course, the Irving Harper you know: designer of the iconic Nelson Ball Clock and Marshmallow Sofa. A Harper you may be less familiar with is revealed in this new monograph, with a look at more than 300 of his personal paper sculptures. Find a copy from IndieBound or Amazon.

4. Charley Harper’s Animal Kingdom, Todd Oldham - If you think you’ve seen the work of Charley Harper, then Todd Oldham’s new compendium of more than 300 previously unseen animal illustrations will be a breath of fresh fauna. An ideal companion to An Illustrated Life. Get one from Charley Harper Prints.

5. Thomas Heatherwick: Making, Thomas Heatherwick – Explore this first print retrospective of innovative and award-winning designer Thomas Heatherwick, creator of the Magis Spun Chair and “The Cauldron” from the London Olympics Opening Ceremonies. Check it out on IndieBound and Amazon.

6. Eames: Beautiful Details, Eames Demetrios -  Dive deep into the inspiring and collaborative work of Ray and Charles Eames with this vibrant exhibit-in-a-book by Eames Demetrios. The couple’s art, joy, and zest for problem-solving design are on full display. Get your copy from IndieBound or Amazon.

*Planning to be in the Sacramento area in the next 12 months? Don’t miss The California Museum’s “Ray Eames: A Century of Modern Design” exhibit, open now through February 2014.

Photos linked within text.

1. “Alexander Girard” by Todd Oldham A massive and comprehensive monograph of the designer’s career, examining virtually every discipline in his prolific body of work. Written by designer Todd Oldham, who combed the extensive Girard archives and found new treasures and classics alike. Order one at Amazon.

2. Girard Alphabet Blocks Ideal for design aficionados both young and old, these distinctive blocks feature alphabets set in the Alexander Girard font collection from House Industries. Simultaneously a sharp, educational toy and stylish conversation piece, the 28-block set is made from replenishable Michigan-grown basswood with child-safe inks. Get them at House Industries.

3. PLYprints – New Sun Hand screen-printed with water-based inks on sustainably harvested maple plywood panels, the PLYprints are Girard classics. The 14″x14″ panels come ready to hang and will brighten any interior with their eco-friendly style. Get some sun at Modern Seed.

4. Girard Pillows in Retrospective, Red Girard’s vibrant, folk-inspired patterns invigorated the designs of his contemporaries (like the Eameses) while redefining textiles with form-emphasizing patterns and colors. Designed in 1952 for Herman Miller wallpaper, the distinctive Retrospective pattern returns as the perfect accent for any modern interior. Get them at Design Within Reach.

5. Girard Fonts For Girard, typography helped to spell out everything from pattern and fabric design to company rebranding. Presented by House Industries, Girard’s typefaces — Script, Sky, Sansusie, and Slab — are testament to the designer’s innate ability to seamlessly unite form and function, style and usability. Buy them at House Industries.

6. Girard Wooden Dolls Girard’s Wooden Dolls are a unique mix of decorative object and colorful toy. Drawing their aesthetics from Central American, Italian, and Eastern European culture, the dolls were originally created in 1963 for Girard’s Santa Fe home. Get dolled up at Design Within Reach.

*If you’re in New York City before July 1, purchase a Girard Wooden Doll at the Herman Miller Pop-Up Store in SoHo!

Photos: Linked to their sources within text

Designer Todd Oldham has come up with the perfect child’s gift – a craft book (Ammo Books) that engages all of us. And best of all it is inspired by some of Herman Miller’s favorite designers. I asked Todd about Kid Made Modern…

In Kid Made Modern you’ve got over 50 craft projects for children inspired by designers like Charles and Ray Eames, George Nelson and Noguchi – all of whom have a strong connection to Herman Miller. What draws you to these designers? When we started out conceptualizing the book we knew we wanted it to be equal parts of how-to projects, art technique essays and love letters to our favourite artists that contributed to the mid- century aesthetic.

I am not terribly interested in the idea of nostalgia or vintage notions but what I do find fascinating about this group of artists is the spectacular communication of their ideas and the desire to connect. They were real artists exploring new ideas that resonate still today.

We chose a cross section of artists from different mediums like Alvin Lustig, Luis Barragan, and Calder as well as better known heros like the Eames and George Nelson. One of the main points I wanted to share with the book was how to be a fan, be inspired, but do not copy – a serious problem in modern society.

So in the instance of the Eames we did a stop animation film inspired by their kaleidoscope films. With Noguchi we made origami paper cubes that slip over twinkle lights and a poster board sculpture that examines form and function.

We have just made a fun new website for the book – kidmademodern.com - that has film. We finished a sweet and a little bit creepy stop animation for Alexander Girard and a psychedelic tribute to Verner Panton.

Which is your favorite project? I like them all fortunately but I have a real soft spot for anything to do with duct tape. I have made most of them and I have seen someone make all of them so they are indeed tested with functioning directions. I did want to write the directions in a precise enough way to follow but with room for personal interpretation and I think it worked

What are you giving for Christmas this year? And what’s on your wish list? I am making my Christmas presents this year, as usual, and if I told you i might ruin a few. I am a very lucky guy and I don’t really have a wish list.

Photo credit: © 2009 Todd Oldham/Courtesy www.ammobooks.com