8 great coffee table books

WEST SIDE STORY: The Making of the Steven Spielberg Film

Somewhere there's a place on your coffee table for this tome by documentary filmmaker Laurent Bouzereau that takes readers behind the scenes of the remake of the 1961 Oscar winner that hits theaters Dec. 10. Everything you want to know about the new movie can be found here, including more than 250 images of storyboards, costume sketches, concept art and lots of eye-popping photos from on an off the set. The words are equally impressive thanks to informative interviews with director Steven Spielberg, screenwriter Tony Kushner, choreographer Justin Peck and many others. Talk about cool, boy!

(Abrams, $40)

THE BEATLES: GET BACK

This companion piece to Peter Jackson's Disney+ docuseries about the making of the Beatles' final album "Let It Be" is every bit as enjoyable as the show. It's told in the Beatles' own words and features hundreds of rare, spectacular photos of John, Paul, George and Ringo (as well as the likes of Yoko Ono, Linda McCartney and 6-year-old Heather McCartney) in the recording studio and performing on a rooftop. Like the four members of The Beatles, this book is also fab. The afterword also provides a bit of "ob-la-di, ob-la-da" in describing how life still goes on for "Let It Be."

(Callaway Arts & Entertainment, $60)

THE ART OF BOB MACKIE

Everyone knows designer Bob Mackie is the man who dressed Cher and Carol Burnett, but were you aware that he sketched the first rendering of the diamond-studded number created by Jean Louis worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang "Happy Birthday" to JFK? It's one of many fascinating fashion facts in this stylish salute to Mackie that covers his career including TV ("The Hollywood Palace," "The Carol Burnett Show"), movies ("Lady Sings the Blues," "Rocketman") and Broadway ("The Cher Show"). Tons of photos and design sketches are woven beautifully throughout the book.

(Simon & Schuster, $50)

EVER AFTER: 40 Years of Musical Theater and Beyond 1977-2020

Broadway is back and so is Barry Singer's definitive guide to the greatest musicals of the past 45 years. Originally published in 2003, this new edition works in the hits of the past 20 years including "Wicked," "Aladdin," "Come From Away" and, of course, "Hamilton." Making the behind-the-curtain stories even more special are more than 100 interviews with the folks involved in those shows, including Audra McDonald, Laura Benanti, Billy Porter, Andrew Lloyd Webber and the late Stephen Sondheim.

(Applause Books, $37.95)

ANDY GOTTS: THE PHOTOGRAPH

Is there any celebrity that lensman Gotts hasn't captured on camera? Pretty much anyone you can think of is here including fashion models (Claudia Schiffer, Elle MacPherson), handsome hunks (Harrison Ford, Matt Damon), Oscar winners (Meryl Streep, Al Pacino) and Hollywood legends (Paul Newman, Kirk Douglas). Expect to see Julia Roberts at her most glamorous, George Clooney (donning a pirate hat) at his silliest and Emma Thompson just being playful.

(ACC Art Books, $75)

THE DECADE THAT ROCKED: The Photography of Mark “Weissguy” Weiss

"The Decade That Rocked” by Mark Weiss features images of rock stars by the famed photographer.Insight Editions

FOREVER ELIZABETH: Iconic Photographers on a Legendary Star

Elizabeth Taylor may been married eight times (twice to Richard Burton), but her greatest love affair was with the camera. Proof positive is this splendid book by Robert Risko which features minimal text and hundreds of dazzling shots of the violet-eyed beauty. Many are never-before seen pics that include the star relaxing with her many pets; vacationing with Burton; primping at her dressing table; and sharing the spotlight with fellow performers including David Bowie, Elton John, Robert DeNiro and Harrison Ford. A tailor-made gift for Taylor's fans.

(ACC Art Books, $65)

BETTY WHITE: 100 Remarkable Moments in an Extraordinary Life

Even if there's no snow this year, you can still give someone a (Betty) White Christmas by putting Ray Richmond's loving tribute to everyone's favorite "Golden Girl" under the tree. Publication is tied to White's 100th birthday on Jan. 17, and a fitting salute it is. The many phases of White's seven plus decades in show business are all captured here: game-show queen, parade moderator, sitcom star, Emmy-winning glory and animal rights advocate. The icing on the centennial cake are the stunning photos of White both personal (with husband Allen Ludden) and from her many TV series.

(becker&mayer! Books, $35)