Editor's note: Every year during the holidays the Books and More staff makes some gift recommendations for book lovers. Here is this week's recommendations. We will publish more next week.

BY CLIFF BELLAMY

cbellamy@heraldsun.com; 419-6744

The titles in this compilation often get classified (or snubbed) as "coffee-table books." Every book on this list merits a special place on your bookshelf, and more than just a browse.

"Music Makers: Portraits and Songs from the Roots of America."

Edited by Tim Duffy (Music Maker Press, $35).

Hillsborough-based Music Maker Relief Foundation has the perfect gift box for any fan of the blues and other traditional music. The book contains brief biographies about current Music Maker artists, and a CD. In addition to the book, Music Maker's holiday gift package includes a calendar of drawings by Harvey Pekar and Gary Dumm, and CDs by Etta Baker and Guitar Gabriel (the latter also includes a DVD). Which combination of items you get depends on your contribution to Music Maker. For details, visit gift.musicmaker.org or call 643-2456.

"Who Shot Rock Roll: A Photographic History, 1955 to the Present."

Edited by Gail Buckland (Alfred A Knopf, $40)

Gail Buckland's collection grew out of an exhibit of some of the photographers who chronicled the history of the music. Each photograph contains brief biography and commentary about the photographer's method, and a discussion of the back story behind the image. A few of the gems in this treasure chest: Ethan Russell's close-up of The Rolling Stones at Altamont, Ernest C. Withers' black-and-white image of Ike and Tina Turner playing in a Memphis club in 1962, and Art Kane's image of Aretha Franklin at Carnegie Hall in 1967.

"The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, The First 25 Years: The Definitive Chronicle of Rock Roll as Told by Its Legends"

Edited by Holly George-Warren with foreword by Jann S. Wenner (Collins Design, $39.99)

George-Warren and Wenner have compiled an enticing documentary history of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame that also is a true labor of love for the authors. The book is arranged chronologically, and for each year's ceremony the editors list the inductees and the musical performance highlights. The bulk of this book is made up of excerpts from inductees' speeches, and tributes from fellow musicians and colleagues. If you are a fan of any era of rock, you'll find something to love in these pages.

"Michael"

By The Editors of Rolling Stone (HarperStudio, $29.99)

Surprise: Even if you are not a true-believer fan of the late Michael Jackson, this fine tribute will make you stop and take notice. In addition to some superb photos of Jackson, this book is structured as a set of essays that examine different aspects of Jackson's career. The opening piece "Triumph and Tragedy" by Mikal Gilmore illuminates Jackson's achievements as a musician, and the sadness of his personal life. Other essays look at his contributions to dancing and music video, and there is a chapter of tributes from various artists. All of these essays place Jackson in the context of the times in which he lived, and they are great examples of thoughtful writing about music.

"The Bathers: Photographs by Jennette Williams"

Edited by Alexa Dilworth and Iris Tillman Hill, with foreword by Mary Ellen Mark (Duke University Press, $39.95)

Photographer and instructor Jennette Williams' pictures of women in European and Turkish bath houses won the Center for Documentary Studies/Honickman First Book Prize in Photography. These wonderful black-and-white images are masterpieces of composition and use of light and shadow. The book is a great gift for anyone who still dabbles in black-and-white film and needs inspiration.