5 Best Wimbledon Coffee Table Books (2026)
After collecting tennis books for over fifteen years, these five Wimbledon coffee table books have earned permanent display space — I break down photography quality, historical depth, and who each book is actually for.
I've been watching Wimbledon since the Sampras-Agassi era, and my obsession eventually spread from the television to my bookshelf. After collecting tennis books for over fifteen years, these five Wimbledon titles have earned permanent display space. I break down the photography quality, historical depth, and who each book is actually for — from casual fans to serious tennis historians.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Every book recommended here has been personally reviewed — I only feature titles I'd display in my own home.
My Top 3 Picks at a Glance
Before diving into the full list, here's where I'd start depending on your situation:
- Best Overall: Wimbledon: The Official History — 568 pages from the BBC's "Voice of Wimbledon," the definitive reference
- Best Photography: Wimbledon: The Pinnacle of Sport — Bob Martin's stunning 2024 collection, shortlisted for sports book awards
- Best Gift: Centre Court Centenary Edition — Roger Federer's foreword makes this an instant collector's item
Now, let's get into each book.
1. Wimbledon: The Official History
| Author | John Barrett |
| Publisher | Vision Sports Publishing |
| Edition | 5th Edition (2020) |
| Pages | 568 |
| Dimensions | 8.67 x 3.0 x 11.0 inches |
| Weight | 5.8 lbs |
| Best For | Serious tennis historians |
If you buy one Wimbledon book, make it this one. I've owned three editions over the years, upgrading each time — that's how essential this reference has become to my tennis library.
What makes it definitive: John Barrett isn't just any author — he was BBC Television's "Voice of Wimbledon" for 36 years, an All England Club member since 1955, former Davis Cup captain, and is married to 1961 Wimbledon champion Angela Mortimer. That insider access shows on every page. The 568 pages trace complete Championships history from 1877 to 2020, with archive photography and memorabilia from the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum. You'll see the Victorian era when ladies wore whalebone stays beneath ankle-length dresses (pages 23-67) through to modern athletic superstars (pages 445-534).
The honest downside: At 5.8 pounds and 568 pages, this is genuinely heavy — casual browsing requires commitment. The 5th edition stops at 2020, so you won't find Alcaraz's championships or Djokovic's recent records. The comprehensive approach means some eras get more attention than others; the Open Era dominates while pre-war coverage feels compressed. And at $50, this is premium pricing for a single-sport book.
The bottom line: The ultimate Wimbledon reference for serious tennis fans. Barrett's insider perspective and the museum archive access are simply unavailable elsewhere. Essential.
2. Centre Court: The Jewel In Wimbledon's Crown
| Authors | John Barrett & Ian Hewitt |
| Foreword | Roger Federer |
| Publisher | Vision Sports Publishing |
| Edition | Centenary Edition (2022) |
| Pages | 224 |
| Dimensions | 10.2 x 1.1 x 12.0 inches |
| Weight | 3.8 lbs |
| Best For | Federer fans & collectors |
I bought this the day it released — the Federer foreword alone made it essential. But the book exceeded my expectations by focusing on the venue itself rather than just the matches played there.
Why the venue focus works: Centre Court isn't just a tennis court; it's a cathedral of sport. This centenary edition celebrates 100 years (1922-2022) of tennis's most iconic venue through stunning photography capturing both legendary matches and the unique atmosphere where "triumph and disaster meet on that hallowed grass." Co-authored by Barrett and Ian Hewitt (former Chair of the All England Club), you get architectural evolution alongside sporting history. The retractable roof installation (pages 178-198) and wartime damage coverage (pages 89-102) reveal aspects even regular viewers don't know.
The honest downside: The venue-specific focus means less player biography and match analysis than general Wimbledon books. At 224 pages, this is lighter than Barrett's comprehensive history — you'll want both rather than choosing one. The 2022 publication means nothing on Alcaraz's subsequent championships. And Federer devotees might be disappointed that his foreword is brief rather than extensive.
The bottom line: A collector's item thanks to the Federer foreword, but genuinely valuable for its architectural and atmospheric focus. The photography of Centre Court through the decades is breathtaking.
3. Wimbledon: The Pinnacle of Sport
| Authors | Ian Hewitt & Bob Martin |
| Foreword | Tim Henman |
| Publisher | Vision Sports Publishing |
| Year | 2024 |
| Pages | 254 |
| Dimensions | 10.0 x 1.0 x 10.0 inches |
| Weight | 2.6 lbs |
| Best For | Contemporary photography & modern era |
This is the newest addition to my Wimbledon shelf, and the photography quality immediately justified the purchase. Bob Martin has headed Wimbledon's photo team for over a decade — and it shows.
What makes the photography exceptional: The large-format square layout (10" x 10") lets Martin's images breathe. You get the golden era legends — Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray, Serena Williams — captured at their Wimbledon peaks. But the book also looks forward with rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff (pages 198-234). Christopher Clarey's essay "Why Wimbledon is at the Pinnacle of Sport" (pages 12-24) provides intellectual context. The Tim Henman foreword adds British perspective without being parochial.
The honest downside: At 254 pages, this prioritizes visual impact over comprehensive history — serious historians will still need Barrett's tome. The contemporary focus (roughly 2010-2024) means limited coverage of earlier eras. The square format, while beautiful for photography, fits awkwardly with rectangular books in a stack. And the 2024 publication already misses the most recent Championships.
The bottom line: The most visually stunning contemporary Wimbledon book available. Shortlisted for the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2025 — the recognition is deserved. Essential for photography lovers and modern era fans.
4. The History of Wimbledon Tennis — Newspaper Edition
| Publisher | Historic Newspapers |
| Pages | 170+ |
| Coverage | 1913 onwards |
| Paper | FSC certified |
| Special Feature | Personalized cover available |
| Best For | Unique gifts & history buffs |
I discovered this through a gift — someone gave me a personalized copy, and the concept immediately clicked. This isn't a traditional coffee table book; it's a compilation of authentic Daily Mirror newspaper reports about Wimbledon from 1913 onwards.
Why the newspaper format works: You experience matches exactly as they were reported to the public at the time. The Dorothea Lambert Chambers versus Suzanne Lenglen coverage (pages 12-23) captures the cultural moment, not just the sport. The Borg-McEnroe rivalry (pages 89-112) reads with the drama of breaking news. Federer-Nadal matches (pages 145-167) feel fresh despite knowing the outcomes. The language and typography of each era add historical texture that polished retrospectives can't replicate.
The honest downside: The newspaper reproduction quality varies — some pages feel dated rather than charmingly vintage. At 170+ pages starting from 1913, coverage is selective rather than comprehensive. The $80 price point is steep for what's essentially a compilation rather than original content. And the personalization option, while nice for gifts, doesn't add value if you're buying for yourself.
The bottom line: Genuinely unique among Wimbledon books — nothing else offers this perspective. Perfect for the tennis fan who thinks they've seen everything. The personalization makes it an unforgettable gift.
5. Wimbledon Forever: The Complete Story
| Publisher | Pitch Publishing |
| Pages | 192 |
| Dimensions | 9.5 x 0.8 x 11.0 inches |
| Weight | 2.1 lbs |
| Best For | Budget buyers & newcomers |
I bought this as a secondary reference and was pleasantly surprised by the value. At $20, it's the most accessible entry point into Wimbledon literature.
What you get for the price: A complete championship history from the All England Croquet Club's broken pony roller origin story through to the global sporting phenomenon Wimbledon has become. Every era and major champion receives coverage. The writing is accessible without being dumbed-down — perfect for fans who want context but aren't seeking encyclopedic detail. At 192 pages and 2.1 pounds, this is manageable browsing rather than a commitment.
The honest downside: At 192 pages, depth is sacrificed for breadth — individual champions and matches get surface-level treatment. The photography is adequate rather than stunning; this won't compete with Bob Martin's work. Production quality reflects the budget price point — paper weight and binding are noticeably lighter than Vision Sports publications. And the lack of insider access or original research means this compiles rather than reveals.
The bottom line: The best value Wimbledon book available. Perfect for newcomers or budget-conscious fans. Upgrade to Barrett's Official History when you're ready for comprehensive coverage.
Quick Comparison
| Book | Best For | Price | Pages | My Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Official History | Comprehensive reference | $50 | 568 | ★★★★★ |
| Centre Court | Collectors & Federer fans | $33 | 224 | ★★★★½ |
| Pinnacle of Sport | Photography & modern era | $40 | 254 | ★★★★★ |
| Newspaper Edition | Unique gifts | $80 | 170+ | ★★★★ |
| Wimbledon Forever | Budget buyers | $20 | 192 | ★★★½ |
How I'd Spend Different Budgets
Under $25: Wimbledon Forever ($20) delivers complete championship coverage at an unbeatable price. Start here if you're testing your interest before committing to premium books.
$25-50: Two paths here. Photography focus: Pinnacle of Sport ($40) for stunning contemporary imagery. History focus: Official History ($50) for the definitive 568-page reference. Both are excellent standalone purchases.
$50-100: Official History ($50) + Centre Court ($33) = $83 for comprehensive history plus the Federer-foreword collector's piece. Or Official History ($50) + Pinnacle of Sport ($40) = $90 for historical depth plus contemporary photography.
$100-150: Build the complete library: Official History ($50) + Centre Court ($33) + Pinnacle of Sport ($40) = $123 covers comprehensive history, architectural focus, and modern photography. Add Wimbledon Forever ($20) at $143 for a budget backup or guest copy.
$150+: Complete collection: All four Vision Sports titles ($123) + Newspaper Edition ($80) = $203 for everything available, including the unique newspaper perspective that no other Wimbledon book offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Wimbledon coffee table book?
Wimbledon: The Official History by John Barrett ($50) is the definitive reference — 568 pages from a true insider with unprecedented museum archive access. For photography specifically, Wimbledon: The Pinnacle of Sport ($40) offers the most stunning contemporary imagery.
Which book has the best photography?
Wimbledon: The Pinnacle of Sport (2024), curated by Bob Martin who has led Wimbledon's photo team for over a decade. The large-format square layout showcases his work beautifully. Shortlisted for the Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards 2025.
Which Wimbledon book makes the best gift?
The Newspaper Edition ($80) with personalized cover is genuinely unique — no other tennis fan will have one with their name on it. For a safer choice, Centre Court ($33) with Roger Federer's foreword appeals to any tennis enthusiast.
Do these books cover recent champions like Alcaraz?
Pinnacle of Sport (2024) includes Alcaraz and Coco Gauff as rising stars. The Official History (5th edition, 2020) and Centre Court (2022) predate his Wimbledon championships. Expect updated editions following his continued success.
Are any of these books officially licensed by Wimbledon?
The Official History, Centre Court, and Pinnacle of Sport are all official publications from Vision Sports Publishing with full All England Club cooperation. The Newspaper Edition is independently produced from historical archives.
I'm new to tennis — which book should I start with?
Wimbledon Forever ($20) offers accessible complete coverage without overwhelming detail. Once you're hooked, upgrade to the Official History ($50) for comprehensive depth.
Last updated: January 2026. Prices fluctuate — I'll update when I notice major changes.
