It is lavishly presented, from its gilt-edged pages, surprising pop-up art and fold-out cover to its startling surreal photography. As does his breathtaking footwear, it intrigues and disarms.

But much more particularly, Christian Louboutin pumps, a celebration of 20 years from the brand, is really a substantial art publication that, page by page, opens up the globe of this extraordinary shoe designer.

In an substantial interview with Eric Reinhardt, Louboutin's words portray a life which has, from its beginnings as a bit boy expanding up in Paris within the cradle of a loving family members, breached the boundaries from the daily.

From his time at school, exactly where as a continuous high-achiever he had to work hardto reach the bottom of his class and stay there, he walked a different path. Different, but one he deftly navigated, and which included time with Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent towards a career which has carried him to the top and exactly where, this time, he is happy to remain.

The book covers the life of this remarkable man, who is lauded as today's most important designer of luxury shoes. It covers early influences, people, places and his inspirations. It features his boutiques around the globe, with their opulent decor, and the spectacular interiors of his homes in Paris and Luxor. It shows his studios and workshops.

His beautiful, often dizzyingly high, red-soled creations are shown worn on the red carpets from the globe by the rich and famous. They are also featured in a series of stunning still-life, full-page photographs by Philippe Garcia, that cover his creativity over 20 years.

A collaboration with photographer David Lynch produced the Fetishseries, which makes up a separate chapter. And, fittingly, the final chapter is devoted to a complete catalogue, with photographs of 120 designs.

This is really a splendid book in size, presentation and content. Footwear and fashion devotees will salivate.

But it is also worthy as a collector's item or as a gift for anyone with a fascination for beautiful things.