Can someone stop the world and show us how to work successfully today? Monocle can. Since 2007, Monocle magazine has encouraged its readers to believe in their own ideas and to take different career paths. The Monocle Guide to Work introduces people who stand up for their ideas in factories, small offices and creative incubators. What drives them is fun at work, creative challenges, self-fulfillment and creative freedom.

What runs like a common thread through the 300 or so pages is the desire to develop ideas and put them into practice. The book reflects how people follow their passion and are successful with it. It opens up a new perspective on the modern working world. There is a young generation of craftsmen who prefer to get their hands dirty rather than listen to lectures. Or CEOs who run their companies without an MBA. But you also learn why it's worth having an office dog, how a business card is handed out in Japan and that it really doesn't matter if you're late for a business meeting in Brazil.

The Monocle Guide to Work continues the journalistic persistence and aesthetic sensibility of Monocle magazine, founded by Wallpaper* founder Tyler Brûlé. The book presents authentic photos, illustrations, company profiles and inspiring essays. In the usual charming Monocle quality, it explores key questions: Where is the best place to start your business? How do you build your company as a brand? What are the business etiquettes of the world? What makes an inspiring workplace?

Anyone who takes the time to read this inspiring handbook will be won over by the subtle style and journalistic substance. And will feel like getting their own business idea off the ground.