To have an idea celebrates 50 years of Idea Books. Founded in Amsterdam in 1976, Idea Books is a B2B distributor specialising in books and magazines on architecture, art, photography, design, and visual culture. From its Amsterdam warehouse, it connects publishers and authors worldwide with bookshops and museums around the globe. Bringing together reflections and anecdotes from current and former staff, representatives, publishers, and customers, this book explores the relationships that have shaped Idea Books over five decades. Through archival documents, images, behind-the-scenes glimpses, favourite titles, personal stories, and lasting friendships, it reveals the history and everyday life of Idea Books, letting the small details tell the story. Design by Dongyoung Lee, photographs by Johannes Schwartz.