Who Would Like This Book:
If you love art, design, history, or just geek out over color, this book is a gem! Each color gets its moment in the spotlight, with bite-sized stories exploring their origins, cultural meanings, and scientific quirks. It's a visual treat, too - the book is gorgeous inside and out. Artists, designers, historians, and anyone who enjoys learning through quirky, well-researched anecdotes will absolutely adore it, but you don’t have to be an expert to appreciate the vibrant storytelling.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Those looking for a traditional narrative or deep academic dives might find the structure a bit jumpy or shallow. The writing style can be meandering, sometimes leaving stories unfinished or throwing in historical tidbits without full explanations. Some readers felt shortchanged by non-European color histories or by printing issues with the colors depicted, and others found themselves wishing for clearer definitions of certain terms. If you prefer linear stories or expect rigorous technical depth, this might not be your cup of tea.
About:
"The Secret Lives of Colour" by Kassia St. Clair is a fascinating exploration of the history and significance of different colors. The book is filled with engaging trivia and anecdotes about various shades, making it a delightful read for artists, designers, and anyone interested in the world of colors. The author's writing style is described as informative yet engaging, with short anecdotes and footnotes that add depth to the stories behind each color.
The book covers a wide range of colors, providing insights into their scientific, artistic, and historical aspects. Readers appreciate the unique approach the author takes in unraveling the secrets of colors, making it a valuable resource for those seeking profound insights into color schemes. With a blend of scientific features, artistic information, and historical significance, the book offers a rich tapestry of knowledge that goes beyond the basics, unlocking a world of inspiration for creative minds.
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From The Publisher:
The Secret Lives of Colour tells the unusual stories of the 75 most fascinating shades, dyes and hues. From blonde to ginger , the brown that changed the way battles were fought to the white that protected against the plague, Picasso's blue period to the charcoal on the cave walls at Lascaux, acid yellow to kelly green , and from scarlet women to imperial purple , these surprising stories run like a bright thread throughout history. In this book Kassia St Clair has turned her lifelong obsession with colours and where they come from (whether Van Gogh's chrome yellow sunflowers or punk's fluorescent pink ) into a unique study of human civilisation. Across fashion and politics, art and war, The Secret Lives of Colour tell the vivid story of our culture.
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1 comment(s)
I genuinely enjoyed this read! It makes me happy just remembering the time I spent with it. Good info, lovely writing, interesting blend of art and history, and an easily digestible format. I'll never look at color the some way!
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The Secret Lives of Colour?
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