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The Secret Lives of Colour
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Check link for latest rating. ( 20,129 ratings, 1,587 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The Secret Lives of Colour
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
You might enjoy this book if you have a passion for history, art, and the fascinating stories behind the colours we see every day. It explores the cultural and historical significance of various hues, making it perfect for readers who love uncovering the hidden connections between art, science, and society.
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See moreThe unforgettable history of colours and the vivid stories behind them in a beautiful multi-coloured volume
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
The Secret Lives of Colour, penned by Kassia St Clair, offers a riveting exploration into the fascinating and unexpected stories behind the colours that shape our world. This compelling book takes readers on a vibrant journey through the history and significance of 75 unique shades, dyes, and hues, revealing how each colour has influenced various facets of human civilisation, from art and fashion to politics and war.
Along this chromatic voyage, discover how the subtle hue of blonde hair has been perceived through the ages, how the fiery tone of ginger hair sparked myths and legends, and how the utilitarian brown altered the course of battles. Uncover the stark white that provided protection during the plague, delve into Picasso's melancholic blue period, and trace the poignant charcoal drawings on the ancient cave walls of Lascaux. Further tales include the electrifying acid yellow, the rich vibrancy of kelly green, the notorious scarlet women, and the regal imperial purple.
Throughout the narrative, St Clair demonstrates how these colours have weaved through the tapestry of human history, forming a bright thread that connects diverse eras and cultures. She brings a scholar's eye and an insider's knowledge to each story, transforming an ordinary palette into a window into human experience and culture.
The Secret Lives of Colour extends beyond mere historical anecdotes, offering an insightful commentary on the profound psychological and social impact colours have had. This unique study delves into the origins of colours, whether it's Van Gogh's resplendent chrome yellow sunflowers or the rebellious spirit encapsulated in punk's fluorescent pink.
An inspiring primer for anyone with a curiosity about the world around them, this book is as informative as it is entertaining. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who enjoys a beautifully written tale, Kassia St Clair's work is bound to leave a lasting impression on your perception of colour and culture.
"A mind-expanding tour of the world without leaving your paintbox. Every colour has a story, and here are some of the most alluring, alarming, and thought-provoking. Very hard painting the hallway magnolia after this inspiring primer."
- Simon Garfield
The brilliantly colourful journey through The Secret Lives of Colour will utterly transform the way you see and appreciate the spectrum of hues that surrounds us every day.Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Secret Lives of Colour by Kassia St Clair is praised for its mind-expanding exploration of colours and their histories. Reviewers find it inspiring, thought-provoking, and charming, with engaging and well-researched content. The book captivates readers with intriguing stories about different colours and their cultural significance.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781473630833
Publisher: John Murray Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 06 September 2018
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: John Murray Publishers Ltd
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 164.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 542g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Kassia St Clair studied the history of women's dress and the masquerade during the eighteenth century at Bristol and Oxford. She has since written about design and culture for the Economist, House & Garden, TLS, Quartz and New Statesman, and has had a column about colour in Elle Decoration since 2013. Her first book The Secret Lives of Colour was a top-ten bestseller, a Radio 4 Book of the Week and has been translated into over a dozen languages; her second, The Golden Thread, was a Sunday Times Book of the Year and was shortlisted for the Somerset Maugham Award. She lives in London.
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