The Secret Lives of Color

De: Kassia St. Clair

Narrado por: Kassia St. Clair

A dazzling gift, the unforgettable, unknown history of colors and the vivid stories behind them in a beautiful multi-colored volume.

“Beautifully written . . . Full of anecdotes and fascinating research, this elegant compendium has all the answers.” —NPR, Best Books of 2017

The Secret Lives of Color tells the unusual stories of seventy-five 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 colors and where they come from (whether Van Gogh’s chrome yellow sunflowers or punk’s fluorescent pink) into a unique study of human civilization. Across fashion and politics, art and war, the secret lives of color tell the vivid story of our culture.

“This passionate and majestic compedium will leave you bathed in the gorgeous optics of light.” —Elle

Fascinating

Fasscinating stories of colors! Thd only difficulty with audio is not seeing the colors.

The Things We Do for Color

I loved the degree of research and how her passion for color shines through in every chapter.

I also loved her seamless integration of fact and quotes into all the ways in which we take color and chemistry for granted.

However, the book was organized by hue and shade, and this made certain sections repetitive. For instance, ultramarine, indigo, woad and Prussian blue all have overlaps that become difficult to read because they are separate sections and that means certain facts naturally recur.

Overall, the depth and beauty of her research and writing, as well as her voice and narration as bonuses makes me recommend this book without hesitation.

Great listen!

Loved all the stories about color. We live in a world saturated with color we don’t always realize it has to come from somewhere. I have a new appreciation for dye makers, artists, and God/nature. Author is a great narrator as well.

Wonderful read

A loooot of information packed perfectly and succinctly. Loved this book. Narration was fantastic as well. 5 stars .

Super interesting!

Filled with cool stories, I completely enjoyed and am listening again it’s so full of knowledge!