The Bluest of Blues

By Fiona Robinson

Discover how Anna Atkins revolutionized photography and botany with her groundbreaking cyanotype book.

4.8/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 356 ratings

48 pages· 2,037 words· Est. 16 min read-aloud

$19.99Save 5%

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Bookroo's summary

Anna Atkins, a pioneering botanist in the 19th century, defied societal norms by merging science and art. After losing her mother, her father nurtured her scientific curiosity. Fascinated by plants, Anna meticulously documented them through illustrations until cyanotype photography emerged. In 1843, she published the first book of photographs, capturing the beauty of British algae. This tale of innovation and resilience invites young readers to explore their own creative paths, blending history, science, and art in a captivating journey.

From the publisher

A gorgeous picture book biography of botanist and photographer Anna Atkins–the first person to ever publish a book of photography After losing her mother very early in life, Anna Atkins (1799-1871) was raised by her loving father. He gave her a scientific education, which was highly unusual for women and girls in the early 19th century. Fascinated with the plant life around her, Anna became a botanist. She recorded all her findings in detailed illustrations and engravings, until the invention of cyanotype photography in 1842. Anna used this new technology in order to catalogue plant specimens–a true marriage of science and art. In 1843, Anna published the book Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions with handwritten text and cyanotype photographs. It is considered the first book of photographs ever published. Weaving together histories of women, science, and art, The Bluest of Blues will inspire young readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery and creativity.

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