The Colors of History

Written by Clive Gifford · Illustrated by Marc-Etienne Peintre

Discover the hidden stories and historical secrets behind every color's vibrant past.

4.3/5 Goodreads · 121 ratings

64 pages

$16.95Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon.

Bookroo's summary

Uncover the mysteries of colors in a journey through history. Why did emperors favor purple? What secrets lie in crushed beetles and future tech greens? Each hue reveals a tale, from ancient traditions to modern innovations. With stunning illustrations and intriguing facts, this book invites artists and history buffs to explore the colorful narratives that have shaped our world. Dive into the vibrant spectrum and discover the unexpected roles colors have played across time.

From the publisher

Why did Roman emperors wear purple? Which colour is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this vibrant exploration of the stories behind different colours, and the roles they’ve played throughout history. From black to white, and all the colours in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each colour group is introduced with a stunning and interpretive double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the ‘colourful’ history of particular shades. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthral budding artists and historians alike.

At a glance