The Book of Colour Concepts. 45th Ed.

From the earliest carvings, markings, and cave paintings, humanity's love affair with color is evident. Alongside this passion has been a persistent quest to impose order and structure on this vibrant yet intangible concept. This fascination is the thread that ties together the diverse works in this comprehensive volume. Showcasing over 40 rare books and manuscripts from prestigious institutions and notable color archives worldwide, The Book of Colour Concepts takes readers on a chromatic journey spanning four centuries. It presents more than 350 images, including detailed color wheels, globes, charts, and diagrams, with many images freshly captured for this edition. Key contributions to color theory, such as Isaac Newton's Opticks and Goethe's influential Zur Farbenlehre, are featured alongside lesser-known works like the theosophical color systems of Charles Webster Leadbeater and Annie Besant. It also includes the meticulous color 'dictionary' by Aloys John Maerz and Morris Rea Paul and the vibrant patchwork designs of Japanese costume designer Sanzo Wada. The volume shines a light on often overlooked works by women, such as English flower painter Mary Gartside's innovative color "blots." An essay by Alexandra Loske provides context for the color systems explored, and detailed texts accompany the illustrations, delving into each concept further. The Book of Colour Concepts is an enlightening chronicle of color's extensive history, offering an unparalleled exploration of its diverse facets.