A British art historian takes seven elemental colorsâblack, red, yellow, blue, white, purple, and greenâand uncovers behind each a root idea, based on visual resemblances and common symbolism throughout history. In a series of stories and vignettes, the book traces these meanings to show how they morphed and multiplied and, ultimately, how they reveal a great deal about the societies that produced them.
What The Reviewers Say
Laura Freeman,
The Times (UK)
... a brilliant cultural history.
Kassia St Clair,
The Times Literary Supplement (UK)
... the principal delights of the book are the more recherché cul-de-sacs into which Fox delves.
Florence Hallett,
i (UK)
... nubbly detail, gathered from a considerable hinterland...puts flesh on the bones of this ambitious yet concise volume.
Chris Allnutt,
Financial Times (UK)
Fox’s fondness for...miscellany leads down some wonderful rabbit holes.