Product Description

Is colour just a physiological phenomenon? Does colour have an effect on feelings? This study argues that the meaning of colour, like language, lies in the particular historical contexts in which it is experienced. Three essays introduce the subject, and the remaining chapters follow themes of colour chronologically, from the early Middle Ages to the 20th century. Topics covered include medieval colour-symbolism, the earliest history of the prism, Newton's optical discoveries, 19th-century psychologists and colour, and 20th-century literature on colour in art.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101070 in Books
• Published on: 2000-03-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 320 pages

Customer Reviews

Colour in black and white.
Text fascinating and informative but this book is about colour and yet most of the plates are reproduced in black and white! Very disappointing!

Interesting book on color throu the history
J. Gage debates the connection betwen color theory and culture: Is the way we percieve colors from culture or nature.
Then there is a collection of essays, from Newton predecesors to Goethe, Chevreul and Kandinsky by historic order. I found it interesting and sometimes compeling.

A very good book about the discovery of colour in history
More than sistematic book is a collection of essays about color and culture throu history: is the perception of color historic or determined by nature? what's the connection betewn language and colour theory? Newton Optics and his predecesors, Goethe, Kandinsky and Chevreul are interestingly exposed
I've found it rather interesting and sometimes compeling.