The author travelled the world in search of the origins of pigments and dyes. The result is this idiosyncratic book which is part art history, part a dissertation on the appeal that different colours have and have had for human beings. First published in 2002 by Hodder, the Folio edition is hardly a bedside book, the text and illustrations being entirely printed on heavy art paper, but it is full of unexpected and quirky historical anecdotes and travel reminiscences from all over the world. ( )

A very readable story of one woman's quest to learn the stories of the old dyes and pigments. In the process she uncovered the rise and fall of whole industries, cities built on a particular color, lives focused on a color. She also reveals the meanings and significance these various colors have had within cultures then and now. In many cases finding the stories involved a difficult wild goose chase. Surprising to discover that colors had an impact on trade and power approaching that of spices until the advent of synthetic colors. ( )

This book is more than just insightful and informative: it's delightful to read! Victoria Finlay combines great talent for writing, a wonderful sensitivity and respect for the people she meets, and exciting travels. A must read for any nerd! ( )

Finaly’s treatise on the origins of all the colors in the pigment wheel is magnificent. It is a mixture of scholarly research and personal interviews. It reads as if the script to a wonderful documentary, with interludes from current scientists and historians, excerpts from diaries, and personal stories of her methods of pigment production. While it sometimes fails to find an answer to some questions, it leaves the reader curious to explore every color he sees. ( )

Victoria Finlay already gained one big fan when I first read her Jewels: A Secret History. This book preceded Jewels although the style is the same - part travelogue, part history. The author gets to travel the world over to search out the source and stories behind colour pigments, meeting fascinating people along the way. I was naturally fascinated to read about the gemstones like malachite and lapis lazuli which were once used as pigments. But the references to jewels are minimal but this should not detract from what is a most enjoyable read. ( )