Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Start your free trial
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
The Secret Lives of Color summary
Brief summary
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair is a captivating exploration of the history and cultural significance of colors. From cochineal red to mummy brown, this book unveils the fascinating stories behind the colors we see every day.
Topics
Table of Contents
The Secret Lives of Color
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the Secret Lives of Color
In The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair, we embark on a fascinating journey through the history, culture, and significance of colors. The book is a collection of 75 essays, each dedicated to a specific color, and each color is presented as a character with its own unique story.
The journey begins with the color ochre, which was used by our prehistoric ancestors in cave paintings. St. Clair takes us through the ancient world, where colors such as indigo and Tyrian purple were extracted from rare sources and used as status symbols. She then introduces us to vermilion, a color used in ancient China to ward off evil spirits.
Colors in Art and History
As we move through time, we learn about the significance of colors in various cultures. We explore the religious significance of blue in ancient Egypt and the importance of yellow in the Aztec empire. We then shift to the Renaissance, where we witness the development of new pigments and the rise of the color black as a symbol of luxury and power.
St. Clair also delves into the role of color in literature and art. She discusses how certain colors have been used to convey specific emotions or symbolize particular themes. For instance, the color green is often associated with jealousy in Shakespeare's works, while the use of gold leaf in medieval manuscripts was a symbol of wealth and divine light.
Colors in Fashion and Politics
Our journey through the secret lives of color continues into the modern era. We explore the impact of synthetic dyes on the fashion industry and learn about the origins of colors such as magenta and mauve. We also witness how colors have been used as political symbols, such as the suffragettes' adoption of purple, white, and green to represent their cause.
St. Clair then takes us through the 20th century, where we see the rise of mass-produced colors and the influence of color psychology on marketing. She discusses how certain colors have been associated with particular brands or products, shaping our perceptions and behaviors.
Unveiling the Secret Lives of Color
In the final part of The Secret Lives of Color, St. Clair highlights some lesser-known colors and their intriguing stories. We learn about the controversial history of lead white, the toxic nature of Scheele's green, and the unexpected origins of Baker-Miller pink, a color believed to reduce aggression.
In conclusion, The Secret Lives of Color offers a captivating exploration of the hidden stories behind the colors we encounter every day. St. Clair's meticulous research and engaging storytelling bring these colors to life, revealing their complex and often surprising roles in human history, culture, and psychology.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Secret Lives of Color about?
The Secret Lives of Color by Kassia St. Clair is a fascinating exploration of the hidden stories behind different colors. From the origins of rare pigments to the cultural and historical significance of certain hues, this book unveils the captivating secrets that lie within the world of color.
The Secret Lives of Color Review
The Secret Lives of Color (2017) delves into the fascinating histories and meanings behind different colors. Here's why this book is a gem:
- Explores the intriguing stories and cultural significances attached to various hues, unveiling their rich symbolism and impact on society.
- Reveals surprising facts about colors, unraveling their hidden connections to art, science, politics, and beyond, making the subject matter both enlightening and entertaining.
- Through vivid narratives and historical contexts, the book transforms our perception of colors, creating a new lens through which to view the world around us.
Who should read The Secret Lives of Color?
Readers who are curious about the history and cultural significance of different colors
Artists and designers looking for inspiration and insights into color choices
Anyone interested in the intersection of science, art, and storytelling
Categories with The Secret Lives of Color
Book summaries like The Secret Lives of Color
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.7 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
32 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Secret Lives of Color FAQs
What is the main message of The Secret Lives of Color?
Explore the fascinating stories behind colors and their cultural significance.
How long does it take to read The Secret Lives of Color?
Reading time varies. The Blinkist summary can be read in a fraction of the time.
Is The Secret Lives of Color a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Secret Lives of Color is a captivating read, offering unique insights into the world of colors.
Who is the author of The Secret Lives of Color?
Kassia St. Clair is the author of The Secret Lives of Color.
What to read after The Secret Lives of Color?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Secret Lives of Color, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda