Madder Red: A History of Luxury and Trade (Caucasus World) [Hardcover]

Robert Chenciner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0700712593 | ISBN-13: 978-0700712595 | Publication Date: June 22, 2000 | Edition: 1

Madder red is an ancient dyestuff, extracted from the root of the madder plant, growing in many countries around the world. The secret and devilishly complex Oriental dyeing process to obtain the lustrous colour known as Turkey Red was avidly sought by Europeans, from the time before the fall of Ancient Rome. It was finally cracked by the French about 1760, who were able to dye wool, silk and cotton bright red. After the lowlands of the Caspian Caucasus had been subdued by the Russians in the early 1800s, madder was cultivated there and rapidly became the main crop. The quest for Turkey Red went hand in hand with an avalanche of scientific research, which not only improved the yield of dyestuff from the roots but led to its chemical synthesis and in 1870 the collapse of the world-wide madder industry. Many of the nascent dye companies grew into chemical giants of our time. Further regional and cultural background may be found in Chenciner's Daghestan: Tradition and Survival, also published in the Caucasus World series.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'The intriguing story of the madder red plant unfolds in this meticulously researched account of the economic impact of this small, unassuming plant of the world. The text is richly enhanced by a multitude of fine illustrations, charts, and maps.' - CHOICE

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 1 edition (June 22, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0700712593
• ISBN-13: 978-0700712595
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 7 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,432,249 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Madder and Madder, August 19, 2007

By 

John Gueriguian "Philalethes" (Rockville, MD United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Madder Red: A History of Luxury and Trade (Caucasus World) (Hardcover)

I didn't have the problem of the previous reviewer. I received a good and clean copy. Now, to the book and its content. It is a remarkably well researched and well written book, with copious and helpful illustrations, glossary, appendices, notes, bibliography, and index. It basically presents and discusses all aspects of the subject madder (pun intended), from myth to history, through botany, agronomy, technology, and economy. Highly recommended to scholars, professionals, as well as interested individuals.

6 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars madder red, January 29, 2006

By 

C. Wood (Boston MA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Madder Red: A History of Luxury and Trade (Caucasus World) (Hardcover)

The product that I recieved is not the same edition as the one pictured on the websight and is a very low quality version. I sent it back because it wouldn't have lasted- I recieved a crummy glue bound book with cheap paper inside of a glossy cardboard cover. I've seen the edition that is shown on the websight and its a nice, properly-bound book with dust jacket. Amazon charged me for the return shipping saying that it was not their fault that I was dissatisfied with the book. (I contend.)