The Red Dyes: Cochineal, Madder And Murex Purple: A World Tour of Textile Techniques (Hardcover)

by Gosta Sandberg (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
Red is perhaps the most striking color in the spectrum and its background is no less powerful. Historical events, tragic experiments, and amusing anecdotes combine with vivid pictures, pattern sketches, recipes, and early samples from manufacturers' archives to help tell the story of the most significant and indispensable color in the world.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Swedish

Product Details

• Hardcover: 216 pages
• Publisher: Sterling (December 31, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1887374175
• ISBN-13: 978-1887374170
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #958,154 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Modern Application of Ancient Art, January 20, 2001

By A Customer

In my research about Biblical dyes, I found this book helpful. Most of the book is historical: the circumstances when each dye was first used,the recipes used (he has a detailed description of the complicated Turkey red dye), and anecdotes. He quotes older works, and then comments on them. The style is like listening to a lively lecture from the dye master. After he then discusses different pattern methods, he gives practical recipes and advice on how to use these ancient dyes. Appended at the end is a discussion of the chemistry of these dyes. I find his approach to the sources erudite and open-minded. The book itself is beautiful with its colored pictures and lovely design. The only drawback: although he masterfully weaves together from many sources (listed in his bibliography) his own intergrated conclusion, I would have liked if he would have documented where particular details of his impressions were from.