Colour: A Journey

by Victoria Alexander

Colour is intrinsically linked to how we make sense of the world. It has the power to transform mood, often subliminally.

Colour: A Journey explores the implications, history and cultural meanings of colour. With chapters on individual colours, their history and their influence, Colour will inspire you to make creative choices in your life.

Lyrically written and thoughtfully photographed by Victoria Alexander (stylist fashion editor and passionate traveller), Colour is interspersed with poignant reminders on how to use colour to transform your mood and brighten your life.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, History

302 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2012

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very odd book. Pretty pictures, but Alexander seems to imply "poor and pretty people from 'underdeveloped' nations are so happy!" I've tried to use it to dip into for colour inspiration, but the hokey quotes and "Othering" are a real turn-off. Giving this one away.

[Lis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to adore this book. It is an attractive book, filled with stunning photographs taken by the author on her travels. Her travelling in India especially seems to have inspired her and inspired the book too. She writes about the science and emotion of colour and then has a chapter for each colour, beginning with natural and ending with black. There is much that I enjoyed in the facts, superstitions, power and nature of each colour. But. I was so irritated with the author's style of writing. It amounts to notes, or hastily recorded thoughts written exactly as they sprung into her mind. Linked by colour but erratic and unbalanced. And don't get me started on the "simplify your life", "think outside the square" suggestions that litter each page. I like the idea of this book, I love the pictures and the very attractive format and I adore the elastic closure and the texture of the cover; I just wish the words were written differently.

[Sam Farman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! I am going to keep this beautiful book by my bedside to dip into time and time again. The photography is spectacular and it is full of wonderful little snippets of information, presented with simple but uplifting positive affirmations. An absolute joy to drink in.

[Nadia · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lovely photos that don't match the text. Irrelevant, trite quotes.

[Susan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book looks at different colours, where they come from, how they are perceived and how they affect our lives. It is also a coffee table type book filled with beautiful vibrant photographs from around the world.

I’ve always been fascinated by the historical meanings of colours and how different cultures use and interpret colours. I also really love books of photography and learning about other cultures in general so this was a great book for me.

This book is split into sections dealing with different colours. (This makes it really easy to skip ahead to your favourite colours). In each section there is some historical background on the dyes and pigments that were used to create this colour as well as the different meanings which are associated with it. There is also a few pages on supposed spiritual and holistic associations as well as some inspirational life advice that is linked to the colour being discussed.

Because this book is presented in sections and filled with gorgeous images it makes it a great book to have on your shelf and every now and then pick up, flick through and put down again. Even after you’ve read all the text you just want to pick it up and admire the pictures all over again. This is one of those non fiction books that I can see having on my shelves for years to come.

All in all this is a beautifully presented book on a subject that fascinates me, if you too are interested in colours I would really recommend you pick it up.

[Jenny Esots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, it's a coffee table book. But the images and styling are gorgeous.
The author is a stylist and art director.
Each colour has a 'chapter' with images and random connections.
It is not designed as high brow academic tome.
But a fun and visually appealing wander through the many meanings and inspirations colours bring.
Thinking of a makeover for my home after strolling though these pictures.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gorgeous photography and lots of interesting and informative text. Beautiful book