Bright Earth: The Invention of Colour - Tapa dura

One of the least studied aspects of the history of art is the tools the artist uses - in particular the materials that give paints their rich and varied colours. Traditionally, the focus has been on inspiration rather than the practicalities of how (or if) an artist could achieve a particular colour. This book redresses the balance. Rich in anecdote, ranging from the ancient Egyptians to the present day, BRIGHT EARTH reveals how art is more of a science and science more of an art than might besupposed.

Philip Ball is a regular contributor to Nature, New Scientist, and various national and international newspapers. His previous books include DESIGNING THE MOLECULAR WORLD (which won the Association of American Publishers' Award), THE SELF-MADE TAPESTRY and H2O: A BIOGRAPHY OF WATER.