The Universe in 100 Colors
Weird and Wondrous Colors from Science and Nature
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At the intersection of science and art, this must-have coffee table book will open your eyes to colors that you’ve never seen before.
Life has had over 3 billion years to evolve here on planet Earth. During that time, we’ve developed an arsenal of senses to decipher the universe. And for the most part we have collectively rocked our senses. With our amazing ability to paint, create, decode, scan, and unravel our visual reality, it would be hard to believe that there are some things the average human can overlook. This design-forward book highlights 100 mind-blowing colors that you might otherwise live your whole life unaware of. These colors exist in the strangest of places, and serve extremely specific functions in nature, or were human-made with one goal in mind. From Cosmic Latte (the average color of the universe) to Dragon’s Blood (a tropical tree that bleeds a deep red resin with incredible medicinal potential); Sonoluminescence (a color created by sound!) to Eiengrau (the color we perceive in the absence of light, and no, it's not "pitch black"), here is the universe in living by Hank GreenA short and sweet introduction to color theory100 colors, organized in gradient order. Each entry features photos, diagrams if necessary, snappy descriptions, and easy-to-understand category symbols. Includes structural colors and colors outside the range of human visibility!Myth-busting sectionIndex, Glossary, and NotesPerfect for anyone who loves science or art, this gorgeous compendium of colors is bursting with astonishing facts and stunning photography.
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Book Review: The Universe in 100 Colors by Tyler Thrasher and Terry Mudge
Rating: 5 Stars
I recently had the pleasure of reviewing The Universe in 100 Colors by Tyler Thrasher and Terry Mudge, and let me tell you, this book is a visual feast! At the intersection of science and art, it's a captivating coffee table book that opened my eyes to a vibrant world of colors I never knew existed.
The authors take us on an exhilarating journey through the universe's color palette, showcasing 100 stunning hues that are often overlooked. Over billions of years, life on Earth has created a dazzling array of colors, some of which serve specific functions in nature while others are human inventions crafted for unique purposes. From the soft beige of Cosmic Latte (the average color of the universe) to the deep crimson of Dragon's Blood (a tropical tree with remarkable medicinal properties), this book highlights colors that are as mind-blowing as they are beautiful.
One of the things I loved most about this book is how it's organized. The 100 colors are arranged in gradient order, making it easy to flip through and admire the stunning photography that showcases each hue. The authors cleverly include snappy descriptions alongside diagrams when necessary, which made understanding the science behind these colors a breeze. I found myself fascinated by entries like Sonoluminescence—a color produced by sound—and Eiengrau, the hue we perceive in total darkness (and no, it's not just pitch black!).
As someone who enjoys both art and science, this book struck the perfect balance for me. Not only did it provide page after page of beautiful photographs, but it also offered fascinating facts and historical context about each color. I was pleasantly surprised to discover familiar names like Prussian Blue and Pompeian Red alongside lesser-known colors like Sonoluminescence and Astaxanthin. Each entry was a delightful nugget of knowledge that sparked my curiosity further.
Whether you're an artist seeking inspiration, a photography enthusiast who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, or simply someone looking for a stunning book for your coffee table, I can't recommend The Universe in 100 Colors enough! It's a book that invites you to explore, learn, and appreciate the vibrant tapestry of colors that surrounds us every day. Dive in, and prepare to be amazed!
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
