The Universe in 100 Colors
Weird and Wondrous Colors from Science and Nature
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Average rating5
At the intersection of science, art, and design, this must-have coffee table book highlights 100 mind-blowing colors that you’ve likely never seen before. From Instagram sensation and self-described "mad scientist artist" Tyler Thrasher and creator of the popular Matter subscription box Terry Mudge, this book comes with a foreword by Hank Green. This gorgeous compendium contains 100 amazing 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. In this oversized, design-forward book you'll find entries for each of the 100 colors, organized in gradient order, with structural and impossible colors set at the end. Each entry has a 2-page spread with a full-page image of the color plus snappy descriptions, and easy-to-understand category symbols. Some entries include diagrams. Even includes structural colors and colors outside the range of human visibility! Also included is a brief introduction to color theory, a myth-busting section, plus index, glossary, and notes. Here is your universe in living color: Cosmic Latte: The average color of the universe. Dragon’s Blood: A tropical tree that bleeds red resin with incredible medicinal potential. Sonoluminescence: A color created by sound! Eigengrau: The color we perceive in the absence of light (and no, it's not "pitch black"). Perfect for anyone who loves science or art, and bursting with astonishing facts and stunning photography, The Universe in 100 Colors is a wonder for the senses.
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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⚠️
