Mauve: How One Man Invented a Colour That Changed the World
Garfield, Simon
Sold by Raven's Roost, Milltimber, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since March 26, 2025
Used - Hardcover
Condition: Used - Fine
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketSold by Raven's Roost, Milltimber, United Kingdom
AbeBooks Seller since March 26, 2025
Condition: Used - Fine
Quantity: 1 available
Add to basketFine first edition, first printing in near fine dust jacket. Dj with small crease to top of front cover else fine. In 1856, an 18 year old chemist working in his home accidentally discovered the colour mauve while searching for artificial quinine. It made him the richest chemist in England and 'had fundamental effects on the development of explosives, perfume, photography and modern medicine. Photographs and illustrations. Bibliography; index.
Seller Inventory # 000941
"So what?" you might say. "A teenager invented a new color." As Simon Garfield admirably points out in Mauve, the color really did change the world. Before Perkin's discovery all the dyes and paints were colored by roots, leaves, insects, or, in the case of purple, mollusks. As a result, colors were inconsistent and unpredictably strong, often fading or washing out. Perkin found a dye that would always produce a uniform shade--and he pointed the way to other synthetic colors, thus revolutionizing the world of both dyemaking and fashion. Mauve became all the rage. Queen Victoria wore it to her daughter's wedding in 1858, and the highly influential Empress Eugénie decided the color matched her eyes. Soon, the streets of London erupted in what one wag called the "mauve measles."
Mauve had a much wider impact as well. By finding a commercial use for his discovery--much to the dismay of his teacher, the great August Hofmann, who believed there needed to be a separation between "pure" and "applied" science--Perkin inspired others to follow in his footsteps: "Ten years after Perkin's discovery of mauve, organic chemistry was perceived as being exciting, profitable, and of great practical use." The influx of bright young men all hoping to earn their fortunes through industrial applications of chemistry later brought significant advances in the fields of medicine, perfume, photography, and even explosives. Through it all, Garfield tells his story in clever, witty prose, turning this odd little tale into a very entertaining read. --Sunny Delaney
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Payment by Sterling check drawn on a UK bank, Paypal, VISA, MasterCard & AMEX. Further images of any book available upon request.
Clean shipping materials will be re-used if possible.
| Order quantity | 15 to 40 business days | 5 to 10 business days |
|---|---|---|
| First item | US$ 19.71 | US$ 26.28 |
Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.