WINNER OF THE BLUE PETER BOOK AWARD BEST BOOK WITH FACTS 2019!

A truly unique approach to history and a fascinating read that is guaranteed to keep boredom at bay, The Colours of History studies the shades, hues and pigments which have shaped the past and present.

Why did Roman emperors wear purple? Which colour is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? Find out the answers to these and many more questions in this vibrant exploration of the stories behind different colours, and the roles they've played throughout history.

From black to white, and all the colours in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each colour group is introduced with a stunning and interpretive double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the ‘colourful’ history of particular shades.

With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthral budding artists and historians alike.

"'What an intriguing title!.. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthral budding artists and historians alike.' " - Parents in Touch

"A stunning exploration of colour, its development and its importance in history. Twenty-four colours have been divided into shades and these sections are explored across a number of beautifully-illustrated and eye-catching pages." - The Reading Zone

"This fascinating book takes a unique view on world history, but organised by colour not date...This will be the perfect library resource for all artists and historians alike." - The Just Imagine Story Centre

"Here's a stunning book full of amazing facts, tons of colour and of course a whopping great big dose of history. We LOVE it! 
"The Colours of History" by Clive Gifford and Marc Peintre is just our sort of book.' " - Read it Daddy blog