Pantone: The Twentieth Century in Color: (Coffee Table Books, Design Books, Best Books About Color)

Review

"A decade-by-decade deconstruction of the hues and shades that constituted the groovier aesthetics of the last century." -- Dwell

"Luxuriating over the names and choices of paint colors--Rubine Red, Rhodamine Red or Warm Red?--is one of the joys of going to the hardware store, even if you're only there to find a missing screw for the air conditioner and not a new shade for the living room walls. For anyone who relishes that trip down the chip aisle, salivating over Purple Opulence and Moonless Night, Pantone: The 20th Century in Color is a must-give. What surprises, however, is the larger historical picture that the hefty tome creates. The colors are organized by decade and by timely reference, including the fashion, television, news, art and design that inspired them." -- Oprah.com Holiday Gift Guide

"Iconic images from each decade and the color palettes they inspired--a trip down memory lane." --House Beautiful

"PANTONE: The Twentieth Century in Color is as much an ultimate treat for color-lovers as it is a fascinating and uncommon lens on familiar cultural history, a vibrant volume among the year's finest design-and-beyond books." -- TheAtlantic.com

"With more than 200 images of art, fashion, products, and decor, color expert Leatrice Eiseman and color consultant Keith Recker identify 100 years of color influenced by historical and cultural milestones. Both well-known and seldom-seen art illustrates the trends.... Most decades have eight palettes presenting a broad spectrum of color contrasts with an entertaining text that touches on countless cultural events.... As the century draws to a close, many images prompt a rush of memories as colors recall the spirit of the times." -- Communication Arts

"Prune and Gray Dawn infused Edwardian parties. Trekking Green and Saxony Blue helped color-code the World War I home front. Blue Bell gingham and Poppy Red slippers made The Wizard of Oz. In this visual feast for color nerds, hue gurus Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker identify the shades that shaped our collective color palette." -- Fast Company

"Pantone: The 20th Century in Color by Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker is more than just a gorgeous coffee table book. It is a walk through the kaleidoscope of colors that appear on appliances, house walls, carpeting, furnishings, and more. It's a look back at the entertainment and historical events that influenced the colors in today's homes. Homeowners who want an accurate period decor will find this book inspiring." -- Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Pantone: The 20th Century in Color (Chronicle Books), looks at how color and cultural history affect each other, and find their way into our homes. Authors Leatrice Eiseman and Keith Recker...use a curatorial approach in discussing each decade's most prevalent colors and why they might have become popular. It's an unusual lens on the last century: What was happening in society literally colored our lives, through upholstery, wall paint, rugs, and other textiles and accessories." -- Associated Press

"A gorgeous compendium of color trends spanning the twentieth century (with naturally some sly winks into our own 21st century). It's marvelous to leaf through or read in greater depth." -- Salon.com

"A fascinating look back." -- HOW

About the Author

Pantone, LLC is the world-renowned authority on color. Pantone's color systems - used in digital and print publishing, fashion, plastics, architecture, interiors, and paint - are the standard languages for accurate color communication.

Leatrice Eiseman is the executive director of the Pantone Color Institute, a forecaster, consultant, author, and director of Eiseman Center for Color Information and Training. She lives on Bainbridge Island, Washington.

Keith Recker is a color trend consultant for Pantone, and editor and founder of HAND/EYE magazine. He lives in Shelter Island, New York.