Color Codes: Modern Theories of Color in Philosophy, Painting and Architecture, Literature, Music, and Psychology

by Charles A. Riley

"The first thing to realize about the study of color in our time is its uncanny ability to evade all attempts to systematically codify it," writes Charles A. Riley in this series of interconnected essays on the uses and meanings of color.

Genres: Art, Psychology, Philosophy, Design, Science, Architecture, Nonfiction

373 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is, most definitely, an academic study. The breadth and depth of the experience and research/background that the author had to call upon is breathtaking. I can't imagine how many years one would have to work on a huge volume like this. If I had to categorize it, it's probably within the realm of "art theory" or "art criticism"...but with a twist. Several chapters deal with art and artists--more specifically, with artists' view of the use of color. This is the bulk of the book, although there are also chapters on the philosophy of color, and the use of color IN 'philosophy'(or color in music, color in architecture, color in literature, et al). It's likely not a book you would read cover-to-cover unless you were doing so as part of a graduate seminar at a university. I only read bits and pieces. It is dense writing, and the author assumes a lot of audience knowledge on obscure references to other artists, authors, composers, etc. But it was fascinating, for instance, to read of the tight control the painter Whistler had over his own palate, as well as the way his works were shown and displayed (right down to the colors worn by museum docents--he had a master plan for it all!). Really interesting to me, but I don't have enough background to understand it all.

[Alexander Scott · Rating 3 out of 5]

very intellectual deep thinking and ramifications of thought upon thought upon thought upon philosophy upon meditation upon reflection upon the concept of colors and just why certain colors like RED means STOP or DANGER, and BLUE means COOL or 90's M&M. If you like deep dives, and happen to be not color blind, you'll find this right up your alley.
one thing that struck me as a bit odd and why i'm giving it the review I am, is there are no pictures. I mean, I know that may Sound like i'm a dummy or something but really, I feel as though this dense AF book could benefit from some visual examples? I mean, sure you can Google whatever they're talking about but then it becomes kind of a chore. I figured since the topic is color .... so yeah. Maybe i'm the only one who thinks this way, and if so ignore this but yeah.

[Craig Lawver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book on color

[Autumn Kotsiuba · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is ACADEMIC. I thought it would be a be a good introduction to color--its uses in philosophy, literature, art--but there's nothing introductory about it. A very, very thorough look at the implications of color on society.

This isn't meant to come across as a complaint; I learned from it. It's not a hard book to read, just intensive. If you're interested in color--I mean REALLY interested in color--give it a shot.

[Mia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most of the book was thorough in its examination of the (fairly complex) topic. The chapter on psychology felt extraneous and tacked on, and might have been better served by a longer chapter on the use of color in movies instead of just a discussion of the colorization controversy.

[Lydia · Rating 4 out of 5]

wonderful analysis of color in philosophy, painting, literature, music and psychology

[Marc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without going into too much technical depth, the book provides very interesting information on color and its application in real life.

[Janin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating look at the way we see and are influenced by color.

[Steve Clark]

1982.