When Blue Meant Yellow: How Colors Got Their Names

by Jeanne Heifetz

In 26 informative essays and over 300 alphabetical definitions, word detective Jeanne Heifetz tells us how the colors got their names. An etymological dictionary of color names, a fascinating exploration of the origins of English, and a scientific explanation of how we see the colors all around us, this book is filled with surprises and treats on every page.

171 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1994

Reviews

[emyrose8 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably read this book too fast (it was due back at the library and I couldn't renew it, what can I say?). This one is a book to read a little at a time to properly digest everything that's in here. In addition to learning where the names of colors come from, you also learn how certain words entered the English language. Lots of connections to science and history! There is also a color chart in the back as a reference. I wish there had been an index so I could look at a color on the chart and know what colors it refers to in the book, but that's my only complaint!

[Helen-Louise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting etymology of color names. Sometimes would have enjoyed a little more detail.

[Nancy K Baumgarten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, this book is great! I am exceptionally interested in sense perception and how it creates our sense of reality. I think all kids even much younger than the review suggests, should have this book read to them in small doses.... what a wonderful fun way to learn social history and many tidbits of subjects like chemistry, clothing, geography, city-states histories - this book brings it alive in vivid color!

I reduced it by one star only because I agree with the reviewer who mentioned that there was no index. Well, a hour later while listening to the evening news I had an index in hand and had fun skim reading the entries as I went. This exercise gave me all kinds of ideas such as making a coloring book for kids out of the images the authors entries evoked.