As with previous readings, Amy Butler Greenfield takes the
reader on a journey to a world few of us knew of in her book A Perfect Red. By explaining what color meant to people,
not only Mesoamerica and Spain, but also cultures through time, she established
a solid reason to study the impacts of cochineal. According
to her evidence, red was a greatly desired color for clothing, especially in Renaissance
Europe. The sub title is very effective
in revealing the direction and themes the book is to explore – Empire,
Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire.
This book is a very easy read and yet, as a popular history
volume, full of very specific details. Her passion for the subject is understandable
since her father and grandfather were dyers.
Her ability to weave cochineal through history is quite enjoyable. The world of color and dyes is one in which I
am not familiar, but the author made the secrecy of dyers and their guilds come
alive, for example the tale of Lucca and Venice dyers intrigues. One of the most interesting threads
throughout the book was the fact the Europeans in Mexico or Europe had no clue what
cochineal was or its source (was it a berry, worm or the unique wormberry?). It was not until curious scientists with
microscopes were to able conclude the red dyestuff was a product of an insect.
A Perfect Red
appears to be an uncontroversial book. For
one thing, only two people have posted their blogs and the comments are of
subdued tone. Carol gave a very concise summary. James took the route of politics and empire. Both blogs pulled point of interest and did
not seem to have any contention with the author and I will throw my hat in the ring
with them. The authors narrative and
informative style was pleasant. I learned
about various cultures through textile history in the setting of
conquest, empire and the industrial revolution.
Kent, I agree that is an 'easy read'. Not for the same reasons you state. Greenfield is a product of a great education and desire to convey her 'biography' of red in a more historical framework than our previous reads. Since Greenfield gave up her goal of a PhD, for the design world and now YA books, so her went her career as a history scholar. Yet, the book represent some intense research and historical perspectives. The slovenly Conquestidors, and gold hungry Spanish reign, as well as the hauty imposition of haute couture. Alchemy, and chemistry are also a strong point of Greenfield's knowledge. In general, I think she know more history than she reveals. Though it seems popular, her age left out, would it be so popular say 20-40 years ago?
ReplyDeleteIt is good to be reminded that part of this story was about the lack of scientific knowledge, a lack that was in the process of being changed. Leeuwenhoek makes a mistake in the identification of cochineal which he later corrects. But an adversary uses his error to discredit him. The advancement of science was not without personal competition and quarrelsome behavior. Ruusscher recognized that proof by a microscope would not convince the public. There are always people who don't believe in science. He realized that only the sworn word of respectable men would convince the general public that cochineal was an insect. He accomplished this by having a person go to Oaxaca to get reputable proof from respectable men. I have read that the prestige of the Royal Society in its beginning was based upon the assumption that because its members were gentlemen and did not have to earn a living, their word could be trusted.
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