Review by Choice Review
Zollinger, a writer on color chemistry, explores the interplay of various aspects of color and conveys to a broad audience the wealth of empirical observations generated by his four decades as both an industrial research chemist and a teacher in organic chemical technology. Following a dictum of his own mentor, Zollinger acts on the premise "... that one should enjoy one's profession by being inquisitive and pursuing the unexpected." Although a straightforward account is given of the relevant physics, chemistry, and psychology, it is the author's subjective interpretations and sheer love of color itself that sustains the reader's interest. Colorimetry measurements, for example, are used to explore the contrasts and harmonies of color hue, value and saturation. An explanation of color vision--retinal photochemistry along with the anatomy and cognitive strategies of the visual system--is followed by an extensive treatment of color naming, which Zollinger considers to be a complex psychological response function and a link to various cultural phenomena. One of the more interesting chapters examines the nature and use of color in Western art from antiquity through the 20th century. Throughout, the work is readable, informative and up-to-date. General readers; upper-division undergraduates through professionals. R. M. Davis; Albion College
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
