Why did Roman emperors wear purple? Which colour is made from crushed beetles? What green pigment might be used to build super-fast computers of the future? From black to white, and all the colours in between, every shade has a story to tell. Each colour group is introduced with a stunning and interpretative double-page spread illustration, followed by illustrated entries exploring the history of particular shades. With vivid, thought-provoking illustrations and engaging, bite-sized text, this book is a feast for the eyes and the mind, ready to enthral budding artists and historians alike.