Theory of Colours
Theory of Colours is a book written by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe;Donald Eastlake. The book was published in 1970 and is listed under the Art category. For readers who want to quickly understand what this title offers, this page gives a clear overview of the book, including its description, author information, page count, ratings, and ISBN details.
The full title of the book is Theory of Colours. When available, the subtitle is , which gives extra context about the theme, focus, or main idea behind the book. According to the available description, By closely following Goethe’s explanations of the color phenomena, the reader may become so divorced from the wavelength theory–Goethe never even mentions it–that he may begin to think about color theory relatively unhampered by prejudice, ancient or modern. By the time Goethe’s Theory of Colours appeared in 1810, the wavelength theory of light and color had been firmly established. To Goethe, the theory was the result of mistaking an incidental result for an elemental principle. Far from pretending to a knowledge of physics, he insisted that such knowledge was an actual hindrance to understanding. He based his conclusions exclusively upon exhaustive personal observation of the phenomena of color. Of his own theory, Goethe was supremely confident: “From the philosopher, we believe we merit thanks for having traced the phenomena of colours to their first sources, to the circumstances under which they appear and are, and beyond which no further explanation respecting them is possible.” Goethe’s scientific conclusions have, of course, long since been thoroughly demolished, but the intelligent reader of today may enjoy this work on quite different grounds: for the beauty and sweep of his conjectures regarding the connection between color and philosophical ideas; for an insight into early nineteenth-century beliefs and modes of thought; and for the flavor of life in Europe just after the American and French Revolutions. The book does not have to be studied to be appreciated. Goethe’s subjective theory of colors permits him to speak most persuasively of color harmony and aesthetics. In some readers these notions will evoke a positive response on their merits. Others may regard them as pure fantasy, but savor the grace and style of their exposition. The work may also be read as an accurate guide to the study of color phenomena. Goethe’s conclusions have been repudiated, but no one quarrels with his reporting of the facts to be observed. With simple objects–vessels, prisms, lenses, and the like–the reader will be led through a demonstration course not only in subjectively produced colors, but also in the observable physical phenomena of color. By closely following Goethe’s explanations of the color phenomena, the reader may become so divorced from the wavelength theory–Goethe never even mentions it–that he may begin to think about color theory relatively unhampered by prejudice, ancient or modern.
This book has 423 pages, making it useful for readers who want to know the approximate length before starting. It has an average rating of 4.07, based on 669 ratings, which can help readers understand how other people have responded to it.
For cataloging and reference purposes, the ISBN-13 is 9780262570213, while the ISBN-10 is 0262570211. These numbers are helpful when searching for the exact edition of the book online, in libraries, or in bookstores.
The book cover image can be viewed here: http://books.google.com/books/content?id=1Jjv0oVT0x0C&printsec=frontcover&img=1&zoom=1&source=gbs_api.
Overall, Theory of Colours by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe;Donald Eastlake is a title that may interest readers looking for books in Art. Whether you are researching new books, comparing editions, or building a reading list, this page gives you the most important details in one place.
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