A dramatic history of cochineal, the small Mexican beetle whose precious red dye provoked global intrigue and piracy from medieval times to the present day - for fans of Mark Kurlansky A PERFECT RED recounts the colourful history of cochineal, a legendary red dye that was once one of the world's most precious commodities. Treasured by the ancient Mexicans, cochineal was sold in the great Aztec marketplaces, where it attracted the attention of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519. Shipped to Europe, the dye created a sensation, ...
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A dramatic history of cochineal, the small Mexican beetle whose precious red dye provoked global intrigue and piracy from medieval times to the present day - for fans of Mark Kurlansky A PERFECT RED recounts the colourful history of cochineal, a legendary red dye that was once one of the world's most precious commodities. Treasured by the ancient Mexicans, cochineal was sold in the great Aztec marketplaces, where it attracted the attention of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519. Shipped to Europe, the dye created a sensation, producing the brightest, strongest red the world had ever seen. Soon Spain's cochineal monopoly was worth a fortune. Desperate to find their own sources of the elusive dye, the English, the French, the Dutch, and other Europeans tried to crack the enigma of cochineal. Did it come from a worm, a berry, a seed? Could it be stolen from Mexico and transplanted to their own colonies? Pirates, explorers, alchemists, scientists, and spies - all joined the chase for cochineal, a chase that lasted for more than three centuries. A PERFECT RED tells their stories - true-life tales of mystery, empire, and adventure, in pursuit of the most desirable colour on earth.
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Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage and the Quest for the to cart. $19.16, good condition, Sold by Anybook rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lincoln, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2005 by Doubleday.
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Seller's Description:
This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has hardback covers. In good all round condition. Dust jacket in good condition. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 750grams, ISBN: 9780385605151.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage and the Quest for the to cart. $38.31, like new condition, Sold by Shadow Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Norwich, NORFOLK, UNITED KINGDOM, published 2005 by Doubleday.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red to cart. $22.21, very good condition, Sold by River House Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from San Antonio, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Doubleday.
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Seller's Description:
Very good in very good dust jacket. Paper over boards. Audience: General/trade. Hardcover Cloth 338 pages. Condition Very Good Dust Jacket Very Good. Presumed First edition First printing 2005 with corresponding number line. Handsome black boards and gilt embossing shows off this Clean, tight, square copy with no marks, highlights or bookplates. Book Well kept and carefully stored in unread condition. Slight shelf wear. Bumped corners. An unclipped dust jacket | Slipcase | smooth, clean and brilliant with slight shelf wear-a few wrinkles and chips. Not an ex-library, book club or remainder copy. A dramatic history of cochineal, the small Mexican beetle whose precious red dye provoked global intrigue and piracy from medieval times to the present day. A PERFECT RED recounts the colourful history of cochineal, a legendary red dye that was once one of the world's most precious commodities. Treasured by the ancient Mexicans, cochineal was sold in the great Aztec marketplaces, where it attracted the attention of the Spanish conquistadors in 1519. Shipped to Europe, the dye created a sensation, producing the brightest, strongest red the world had ever seen. Soon Spain's cochineal monopoly was worth a fortune. Desperate to find their own sources of the elusive dye, the English, the French, the Dutch, and other Europeans tried to crack the enigma of cochineal. Did it come from a worm, a berry, a seed? Could it be stolen from Mexico and transplanted to their own colonies? Pirates, explorers, alchemists, scientists, and spies-all joined the chase for cochineal, a chase that lasted for more than three centuries. A PERFECT RED tells their stories-true-life tales of mystery, empire, and adventure, in pursuit of the most desirable colour on earth.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the to cart. $67.26, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Doubleday.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the to cart. $122.03, new condition, Sold by GridFreed rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from North Las Vegas, NV, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Transworld Pub.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the to cart. $173.40, new condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Doubleday.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the to cart. $71.21, new condition, Sold by Just one more Chapter rated 3.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Miramar, FL, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Doubleday.
Add this copy of A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the to cart. $104.18, new condition, Sold by Orange World rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from mundelein, IL, UNITED STATES, published 2005 by Doubleday.
