A Perfect Red discusses the search for the “elusive” red dye and the impacts of the color red with a Eurocentric perspective. The book begins by providing a historical overview of the color red. Several cultures have displayed strong religious, psychological and political affiliations with the color through out history. Red was considered sacred to many ancient cultures, and appeared in funerals and religious ceremonies. Some societies associated red with magical powers and its ability to cure illness and ward off evil. Many affiliated it with courage, violence, war, sin, desire, and passion. Red also became a symbol of wealth and power, which Greenfield primarily explores in the book.
Kings, magistrates, and cardinals wore red clothing. In
Kings, magistrates, and cardinals wore red clothing. In