Book of the Week

The Perfect Red;  Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire
Amy Butler Greenfield

In the sixteenth century one of the world's most precious commodities was the red dye cochineal produced by the insect, Dactylopius coccus. Treasured and used by the ancient Mexicans and sold in Aztec marketplaces it was first introduced to Europe by the Spanish conquistadors. The dye created a sensation in Europe producing the strongest, brightest and most lasting red the world had ever seen; wars, intrigue and legends surrounded it for over three centuries.

This book follows the story of pirates, explorers, alchemists, spies, and scientists on their adventures in pursuit of the most desirable color on earth: a perfect red. I found it fascinating