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The Colour of Heaven James Runcie

The Colour of Heaven By James Runcie

The Colour of Heaven by James Runcie


$13,69
Condition - Very Good
Only 2 left

Summary

From the author of THE DISCOVERY OF CHOCOLATE -- a romantic historical quest set in Renaissance Venice and China surrounding the search for ultramarine.

The Colour of Heaven Summary

The Colour of Heaven by James Runcie

From the author of THE DISCOVERY OF CHOCOLATE -- a romantic historical quest set in Renaissance Venice and China surrounding the search for ultramarine. THE COLOUR OF HEAVEN is a fictional account of a young man who travelled to what are now Afghanistan and China to discover lapis lazuli, the precious stone that when turned into ultramarine changed the history of painting -- allowing artists to abandon gold as a background and open up depth, landscape and perspective with the most beautiful shade of blue. Along the way, Paolo suffers the torments of unfulfilled love before he returns to his anxious family in Venice, where he also plays a part in the early development of lenses and spectacles!

The Colour of Heaven Reviews

'The book has a winning charm -- an atmosphere of the Arabian Nights or a benevolent fairy tale. ! Runcie's real gift -- like that of his appealing young hero -- is a wonderful feel for colour.' Salley Vickers, The Times 'An exotic, action-packed tour of the 14th-century world. Runcie has taken a small nugget of history and polished it to delicious effect, capturing the flavour of everyday life in long-vanished societies! Both charming and touching.' Max Davidson, Sunday Telegraph 'Tender and gently comic, the novel shares much of the serenity and luminosity of the painting at its heart.' Michael Arditti, Independent 'What a wonderful book it is. A lush, gorgeous novel, rich in hue and flowing with historical atmosphere and a sense of exploration; it is pure delight to read. A vivid story, brilliantly told.' Oxford Times 'An enjoyable tale. Runcie gives us just the right amount of local colour without ever trying to impress us with his cleverness. This is a simple, charming tale and in that is its strength.' Church Times Praise for THE DISCOVERY OF CHOCOLATE: 'As intoxicating and addictive as the substance it describes. The novel is a triumph of inspired imagination' Financial Times 'A work of engaging simplicity which reads well, has plenty of light and shade and never patronises the reader. The potent appeal of chocolate!is vividly captured. Mouth-watering descriptions of food litter the text' Sunday Telegraph 'A sensual delight!elegantly written and unashamed fun' Joanne Harris, The Times 'His treasure of a book, fantastic and delicious and dreamily erotic by turns, will transmute your yearning for the bitter water into a craving from which you will, quite happily, never recover' Simon Winchester

About James Runcie

James Runcie is an award-winning film-maker. He has worked for BBC Arts and Classical Music for the last ten years but will soon be joining Oxford Television on a three film deal for Channel 4. He was part of the original team that created The Late Show and he has also worked in theatre. He has scripted three films for the BBC and reviewed books for Daily Telegraph and written articles for various magazines including She, Country Living, Evening Standard, Observer.

Additional information

GOR000878121
9780007119875
0007119879
The Colour of Heaven by James Runcie
Used - Very Good
Paperback
HarperCollins Publishers
20040202
304
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - The Colour of Heaven