SKU: 58406548019

True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color--From Azure to Zinc Pink

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Description

True Color: The Strange and Spectacular Quest to Define Color--From Azure to Zinc PinkA kaleidoscopic journey through the secret history of hues and the story of the obsessive genius behind the definitions of colors we use today, from the beloved author of Word by Word "Wildly entertaining and bountifully informative; I couldn't have enjoyed myself more." Benjamin Dreyer, New York Times bestselling author of Dreyer's English begonia (n.): 3 s: a deep pink that is bluer, lighter, and stronger than average coral (see coral 3b), bluer

A kaleidoscopic journey through the secret history of hues--and the story of the obsessive genius behind the definitions of colors we use today, from the beloved author of Word by Word

"Wildly entertaining and bountifully informative; I couldn't have enjoyed myself more." --Benjamin Dreyer, New York Times bestselling author of Dreyer's English

begonia (n.): 3 -s: a deep pink that is bluer, lighter, and stronger than average coral (see coral 3b), bluer than fiesta, and bluer and stronger than sweet william -- called also gaiety

What could "bluer than fiesta" possibly mean? While editing dictionaries for Merriam-Webster, Kory Stamper found herself drawn again and again to the whimsical color definitions in Webster's Third New International Dictionary--especially when compared to the dry and impersonal entries that filled the rest of the volume. Stamper couldn't help but wonder: Who was the voice behind these peculiar definitions?

Meet I. H. Godlove, an erratic but brilliant up-and-coming scientist who was one of the experts Merriam-Webster hired in 1930 to help revise the dictionary to reflect a rapidly modernizing world. His fascinating life mirrors the wild and winding journey that color science, color psychology, and color production took through the twentieth century. Stamper tracks these industries as they move into the atomic age and intertwine in strange and surprising ways, spanning two world wars and involving chemical explosions, an unexpected suicide, dramatic office politics, and an extraordinary love story.

Filled with captivating facts about color words and colors themselves--did you know that the word "puke" used to refer to a fashionable shade of reddish-brown before it was associated with vomit?--and fueled by Stamper's inexhaustible curiosity, True Color will transform the way you see the world, from black-and-white to Technicolor.

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SKU: 58406548019

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4.7 ★★★★★
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Chaithanya Kota
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect Nightstand Organizer and Looks Amazing
Color: Dark Brown
This valet tray is exactly what I was looking for. The wood looks great and feels sturdy, and it keeps all my everyday items in one place. I use it for my keys, wallet, watch, and phone, and my nightstand looks much neater now. Its great to keep all the thing you need when leaving the house in one place. It’s the perfect size, well made, and looks nice enough to leave out on display. Would definitely recommend this if you want an easy way to keep your essential items organized or need a solid gift idea.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Michael
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great product
Color: Dark Brown
Can't complain at all. For the price it is perfect. Looks great, does it's job flawlessly. Highly recommend.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 31, 2025
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Verified Purchase
nathan trotter
Port Orchard, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for entryway organization
Color: Light Brown
This is a great addition to an enterior entry surface to reduce clutter. I place wallet, knife, keys, and other items here when I return and haven't misplaced a wallet or keys since. It looks great, resists dust well, and is durable. The perfect size for a sofa table, or entry table.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2026
F
Verified Purchase
fabfourfan2000
Lake Worth, US
★★★★★ 4
Slight delamination
Color: Black
I purchased this to better contain all the stuff I keep in my pockets when I change pants. I keep it on my nightstand. The size is perfect for my needs. It seems fairly well made. However as others have mentioned, the bottom rubber lining arrived slightly delaminated. In my case, it’s not a huge issue as the area is a very thin line. I would recommend that the manufacturer do a little better job with the gluing process during assembly and pay more attention performing a QC check. Other than this small complaint, I am satisfied with this tray.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
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Verified Purchase
D_will
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Pretty good product!!
Color: Dark Brown
This wooden valet tray is exactly what I needed for my new apartment. It surprised me how big it was because I wasn’t expecting it to be that big. Overall, this tray is good and holds all my things!
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Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026

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