A Dictionary of Color Combinations: Vol. 2

OK. We’ll admit it: When our sales rep suggested this book, we were, like, Meh. Color? No thanks. Maybe that’s because we failed Color and Light in college. (No joke.) But we took a chance and are so glad we did. This little book is as lovely as it is useful.

From 1933 to 1934, Sanzo Wada published a collection of color combinations that was the first of its kind in Japan. Following on that enduring bestseller, A Dictionary of Color Combinations Vol. 2 brings back two more works by Wada published in 1935–1936 and 1938, respectively. The book presents 72 color patterns themed on the Japanese seasons and another 165 drawn from early- to mid-twentieth-century fashion, interior, and graphic design, making it an indispensable reference for designers, fashion and interior specialists, illustrators, photographers, writers, and indeed anyone engaged in creative work.

You don’t need to be interested in Japanese color research to put this book to good use. And you don’t need to have gotten an A+ in (or even passed) a color theory course to enjoy A Dictionary of Color Combinations. It’s a delicious little book.