Critique du Library Journal

Designer and illustrator Cabarga taps into the vast possibilities of color by presenting color combinations in eight sections, based on geographic regions. This volume is essentially an anthology of different types of art from around the world, illustrated throughout with examples of web sites, packages, posters, paintings, and architectural elements that show how different regions use color to reflect their cultures and identities. Much of the book is anecdotal, and the writing is not a strong point, its purpose being more practical than theoretical. Postage stamp-sized color designs accompany the artwork to demonstrate alternative uses of the color palettes found in the art on each page. There are also keys with 750 "process" (CMYK) and on-screen (RGB) formulas. With so many visual assets, this book is a valuable resource and time saver that will be useful for graphic designers. It may not be appropriate for libraries with very limited collections Johannes Itten's The Elements of Color (1970) should be the first color book in any collection but it does take a new approach to organizing the material. Dorion Beach, Turner & Assoc., San Francisco (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.