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The Bluest of Blues

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Book Synopsis

A gorgeous picture book biography of botanist and photographer Anna Atkins–the first person to ever publish a book of photography

After losing her mother very early in life, Anna Atkins (1799-1871) was raised by her loving father. He gave her a scientific education, which was highly unusual for women and girls in the early 19th century. Fascinated with the plant life around her, Anna became a botanist. She recorded all her findings in detailed illustrations and engravings, until the invention of cyanotype photography in 1842. Anna used this new technology in order to catalogue plant specimens-a true marriage of science and art. In 1843, Anna published the book Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions with handwritten text and cyanotype photographs. It is considered the first book of photographs ever published. Weaving together histories of women, science, and art, The Bluest of Blues will inspire young readers to embark on their own journeys of discovery and creativity.

Our Review Panel says...

A beautifully presented picture about Anna Atkins, who is acknowledged to be one of the first women in the world to take a photograph, and one of the first people to publish a book of photographic images.

After being given a camera in 1841, Anna was excited by this new process, but it was her introduction to Herschel’s discovery of cyanotype printing that sparked a passion for cyanography; the process of using chemicals that react to sunlight to dye paper and print images. In the book, the author’s own drawings and cyanotypes are combined with reproductions of Anna Atkins’ original work.

Anna’s father, a scientist himself, is represented throughout the book as a passionate role model who continually inspires Anna, as well as encourages her to pursue an interest in nature and science, which, during Victorian times, was an unusual freedom for women.

The Bluest of Blues feels very topical and relevant for this generation. The story reminds us of the important role that pioneering women in history have contributed to science and art over the years.