History Book Club “A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire”
A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire by Amy Butler Greenfield (2006)
November 13, 2024
The History Book Club presents free discussions about literature and art—and you’re invited! Focusing on books about life in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries, these talks are inspired by the collections of the two MFAH house museums: Rienzi and Bayou Bend.
November’s selection is A Perfect Red: Empire, Espionage, and the Quest for the Color of Desire by Amy Butler Greenfield. This book traces the history of cochineal, a highly coveted source of red dye, and its place in centuries of intrigue as global powers pursued the secrets to producing the most desired color on earth.
► Via Zoom | 1:30 p.m. or 7 p.m. Register online to attend.
Questions? 713.639.7800 or 713.639.7759 / rienzi@mfah.org or bayoubend@mfah.org
Education programs at Rienzi receive generous funding from the Sterling-Turner Foundation; Alkek and Williams Foundation; Carroll Sterling and Harris Masterson III Endowment; and the Caroline Wiess Law Endowment for Rienzi.
Education programs at Bayou Bend receive generous funding from Houston Junior Woman's Club; Mary Lynn and Steve Marks; Susan Vaughan Foundation; Denise Monteleone; Ms. Bobbie Nau; William A. and Madeline Welder Smith Foundation; and additional generous donors.
These education programs also receive income from funds provided by the Carol and Les Ballard Endowment; the Judy and Charles Tate Endowment; the James William Glanville and Nancy Hart