Historian and perfume expert Élisabeth de Feydeau lovingly and intricately dissects an essential aspect of human history in The Story of Perfume. Poets, philosophers, and scientists alike agree that smell can evoke feelings and memories more powerfully than any other sense, so it's only natural that personal fragrance has inspired fandom throughout history. Whether they are drawn to lactonic, earthy, gourmand, or spicy notes, fragrance enthusiasts of all varieties will find this comprehensive perfume history appealing.
Feydeau explains that in the ancient world, fragrance served as a vehicle into the spiritual realm, but following the Industrial Revolution, it took on a more secular dimension in European society, though it remained a highly powerful and often sacred means of self-expression. For many people, perfume serves as an identity marker, a wordless way to convey an emotion or impression. It's heartening and inspiring to read how these intentions have spanned centuries and crossed geographical borders, and to realize how the transformations of perfume's functions haven't hindered its significance to humanity.
Although the book is textbook-esque, don't be intimidated. De Feydeau presents layered histories to readers in a compelling manner. The pages are delectably adorned with paintings, historical documents, and images of glamorous perfume bottles, making for an endlessly enlightening foray into a niche cultural object. The Story of Perfume provides readers with an approachable anthropological descent into an often-unconsidered manifestation of personality and intention. It's perfect not only for perfume buffs but for history nerds and aesthetes as well. --Jess M., bookseller at Elliott Bay Book Company