Scent

Elise Pearlstine has written a captivating page-turner of a book that blends history, science, and chemistry together into an evocative story. -Stephen Buchmann, author of The Reason for Flowers: Their History, Culture, Biology, and How They Change Our Lives Elise Pearlstine has written a beautiful account of an important medium of human expression. Her gentle prose and lush descriptions are so lovely that at times they almost amount to a sort of poetry: joyous to read and supported by immaculate research. -Saskia Wilson-Brown, founder of The Institute for Art and Olfaction In this plant's-nose view of fragrance, the author plunges us into the redolent world of the vegetal Kingdom. We humans belong to another Kingdom to which plants are utterly indifferent, yet we are not indifferent to them, and our delight in their scents has had a major impact on civilization (from trade and courting rituals to cooking). In recounting how our respective histories (natural vs. cultural) have become entwined, this superb book will inspire the reader to discover their inner botanist and breathe deeply. -David Howes, author of The Sensory Studies Manifesto Elise Pearlstine gives voices to the unsung: the raw materials, pollinators, and plants that have inspired her and perfumers throughout history. Comprehensive and well researched, the book makes her passion for perfume palpable on every page. -Michelyn Camen, Editor-in-Chief, cafleurebon.com