Join Lizzie Ostrom on an olfactory adventure as she explores the trends and crazes that have shaped the way we’ve spritzed. One hundred perfumes and scents in all their fragrant glory reveal a fascinating social history of the past century. From the belle epoque through the swinging sixties, to the naughty nineties and beyond, Ostrom brings intelligence and wit to this most ravishing of subjects.There was the patriotic impact of English Lavender during World War I and perfumes that captured the Egyptomania of the 1920s. Estee Lauder created "Youth Dew" and with it, distilled the essence of 1950's suburbia. Patchouli oil—the "anti-perfume" of the 1960s—was sure to keep money out of the hands of corporations and "the man." And who could forget the fervor created by the grunge androgyny of CK One? Scent is truly the passport to memory, making Perfume both a lush treat and an insightful examination of the twentieth century through the most mysterious of the five sense.
Average Rating
Informations
About the author
Lizzie Ostrom
Author
Perfume
by Lizzie Ostrom
Books Like Perfume
If you're looking for books similar to Perfume, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Essence and Alchemy
Mandy Aftel
A comprehensive exploration of natural perfumery that blends historical insight with practical knowledge. Aftel traces the cultural and artistic significance of fragrance through human history. The book provides a deep understanding of how scents are created and their profound impact on human experience. It offers a similar blend of cultural analysis and sensory exploration found in Ostrom's work. A poetic and informative journey through the world of perfumery.
The Perfect Scent
Chandler Burr
A deep dive into the world of perfume creation, exploring the art and science behind fragrance design. Burr follows the development of two distinct perfumes, offering an intimate look at the creative process. The book provides insights into the global fragrance industry and the personalities that shape it. It complements Ostrom's social history by examining the contemporary perfume landscape. A must-read for those fascinated by the olfactory arts.
The Book of Perfume
Elizabeth Barille
A comprehensive historical overview of perfume's cultural and artistic significance. Barille traces the evolution of fragrance from ancient civilizations to modern times. The book provides rich visual and historical context for understanding perfume's role in human culture. It complements Ostrom's approach by offering a broad historical perspective. A beautifully illustrated journey through perfume's history.
Fragrance
Edwin T. Morris
A comprehensive exploration of perfume's historical and cultural significance. Morris provides a detailed examination of how fragrances have shaped human experience across different cultures. The book offers a scholarly approach to understanding scent's role in society. It complements Ostrom's work by providing deep historical context. A definitive study of fragrance's cultural importance.
The Emperor of Scent
Chandler Burr
An extraordinary exploration of fragrance through the story of a maverick scientist challenging traditional theories of smell. The book delves into the complex world of olfactory perception and the cutting-edge research surrounding how humans experience scent. Burr's narrative combines scientific investigation with compelling personal storytelling. It offers a provocative look at the science behind perfume that echoes Ostrom's approach of uncovering hidden narratives. A fascinating companion to understanding the deeper mysteries of fragrance.
Fragrant
Mandy Aftel
An exploration of the intimate relationship between humans and fragrance across cultures and time. Aftel examines how scents shape our memories, emotions, and cultural experiences. The book provides a sensory journey through the world of natural aromatics and their profound impact on human perception. Similar to Ostrom's approach, it blends personal narrative with broader cultural analysis. A lyrical and insightful examination of scent's role in human experience.
Perfume: The Art and Craft of Fragrance
Karen Gilbert
A practical and comprehensive guide to understanding perfume creation. Gilbert provides insights into the technical and creative processes of fragrance design. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at how perfumes are conceived and created. It provides technical depth to complement Ostrom's cultural approach. An essential resource for understanding perfume as both art and science.
Essence
Kate Grenville
A novel that explores the world of perfume through a fictional narrative. Grenville creates a compelling story about a perfumer's journey of discovery and creativity. The book captures the artistic and emotional dimensions of fragrance creation. It offers a narrative approach that complements Ostrom's historical exploration. A beautifully written exploration of scent's transformative power.
The Secret of Chanel No. 5
Tilar Mazzeo
An in-depth exploration of the world's most famous perfume and its revolutionary creator, Coco Chanel. Mazzeo uncovers the cultural and personal stories behind the iconic fragrance's creation and global impact. The book reveals how a single scent can become a cultural phenomenon, much like Ostrom's approach to perfume history. It provides rich historical context and fascinating personal narratives about the perfume industry. A compelling look at how fragrance intersects with fashion and identity.
Coming to My Senses
Alyssa Harad
A personal memoir about discovering the world of perfume and its transformative power. Harad explores how fragrance becomes a form of self-expression and personal discovery. The book combines personal narrative with broader cultural observations about scent. It shares Ostrom's approach of using perfume as a lens to understand personal and social experiences. A charming and intimate exploration of fragrance.
The Chemistry of Fragrances
Charles Sell
A scientific exploration of the chemical composition of perfumes. Sell provides a detailed look at how fragrances are created and experienced at a molecular level. The book offers a technical complement to cultural approaches to perfume. It reveals the complex science behind scent creation. An essential read for those interested in the technical aspects of fragrance.
The Scent of Desire
Rachel Herz
A scientific exploration of how smell influences human behavior, emotion, and memory. Herz delves into the psychological and neurological aspects of olfactory perception. The book reveals the complex ways scent shapes our experiences and relationships. It offers a scientific complement to Ostrom's cultural approach to perfume history. An illuminating look at the power of smell in human experience.
The Perfect Poison
Celia Lyttelton
An exploration of the cultural and historical significance of natural perfume ingredients. Lyttelton travels the world investigating the origins of various fragrance components. The book provides a global perspective on how scents are sourced and created. It shares Ostrom's approach of using perfume as a window into broader cultural experiences. A fascinating journey through the world of fragrance.
The Scent of Impossible
Laurie Graves
An exploration of the creative process behind perfume design. Graves provides insights into how perfumers conceptualize and create unique fragrances. The book offers a personal and artistic perspective on scent creation. It shares Ostrom's approach of revealing the human stories behind perfume. A fascinating look at creativity in the world of fragrance.
No account connected — sign in to comment.