Common and Uncommon Scents: A Social History of Perfume

Experience the fascinating world of scents with "Common and Uncommon Scents: A Social History of Perfume"! Delve into the sensory history that unveils the secrets behind the scents that have captured human fascination throughout time. From ancient civilizations to modern times, scents have played a significant role in shaping cultural identities and personal experiences.

Discover how scents were not only associated with health, wealth, and good hygiene but also served as indicators of one's moral character. Immerse yourself in the intriguing stories of how people used perfumes to perfume their homes, adorn themselves with scented jewelry, and even exchange scented letters and coins to leave a lasting impression.

Uncover intriguing moments in history where scents were cleverly employed to mask unpleasant odors. Learn how saffron was used to conceal the smell of blood in the Colosseum of Ancient Rome, or how perfumed pastilles were crafted to combat bad breath in earlier eras. Explore the Renaissance period's pungent leather gloves, which required perfuming to counter their unbearable stench.

Be captivated by the story of Paul Poiret, the trailblazing fashion designer who revolutionized the industry by introducing the first designer perfume in 1920. Explore how the introduction of synthetic scents brought about the democratization of perfume, making it accessible to all.

Written by Susan Stewart, this sensory delight of a book presents the very latest research in sensory history in an engaging and accessible manner. Whether you're a perfume enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the role scents play in our lives, "Common and Uncommon Scents" is a must-read!

Uncover the secrets of scents throughout history and indulge your senses with "Common and Uncommon Scents: A Social History of Perfume." Experience the fascinating journey by clicking here!