Perfume – A Century of Scents - Softcover

Ostrom, Lizzie

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1681775131 ISBN 13: 9781681775135

Publisher: Pegasus, 2017

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

In this witty, entertaining new book, Ostrom surveys the 20th century by examining 10 key scents created in each decade. It turns out that a history of perfume is both wide-ranging and oddly intimate; after all, Ostrom writes, 'a scent is as much about the people who wear it as the people who make it.'

Witty and informative, Ostrom's history reveals the way fragrance speaks for historical eras while also evoking them. Pleasant reading for both lovers of perfume and popular culture.

Rich and intriguing, this book explores the relationship between scents of the 20th century and their ties to politics, gender dynamics, fashion trends and the technologies of their time.

Readers with an interest in perfume and general history of the various time periods will enjoy Ostrom's fragrant reminiscences.

An entertaining romp through a century of perfumes. This book is as delectable an artifact as the product it describes . . .the perfect accompaniment to a bottle of J'Adore.

A really enjoyable and fun book.

A wonderful, well-informed read. Charming and illuminating.

Beautifully written and sumptuous. Will make a perfect gift.

Book Description:

The incredible stories of 100 perfumes in all their fragrant glory – ten lovingly chosen scents for each decade of the twentieth century.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pegasus
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1681775131
• ISBN 13: 9781681775135
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 384