Perfumes: The A-Z Guide

by Luca Turin (Author), Luca Turin (Author), Tania Sanchez (Author)

New
Paperback
2009
$18.30

'I've long wished perfumery to be taken seriously as an art, and for scent critics to be as fierce as opera critics, and for the wearers of certain fragrances to be hissed in public, while others are cheered. This year has brought Perfumes: The Guide by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, which I breathed in, rather than read, in one delighted gulp.' Hilary Mantel, Guardian Perfumes: The Guide is the culmination of Turin's lifelong obsession and rare scientific flair and Sanchez's stylish and devoted blogging about every scent that she's ever loved and loathed. Together they make a fine and utterly persuasive argument for the unrecognised craft of perfume-making. Perfume writing has certainly never been this honest, compelling or downright entertaining.

Synopsis

'I've long wished perfumery to be taken seriously as an art, and for scent critics to be as fierce as opera critics, and for the wearers of certain "fragrances" to be hissed in public, while others are cheered. This year has brought Perfumes: The Guide by Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez, which I breathed in, rather than read, in one delighted gulp.' Hilary Mantel, Guardian Perfumes: The Guide is the culmination of Turin's lifelong obsession and rare scientific flair and Sanchez's stylish and devoted blogging about every scent that she's ever loved and loathed. Together they make a fine and utterly persuasive argument for the unrecognised craft of perfume-making. Perfume writing has certainly never been this honest, compelling or downright entertaining.

$18.30

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20+ in stock

More Information

Format: Paperback
Pages: 640
Edition: Main
Publisher: Profile Books
Published: 22 Oct 2009
ISBN 10: 1846681278
ISBN 13: 9781846681271
Book Overview: The must-have hardback has also been hailed as a masterpiece of criticism and invective. Over 400 new fragrances have been added to the original 1500 in this updated paperback.

Media Reviews

As scintillating as it is comprehensive...this pungent, entrancing book is a wake up call for the nostrils. * The Independent *
An unexpected classic of criticism -- Philip Hensher * Spectator (Books of the Year) *
If you are at all interested in perfume, one of life's greatest sensual pleasures, this is an essential possession -- David Sexton * Evening Standard *
This husband-and-wife team has produced a work of perfume criticism that is as gripping as any thriller. -- Jan Moir * Daily Mail *
I loved it and bought it for all my friends. I have to say that this is certainly my favourite non-fiction book ever and is very likely my favourite book of all time! If I had to take only one book with me onto a desert island for an indefinite time, it would be this one. * Joanne Harris - author of 'Chocolat' *
The perfect gift for the scent addict in your life...witty and informative - and, occasionally, deliciously bitchy. * The Times *
Brilliant writing... I shall now spray on my favourite scents in quite a different frame of mind! -- Joanna Trollope * By email *
hugely engrossing...the writing is brilliant...gorgeous. * Evening Standard *
Lyrical and acerbically witty compendium. * The Times *
From riotous one-liners to elaborate reviews, fragrance experts Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez have written an authoritative guide to the best and worst scents. * Daily Express *
It's a great book because it brilliantly combines technical knowledge with evocative, poetic and often laugh-out-loud-funny prose to provide incisive, vivid and honest criticism of all perfumes - from the 'staggeringly bad' to the 'deeply divine'. If you want to open your mind to the intricacies of scent - and enjoy a brilliant, entertaining read along the way - I can't recommend it enough. * Elle *
consistently entertaining...scathingly inventive bitchiness. * Sunday Business Post *
astonishingly brilliant and witty companion to all things fragrant. * Spectator *
dazzlingly comprehensive compendium...the writing is the olfactory equivalent of mouthwatering. * Observer *
genuinely wonderful...the authors's sense of smell is amazing. * Daily Telegraph *
I was fascinated... a description of every perfume known to man, which sounds peculiar, but is mesmeric. -- William Leith * Evening Standard (Books of the year) *
a staggeringly complete compilation of perfume reviews...ridiculously entertaining. * Daily Mail *
For any fragrance fanatic...an indispensable beauty bible. * Norwich Evening News *
Highly entertaining critique which had me both fascinated and laughing out loud in equal measure... addictive and informative. -- Phyl Clarke * Irish Times *
It's scents-sational! -- Rochelle Warner * Fabulous.co.uk *
A wise investment and an addictive read. -- Gillian Nelis * Sunday Business Post *
The authors' evocative and vivid writing style convinces us that perfume isn't a science but an art. Never again will you be able to walk past a perfume counter with quite the same nonchalance... if you have a nose for a good book, buy this one. -- Anita Sethi * Independent on Sunday *
They're funny, bizarre, weird, hilarious writers. -- Alex Heminsley * BBC Radio 2 *
It's an eau-de-must-have. If it came in a bottle we'd wear it. * The City Weekly Magazine (Australia) *
As riveting as a novel and as therapeutic as a recipe book. -- Jan Masters * Reader's Digest *

Author Bio

LUCA TURIN is the man who perfume-lovers openly adore. He's the author of The Secret of Scent (Faber, 2006). His top-rated perfume is Guerlain's Mitsouko. TANIA SANCHEZ is journalist and a perfume collector and expert from New York. Her personal perfume collection numbers almost 2000 bottles. They are married and divide their time between Boston and London.