Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent
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A micro-encyclopedia for those who want to know the perfumer’s work and learn about the perfume industry from the inside, but have no guide on where to start.
Publisher : Arcade; Reprint edition (October 18, 2016)
Language : English
Paperback : 128 pages
ISBN-10 : 1628726962
ISBN-13 : 978-1628726961
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.25 x 0.4 x 7.25 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book informative and interesting, providing a good overview of the industry and history of perfumery. They find it well-written and enjoyable, describing it as an honest and professional guide. Readers appreciate the backstory and relevance, even though it’s over 15 years old. However, opinions differ on the writing quality – some find it well-translated and lyrical, while others feel the author is not a skilled writer.
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13 reviews for Perfume: The Alchemy of Scent
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Original price was: $15.99.$9.37Current price is: $9.37.
jake butler –
behind the veil of mass market perfumery
A great book on how the author got his start in perfumery and a good breakdown on how he came up with the ideas of some of his most popular fragrances. I’ve read some of the other reviews that I guess expected a book on how to start making perfume but that’s not possible in a relatively short book especially when you are looking into using synthetics along with naturally derived ingredients. It’s not a science book it’s an artist explaining his own process. Near the end of the book he devotes a few chapters explaining how a finished product makes it to your local department store shelf which is also pretty fascinating. If you are looking for a “How to make perfume” book this isn’t it but its an amazing book regardless.
Auny A. –
Excellent book for Those wishing to learn the art of Perfume
I believe many of the negative reviews for this book are due to a misunderstanding of its purpose. Jean-Claude Ellena is sharing his vision with us. He is letting us into his creative process, so that we might see what being a perfumer means to him. It is like Monet sharing his methods and the thinking processes he uses with us. any artist knows that true art is more than technique.. Understanding that perfumery is not merely technical, but art…art with the intangible, is what is being premised. There is much to learn here. I also believe that this was written in a humble manner. No where did I see arrogance of a preference for all things French. Many of the classic perfumes he mentions here are French…try to name some early classic perfumes that are not. It is a lovely, lyrical book. Other than the charts not showing properly on the Kindle version I bought, it is well translated and I didn’t really notice any editing problems. If you are looking for dirt and gossip about the world of perfume, this is not a book for you. If you want to see into the mind of one of the world’s greatest perfumers, buy it. You won’t be disappointed!
Matthew Rapaport –
Good introduction to perfume making and selling
An introduction to the history and business of creating and marketing perfume and related fragrance products. Each of the chapters is short and summary in nature. The author sacrifices technical detail for scope. On balance, and given that his readers know little to nothing of the subject (or of organic chemistry, etc), he does a good job pulling all the threads together. If you are curious about the science, art, and business of perfume making and selling, this book is a good beginning.
KSA –
Astounding insights into art
In discussing the finer points – or notes – of perfume, Jean-Claude Ellena weaves in vital insights into art above and beyond the medium of fragrance. This is an utterly charming and informative book: my only complaint is that the kindle edition is missing a promised âfragrance mapâ illustration alluded to by the author: an incredibly daft oversight that is unforgivable on the part of the editor and one that should be corrected at once.
Sarina –
You Will Read it Over and Over!
This book is a must have for anyone working with scents. It explains how to create, not what to create. In other words, there are no ready made formulations. The insights will help you understand how to create a signature scent. I had several “a ha” moments. Well get the book, you’ll see. Oh one more thing, the book explains how to get to know your inventory.
Orlin –
Not an instructional type book.
This book deals more with the authorâs personal experiences in the perfume making industry. This is not a primer how to book on making perfumes and mixing scents.
Christina DiBella –
Great Book To Introduce You To Perfumery!
This was required reading for a program at work (fragrance house), and i loved it ! Super light read; you’ll finish in a day or two max.I felt it gave a great overview of the industry and the history of perfumery, highlighting key perfumers & fragrances. Impressed with its overall relevance, considering itâs over 15 years old
Norwegian1984 –
Should be considered a manifesto, a great one!
You dont’t buy this book if you’re averagely interested in perfume.But, if you are interested in perfumery, and how perhaps the worlds mostcharismatic yet rebellious nose actually thinks, reflects and works?Then this is the book for you. Ellena reveals a huge secret about the materialsthat he keeps in his collection, and actually gives all the information you needto organise your “perfumer’s organ” the excact same way as himself.For me, this book is invaluable, when it comes imspiration and general talk aboutraw-materials that seems impossible to find elsewhere. I just recently bought his newbook that came after this one, where he picks up the thread about materials here and there,but also devoted a whole section about formulation of the very ingredients listed in thisbook. After reading this book it felt like I had just been speending a few days inside Ellenashouse in Cabris, where he does all his formulation.
Kindle Customer jh –
Eminently readable, informative and very interesting.Every thing you want to know about the art of creating the most elusive of our senses …. divine perfume.
Kindle Customer –
As a beginner, this interesting insight into the fragrance world was very helpful…I would definitely recommend this book to anyone wanting to grasp some concepts about a new fragrant world.
MD –
Not sure what to say here. The book was delivered and is an ecellent read.
å½©é¦ –
Great book.
Elton –
O livro é inspirador e traz muitos insights preciosos para quem quer entender melhor a perfumaria.