Scent

Pearlstine, Elise Vernon

£20.00

A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator

Out of stock

Publish Date: 26/07/2022

Description

A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator
 
“An evocative journey that awakens one’s curiosity to an oft-forgotten sense.”-Dana Dunham, Scientific American
 
Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling compound called benzyl acetone to attract pollinators. Only recently in the evolutionary history of plants, however, have humans learned to co-opt their fragrances to seduce, heal, protect, and alter moods themselves.
 
In this wide-ranging and accessible new book, biologist-turned-perfumer Elise Vernon Pearlstine turns our human-centered perception of fragrance on its head and investigates plants’ evolutionary reasons for creating aromatic molecules. Delving into themes of spirituality, wealth, power, addiction, royalty, fantasy, and more, Pearlstine uncovers the natural history of aromatic substances and their intersection with human culture and civilization.

Additional information

Weight 448 g
Dimensions 216 × 140 × 30 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Hardback

Pages

xvi, 256

Language

English

Edition
Dewey

635.968 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K