The Cultures of Perfume: Scents that Shaped History
By Saskia Wilson-Brown.
A people’s history of perfume—what the art of olfaction can teach us about ourselves and our common humanity
How do Las Vegas casinos convey the sensation of fresh water in the middle of a desert? What is the connection between unripe produce and the new popularity of green-smelling perfumes? And why do we love putting these scents and more on our skin? This illustrated field guide to 36 distinct scent notes tells the story of smell and humanity’s fascination with perfume through anecdotes, historical research and folk knowledge. With a smart and politically savvy style, author Saskia Wilson-Brown argues for scent as an art on a par with all other forms of art, and demonstrates how its appreciation and creation can be enjoyed by everyone. Nine thematic sections—Among the Elements; In Sickness and in Health; Seduction; Magic and the Supernatural; Religion; Power; Trade Paths; The Golden Age of Consumerism; and The Stories We Tell—move from the ancient origins of scent-making to the birth of the perfume industry and beyond to the speculative scents of outer space. Readers learn of the economic, chemical, political and psychological components of the dreamy florals, sparkling aldehydes, animalic musks and other materials behind some of the world’s most recognizable scents. Designed by Brian Paul Lamotte, The Cultures of Perfume features a “Smell More” section after each chapter, in which readers can follow their interests (and their noses) to find recommendations for scents by independent brands. Saskia Wilson-Brown founded the Los Angeles–based Institute for Art and Olfaction as a nonprofit advancing access and experimentation in perfumery. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, W, Paper, the Hollywood Reporter, Art in America and more.
STATUS: Forthcoming | 12/8/2026
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The Cultures of Perfume: Scents that Shaped History
Published by D.A.P.. By Saskia Wilson-Brown.
A people’s history of perfume—what the art of olfaction can teach us about ourselves and our common humanity
How do Las Vegas casinos convey the sensation of fresh water in the middle of a desert? What is the connection between unripe produce and the new popularity of green-smelling perfumes? And why do we love putting these scents and more on our skin?
This illustrated field guide to 36 distinct scent notes tells the story of smell and humanity’s fascination with perfume through anecdotes, historical research and folk knowledge. With a smart and politically savvy style, author Saskia Wilson-Brown argues for scent as an art on a par with all other forms of art, and demonstrates how its appreciation and creation can be enjoyed by everyone. Nine thematic sections—Among the Elements; In Sickness and in Health; Seduction; Magic and the Supernatural; Religion; Power; Trade Paths; The Golden Age of Consumerism; and The Stories We Tell—move from the ancient origins of scent-making to the birth of the perfume industry and beyond to the speculative scents of outer space. Readers learn of the economic, chemical, political and psychological components of the dreamy florals, sparkling aldehydes, animalic musks and other materials behind some of the world’s most recognizable scents. Designed by Brian Paul Lamotte, The Cultures of Perfume features a “Smell More” section after each chapter, in which readers can follow their interests (and their noses) to find recommendations for scents by independent brands.
Saskia Wilson-Brown founded the Los Angeles–based Institute for Art and Olfaction as a nonprofit advancing access and experimentation in perfumery. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, W, Paper, the Hollywood Reporter, Art in America and more.
