The Secret of Scent: Adventures in Perfume and the Science of Smell

“A rich sensory trip . . . this indispensable guide to all things smelly is as good as it gets.”—Sunday Telegraph

One man's passion for perfume leads him to explore one of the most intriguing scientific mysteries: What makes one molecule smell of garlic while another smells of rose?

In this witty, engrossing, and wildly original volume, author Luca Turin explores the two competing theories of smell. Is scent determined by molecular shape or molecular vibrations? Turin describes in fascinating detail the science, the evidence, and the often contentious debate—from the beginnings of organic chemistry to the present day—and pays homage to the scientists who went before. With its uniquely accessible and captivating approach to science via art, The Secret of Scent will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered about the most mysterious of the five senses.

One man's passion for perfume leads him to explore one of the most intriguing scientific mysteries: What makes one molecule smell of garlic while another smells of rose?

In this witty, engrossing, and wildly original volume, author Luca Turin explores the two competing theories of smell. Is scent determined by molecular shape or molecular vibrations? Turin describes in fascinating detail the science, the evidence, and the often contentious debate—from the beginnings of organic chemistry to the present day—and pays homage to the scientists who went before. With its uniquely accessible and captivating approach to science via art, The Secret of Scent will appeal to anyone who has ever wondered about the most mysterious of the five senses.

The best science book of the year so far. - BBC Radio 4

A rich sensory trip … this indispensable guide to all things smelly is as good as it gets. - Sunday Telegraph

Turin writes brilliantly, with the easy confidence of the expert and the infectious enthusiasm of the true amateur. - Tim Radford, The Guardian

“Highly recommended....With a gifted nose that ranges near-chromatographically over the perfumed landscape of human olfaction, the fabled hero of Chandler Burr’s The Emperor of Scent bridges modern science and the craft tradition of smell as no other on the planet....Galloping through a series of sprightly vignettes and interludes, he leads his readers to his raison d’etre, a theory of smell...The casual reader will learn more than enough to wow them at the perfumery in Bloomingdale’s or Galleries Lafayette, or at their next soiree. Buy it! Read it! Enjoy it! - Choice

“A fascinating tour of the world of fragrance, provided by a knowledgeable and passionate expert.” - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“Delightful . . . takes the reader through a tour of the almost infinite range of human olfactory possibilities.” - Science

“You can see the world in a grain of sandalwood, and heaven in a wildflower—rose, lily of the valley or jasmine—with Luca Turin at your side. . . . This is one of those books that . . . open new windows on the wider world. . . . Turin writes brilliantly, with the easy confidence of the expert and the infectious enthusiasm of the true amateur.” - Tim Radford, The Guardian