The Cultures of Perfume: Scents That Shaped History

The Cultures of Perfume: Scents That Shaped History

A Presentation by Saskia Wilson-Brown

In celebration of the release of her book The Cultures of Perfume: Scents That Shaped History (published by D.A.P.), Saskia Wilson-Brown returns to the Philosophical Research Society for a scent-enlivened exploration of perfume's impact on human culture.

Over the course of 1.5 hours, she will demonstrate how perfume has helped us understand our place in the world. Expect anecdotes, plenty of smells, and generous time set aside for questions (and insights) from the attendees.

ABOUT THE BOOK

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?The Cultures of Perfume is an illustrated field guide to 36 distinct scent notes that tell 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.

Tickets: $12 (in person only)

Please email events@prs.org or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.