Library No 5, Dahling

Ok, how bizarre is this? A perfume that yes, smells like an old book. The scent of In The Library is described as:

English Novel taken from a Signed First Edition of one of my very favorite novels, Russian & Moroccan leather bindings, worn cloth and a hint of wood polish.

The creator of this perfume, Christopher Brosius, expresses his love of that old book smell:

I love books, particularly old ones. I cannot pass a second hand bookshop and rarely come away without at least one additional volume. I now have quite a collection...Whenever I read, the start of the journey is always opening the book and breathing deeply. Don't you find there are few things more wonderful than the smell of a much-loved book?

Sure, I enjoy the smell of old books as much as the next guy, but I don't think I want to wear that kind of perfume, nor do I want people around me to smell like that either. Or are you supposed to spray this stuff on all your new books, so that they instantly smell old? That old book smell is so wonderful because it belongs to old books, those who have earned the right to smell that way, and be cherished by their owners.  A new book with a fake book smell is just being a poser, nay, an imposter of the worst kind.

I can't help but be reminded of that deliciously creepy novel Perfume by Patrick Suskind. I trust no books were killed in the process of creating this scent? That would be an interesting idea for a novel, don't you think? A man obsessed with the smell of rare books who is compelled to break into old libraries and murder the owners of said books in order to (shudder!) destroy the books for their delicious, unique scent. Can you say Bestseller, baby? Ok, maybe not. Oh, and speaking of books, apparently Mr. Brosius has written a book about the Experience of Scent which will be published by Harry N Abrams in the spring of 2007.

Thanks to the fabulous Kimbooktu for the link!

Comments

[Beth]

While I love the smell of old books, I do not need a perfume that would make me smell even older than I am. (I'd probably attract mould and mildew.)

[Carl V.]

Hmmmmm...I think it is a fun idea but I can't say I would find my wife attractive if she smelled like old books.

[Pete]

"Oh, darling, you smell so musty tonight! Come hither!"

[donna]

My favorite perfume is between my legs. ;^)

[cipriano]

Your blog reminds me that I am still waiting for someone to come out with a fragrance called "Coffee Man".... my favorite smell.
I am not sure how much the women would like it, but I sure would.
Or how about "Fresh Bread"? Mmmmm..... rub a bit of that on each wrist, the women will be CHASING ME!
Of all the above comments thus far, Donna's seems quite interesting....

[patricia]

Yes, Cip, I'm still trying to figure that comment out...

[Douglas]

I can imagine this product becoming part of the librarians' standard kit, the way New Car Smell is undoubtedly in the desk drawer of every used car salesman. "Wendy, have you spritzed the internet terminals yet?" "No, I ran dry at the microfilm readers!"

[Gina]

Thanks for the link! It is the perfect gift for any booklover I think. :)

[eric wp]

The history of perfume goes back to Egypt, although it was prevalent in East Asia as well. Early perfumes were based on incense, not chemicals, so aromas were passed around through fumes. The Roman and Islamic cultures further refined the harvesting and manufacturing of perfumery processes to include other aromatic ingredients.

Thus, the ancient Islamic culture marked the history of modern perfumery with the introduction of spices and herbs. Fragrances and other exotic substances, such as Jasmine and Citruses, were adapted to be harvested in climates outside of their indigenous Asia.