Cult Perfumes: The World's Most Exclusive Perfumeries

by Tessa Williams

Even in times of economic hardship, perfume is an affordable luxury, recognized for its ability to make us not only smell good but also feel great. No woman’s dressing table or bathroom cabinet is complete without at least one bottle. Cult Perfumes is the first book to explore the most exclusive boutique perfumeries producing some of the world’s most captivating scents. Tessa Willlams documents more than 25 perfumeries and brands, ranging from the pharmacy of Santa Maria Novella in Florence, established by Dominican fathers in 1221, and the classic English company Floris, founded in 1730, to the new eponymous range created by the famed fragrance expert Roja Dove. Williams goes behind the scenes at each perfumery to interview the perfumers and explore the evolution of the company, the ethos behind the brand, and its signature scents. With a concise illustrated introduction to the history of perfume-making and features on iconic perfumes, future cult classics, and the so-called ‘noses’ who keep the brands attuned to today’s popular scents, Cult Perfumes will be as alluring to lovers and collectors of perfume as the fragrances it presents.

Genres: Nonfiction

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 9, 2013

Reviews

[Louise Armstrong · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think it must be hard to write about perfume - the reader can't smell what you are describing. There were some interesting comments scattered about, but this overall read more like a magazine article than a book.

Some nice pictures though, and worth a read if you want information about perfume.

[Cara Wittich · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of details about some of the most famed and most secret fragrance houses. The glossy pages are filled with stunning photography, nostalgic ads and well rounded historical descriptions of each brand. A 'coffee table' book that I will surely pick up and read over and over again. My sole complaint is that there aren't more names featured!

[Carol Dimond · Rating 3 out of 5]

good fun

[Nazrul Buang · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read this just to learn a thing or two about some selected niche perfumeries throughout the world.

[LOVEROFBOOKS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting book! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The photos were glossy and beautiful and there was just enough info on the perfume companies to not ever fall into a tedious read.

I enjoyed reading about the perfumers, their families, who they may have trained with, their backgrounds and their stories.