Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore

by Gina Hyams, Susie Cushner (Photographer)

Now that aromatherapy has become an everyday luxury and top-quality incense can be found in trendsetting boutiques and nationwide retailers everywhere, it's time for the first stylish volume on this ancient tradition. Touching on topics ranging from spirituality to romance to health and well-being, Incense draws on folklore and wisdom from Japan, India, the Pacific, and the Americas. By translating those traditions into practical applications anyone can enjoy, Incense shows how different scents can bring energy, focus, or relaxation to daily life. Suggestions for arousing the senses abound, such as enhancing a meditation session with spicy clove or adding a rich and sensuous juniper aroma to a steamy bath. Incense also describes the variety of incense products available and explains their essential flowers, herbs, and oils. Gorgeously rounded out with Susie Cushner's evocative photography, Incense is an elegant gift that soothes the soul and engages the senses.

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Spirituality

96 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Raven]

"Cheap incense, often in cloyingly sweet flavors like strawberry, pineapple, and peach, tends to be made by dipping 'punk' sticks (bamboo slivers coated in sawdust and glue) into harshly scented chemical solutions."

"A study by the Smell and Taste Research Foundation supported this folk wisdom with the scientific finding that pumpkin pie mixed with lavendar is the odor men find most sexually arousing."

"[Incense] encourages flights of imagination--no surprise, considering that the word inspiration means 'to breathe in.'"

"Some biblical scholars speculate that the kings may have been carrying fragrant, golden-colored ambergris instead of actual gold."

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book jacket says the photographer of this book worked for magazines like Real Simple and Martha Stewart, which handily explains the gist of this pretty, if somewhat empty little book. It's basically a Real Simple article on burning incense in your home, accompanied by lovely magazine-style photos. It's fine...a good, unchallenging read for the dentist's office.

[Msm]

BBC

[Neha · Rating 5 out of 5]

quick read! offers a great, broad overview into the world of incense. also love the references included for further reading!

[Avery · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review here.

[Msoneworld4me · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book. It taught me a lot about incense.