Books to Read Together: Perfume: The Story of a Murderer, The Emperor of Scent, Perfumes: The A-Z Guide
By Jennifer Jacquet
This article was published in Scientific American’s former blog network and reflects the views of the author, not necessarily those of Scientific American
On supporting science journalism
If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today.
About a man with an obsessed olfactory system and the red-headed virgins he cannot resist, Perfume: The Story of a Murderer was written in 1985 by the hermetic German, Patrick Suskind. The film, out in 2006, is also sensational (but, as you know, you must read the book first). Follow this potion with Chandler Burr's The Emperor of Scent: A True Story of Perfume and Obsession -- one of the best pieces of science non-fiction on the shelf -- which rattles the cages of the establishment in a daring exploration of how we create smells, how we are able to smell, and how we do science. Finally, meet Luca Turin, the eponymous Emperor, again in his own (co-authored) guide to 1,800 fragrances. You'll never smell the same again.
It’s Time to Stand Up for Science
If you enjoyed this article, I’d like to ask for your support. Scientific American has served as an advocate for science and industry for 180 years, and right now may be the most critical moment in that two-century history.
I’ve been a Scientific American subscriber since I was 12 years old, and it helped shape the way I look at the world. SciAm always educates and delights me, and inspires a sense of awe for our vast, beautiful universe. I hope it does that for you, too.
If you subscribe to Scientific American, you help ensure that our coverage is centered on meaningful research and discovery; that we have the resources to report on the decisions that threaten labs across the U.S.; and that we support both budding and working scientists at a time when the value of science itself too often goes unrecognized.
In return, you get essential news, captivating podcasts, brilliant infographics, can't-miss newsletters, must-watch videos, challenging games, and the science world's best writing and reporting. You can even gift someone a subscription.
There has never been a more important time for us to stand up and show why science matters. I hope you’ll support us in that mission.
