The Best Perfume Books You Must Read in 2025

In the magical realm of perfumes, where scents merge with memories and feelings, there’s a literary treasure trove to be discovered. As we usher in the new year, enrich your perfume journey by diving into books about this captivating subject. Our handpicked selection caters to a diverse readership, ranging from those seeking an introduction to the world of fragrances to connoisseurs hunting for their next unique scent. History enthusiasts will revel in the storied past of perfumery, while biography fans can delve into the lives of fragrance industry luminaries. Fiction aficionados will be entranced by tales where scents play a pivotal role. Whether you’re a veteran collector, a curious beginner, or simply a fragrance enthusiast, these perfume books offer an immersive sensory voyage into the enchanting and mysterious universe of perfumes.

PERFUME BOOKS FOR A GENERAL REVIEW

If you’re seeking general knowledge about fragrances, these books offer you the best starting point. Besides, they’re also great to own and use as perfume coffee table books.

Perfumes: The A-Z Guide / Perfumes: The Guide

By Luca Turin / Tania Sanchez

Whether you pick up ‘Perfumes: The A – Z Guide (2019)’ or ‘Perfumes: The Guide (2018)‘, you are in for a treat. Luca Turin and Tania Sanchez’s books are an essential guide for fragrance lovers. These books masterfully combine Turin’s scientific expertise with Sanchez’s seasoned perfume criticism, offering over 1,000 fragrance reviews. The reviews range from sharp, witty critiques to high praises, making the books not just informative but also entertaining.

Organised alphabetically, they serve as a user-friendly perfume dictionary, mainly featuring scents from renowned designers and houses. Each review is detailed, including a star rating from 1 (Avoid) to 5 (Masterpiece), along with scent notes like fruity floral or woody citrus, and often, interesting histories or perfumer backgrounds. The guide highlights top-rated five-star fragrances, making it easy for readers to spot the authors’ favourites.

Ideal for both experienced collectors and newcomers to the perfume world, these guides are a trove of knowledge for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of fragrances or find a new personal scent. The guides are a comprehensive reference and a delightful read, perfect for exploring in multiple sittings.

The Perfume Bible

By Josephine Fairley and Lorna McKay

“The Perfume Bible” by Josephine Fairley and Lorna McKay is a comprehensive guide for fragrance lovers. Covering fragrance families, terminology, and production processes, it features beautiful illustrations and interviews with top perfumers. Highlights include a “Top 100 Perfumes to Try Before You Die” list, showcasing classic and contemporary scents.

The 192-page book offers advice on creating a personal perfume collection, fragrance selection, and maintenance. It also explores the world’s finest perfume shops and leading perfume blogs. Co-authored by beauty expert Fairley and former Harrods and Liberty fragrance buyer McKay, this guide is packed with professional insights. Suitable for novices and experts alike, “The Perfume Bible” is an invaluable resource for understanding perfume artistry, making it an ideal gift for fragrance enthusiasts.

PERFUME BOOKS TO FIND A SIGNATURE SCENT

Are you looking for your (next) signature scent? And you don’t know where to start? These books will guide you to through the process of finding your next scent.

The Perfume Companion

By Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven

“The Perfume Companion,” authored by fragrance experts Sarah McCartney and Samantha Scriven, is an indispensable guide for both perfume aficionados and novices. 

This elegantly illustrated book details nearly 500 scents, meticulously organised into fragrance families like herbal, citrus, floral, and leather. It simplifies the daunting task of selecting a new signature scent, offering a spectrum from luxury brands to accessible high street options. The book’s friendly and informative tone, akin to advice from a knowledgeable friend, makes it approachable for all readers. It includes fascinating histories of classic perfumes, insights into perfume making, and practical tips on application and understanding scent concentrations. 

Each fragrance is presented with a concise description, a quick tagline, and a price guide. Ideal for anyone looking to replace a beloved scent or explore new olfactory territories, “The Perfume Companion” is not just a directory but a journey into the art of perfumery, making it a valuable addition to any fragrance lover’s collection.

Perfume: In Search of your Signature Scent

By Neil Chapman

“Perfume: In Search of Your Signature Scent” by Neil Chapman is an exploration of the world of fragrances. This scent atlas presents over 700 perfumes, ranging from timeless classics to contemporary hits and innovative conceptual scents. Chapman categorises these fragrances by their dominant notes, making the intricate world of perfumery accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

His writing is insightful and witty, offering thoughtful reviews that not only guide but educate the reader. This book transcends being a mere guide; it’s an invitation to a personal perfume journey, encouraging exploration beyond the idea of a single signature scent. Chapman’s work is a sensory map, leading enthusiasts through a rich landscape of aromas, evoking memories and emotions.

Ideal for both newcomers and seasoned scent lovers, “Perfume” is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to delve deeper into the world of fragrances. It’s a celebration of perfume’s power to express identity and style, making it a must-have for anyone passionate about the art of scent.

Perfume History Books

Perfume has been a significant part of human history for thousands of years. If you’re a history lover, these books are a must read:

Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume

By Mandy Aftel 

“Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume” by Mandy Aftel is a captivating exploration into natural perfumery, linking scent with emotion, memory, and spirituality. Aftel, an esteemed artisan, extends beyond mere scent creation, offering a rich journey through the art, history, and philosophy of perfumery. The book traces scent’s evolution from ancient spice trades to alchemical practices, highlighting ‘olfactory consciousness’ and the profound impact of scents on our lives and spiritual practices.

Beyond recipes, Aftel shares her expertise in crafting fragrances that harmonise with the human spirit, demystifying the art for both enthusiasts and professionals. This work is a philosophical exploration of the art of natural perfumery, inviting readers to reconnect with natural essences and their transformative power. An essential read for anyone intrigued by the emotional and spiritual dimensions of scent.

What’s also worthy to know is that Kurt Cobain (Nirvana) was inspired by this book to write the lyrics of the song ‘Scentless Apprentice‘.

Scent and Subversion

By Barbara Herman

“Scent and Subversion” by Barbara Herman is a vibrant journey through the transformative world of 20th-century perfumery. It’s more than a guide to fragrances; it’s a cultural exploration that challenges societal norms and gender conventions. Herman, leveraging her expertise from her blog, YesterdaysPerfume.com, presents over 300 vintage perfumes, each narrating the social and style revolutions of their times. The book is visually stunning, enriched with over 100 vintage perfume ads that complement her engaging and witty narrative.

Herman’s work is a treasure trove for both perfume aficionados and newcomers. She offers insightful essays on scent appreciation, a glossary of important terms, and practical tips for exploring vintage and modern fragrances. The book also peeks into the future of perfumery with interviews from contemporary scent visionaries. A blend of humour, historical facts, and useful advice, “Scent and Subversion” is not just about scents but about their powerful role in expressing identity and instigating cultural change, making it an essential read for anyone fascinated by the art and impact of perfume.

PERFUME BIOGRAPHY BOOKS

The Emperor of Scent: A Story of Perfume, Obsession, and the Last Mystery of the Senses

By Chandler Burr 

“The Emperor of Scent” by Chandler Burr is a riveting story about Luca Turin, a scientist known for his exceptional sense of smell and co-author of “Perfume: The A – Z Guide.” This book highlights Turin’s evolution from a perfume critic to a ground-breaking theorist in the perfume industry, blending biography, scientific inquiry, and the opulent world of fragrances.

Turin’s talent for identifying and articulating scents drives him to challenge and potentially redefine our understanding of how our noses work. His controversial theory, met with both praise and scepticism, aims to demystify the sense of smell.

Burr’s narrative makes complex scientific concepts accessible, weaving a tale of intellectual curiosity, personal drive, and the elusive realm of scent. It explores the competitive nature of scientific breakthroughs and the human desire for comprehension. “The Emperor of Scent” is more than a story about a unique gift; it’s about the influential power of an idea, appealing to those fascinated by science, the senses, and personal perception.

The Diary of a Nose – A Year in the Life of a Perfumer

By Jean Claude Ellena

In “The Diary of a Nose,” Jean-Claude Ellena, Hermès’s renowned in-house perfumer, offers an intimate glimpse into the art of fragrance creation. Over a year, Ellena, known as ‘the nose,’ blends the scientific with the poetic in his hilltop atelier, crafting scents that evoke emotions and memories. His narrative, resembling a haiku in its precision, reveals the unexpected inspirations behind his fragrances—from vibrant market stalls to serene landscapes and elegant calligraphy.

Ellena’s minimalist approach, using few ingredients to evoke complex aromas like sugared almonds, showcases his mastery in creating olfactory experiences that are both simple and profound. This diary transcends a mere chronicle of perfume-making; it’s a journey into the heart of scent creation, exploring the alchemy of turning the abstract into tangible beauty. “The Diary of a Nose” is not just an insight into a perfumer’s life but a poetic exploration of the transformative power of fragrance.

So if you’re looking for a book about a perfume maker, this is the one for you.

Perfume Books for Fiction Fans

Perfume is a powerful and evocative part of our daily lives. It has the ability to transport us back in time, awaken our senses, and evoke strong emotions. As a result, it’s no surprise that perfume has been a recurring theme in literature. Here are the best perfume fiction books to read:

Perfume: The Story of a Murderer

By Patrick Süskind

Patrick Süskind’s ‘Perfume‘ is a excellent historical fantasy set in 18th-century France, exploring the dark facets of obsession and sensory decadence. The novel follows Jean-Baptiste Grenouille, an orphan with an extraordinary sense of smell. Grenouille’s gift leads him to apprentice under a renowned perfumer, but his fascination evolves into a chilling quest for the ‘ultimate perfume’—the scent of a young virgin.

Süskind’s rich narrative weaves a tale that oscillates between enchanting and grotesque, capturing the beauty and filth of Parisian life. As Grenouille’s pursuit intensifies, his actions become increasingly macabre, making ‘Perfume’ a blend of psychological thriller, horror, and fantasy. The novel’s vivid, often repulsive imagery challenges and captivates, leaving a lasting impression. ‘Perfume’ is a masterful exploration of extreme human desires and the corrupting nature of obsession, a memorable journey into the darker side of human nature.

Jitterbug Perfume

By Tom Robbins

“Jitterbug Perfume” by Tom Robbins is an epic narrative that masterfully blends timelines from ancient Bohemia to modern Paris, Seattle, and New Orleans. This imaginative tale revolves around a mysterious blue bottle, potentially containing the universe’s secret essence, and links an eclectic cast including Alobar, a king who is also a peasant; Hindu Kudra, his lover; a misfit Seattle waitress; French perfume industry heirs; and New Orleans perfume shop owners. The story is enriched by the whimsical presence of the god Pan and the symbolically significant beet. Yes, as in beet, the vegetable.

Robbins’ writing is marked by crisp details and humour, skilfully exploring themes of immortality, individuality, and the human condition. The novel humorously delves into life’s profound questions, contrasting our natural instincts with intellectual pursuits, embodied by the central motif of perfume. “Jitterbug Perfume” is a witty, intellectual journey through history and thought, celebrating the unusual and examining existential themes. It’s a compelling read for those who relish humour and deep philosophical exploration, woven into an intriguing narrative.

The Scent Keeper: A Novel 

By Erica Baumeister

“The Scent Keeper: A Novel” by Erica Bauermeister is a compelling coming-of-age story set on a remote island, where Emmeline lives a sheltered life with her father, surrounded by scents and a magical machine. As she matures, her curiosity leads her into the real world, filled with love, betrayal, and self-discovery. Bauermeister’s narrative, rich in sensory imagery, particularly focuses on the power of scent in shaping memories and identities.

The novel blends magical realism with poignant realism, exploring Emmeline’s journey of self-discovery and her struggle to connect with others. Praised for its lyrical, immersive storytelling and unique focus on the olfactory world, the book is a testament to Bauermeister’s skill in creating vivid, emotional landscapes. While some readers desired a more complete ending, “The Scent Keeper” is recommended for its deep sensory detail and emotional depth, offering a unique perspective on the influence of our senses on our lives.