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Essence and Alchemy: A Natural History of Perfume

Based on 276 reviews
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At a glance

Condition
New
Dimensions
5 x 0.6 x 8 in
Weight
12.3 oz
Publisher
Aftelier Perfumes
Publication date
May 18, 2022
Language
English
Print length
264 pages

Description

REVISED EDITION, 2022 For centuries, people have taken an instinctive pleasure in rubbing scents into their skin and using them to pray, to heal, and to make love. Yet in many ways perfumery, with its lush history and creative and sensual possibilities, is a lost art. No one knows this better than artisan natural perfumer Mandy Aftel, who has spent nearly thirty years immersed in the world of scent, culling the most beautiful natural essences from all over the world and using them to create exquisite fragrances. In Essence and Alchemy, which has been published in fourteen foreign editions, Aftel teaches the art of making natural perfumes, complete with recipes. She resurrects the social and metaphysical legacy that is entwined with the evolution of perfumery, from the dramas of the spice trade to the quests of the alchemists. Tracking scent through the boudoir and bath and into the sanctums of worship, she offers insights on the relationship of scent to sex, solitude, and the soul, unearthing a forgotten world of natural essences and their profound resonance with body, mind, and spirit. Read more

Specs 7

Publisher Aftelier Perfumes
Publication date May 18, 2022
Language English
Print length 264 pages
ISBN-13 14
Item Weight 12.3 ounces
Dimensions 5 x 0.6 x 8 inches

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Top Amazon Reviews


A blend of history and practical knowledge
Format: Paperback
I like the book, it contains a lot of information. the historical part is weaved with practical information and told in a somewhat poetic way. A lot of quoting, in my personal case, this poetic style makes it a little dense to read. I do like the book and will highly recommend it, but is not just a practical go to the point book. Which is neither good, nor bad. There are some formulas and instructions on what is important if you are just starting into the world of natural fragrances, which is my case. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2025 by Andrea C

Ancient Artform
Format: Paperback
Its a fascinating read. It is amazingly comprehensive and very well written. Its the best book written about natural perfume, bar none. It awakens you to ancient artform which was almost lost. Aftel did us a great service resurrecting it.
Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2025 by Chris Chapman

A necessary book for a novice perfumer!
Format: Paperback
This little book is my perfume bible. I am taking Mandy Aftel’s perfume course and this is definitely one of my favorite reference books. Her information on history and love of the beautiful essences is contagious.
Reviewed in the United States on February 7, 2025 by Cheryl t

Great read
Format: Paperback
I thought there would be more information about actually creating fragrances - most of the book is a narrative history, which I very much enjoyed.
Reviewed in the United States on October 11, 2023 by AD40

Wonderfully written and informative.
Some reviewers seem to have wanted a recipe book. This book is so much more. You'll get basic how to information, but more importantly you'll get context to understand why and how scents work. The result will be to enable you to make creative decisions on your own. I loved this book and I'm going to read it again, and return frequently to passages i highlighted the first time through. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on September 5, 2017 by Purple Sheeple Eater

An updated version of a classic filled with stories, instruction and history essential to the craft!
Format: Paperback
A delightful read, once again! Worth taking the time to experience, not only for the reminders and revisits but for the updated section on composition filled with concepts and guidance that you can’t find elsewhere!
Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2022 by Jessica Lauren

more dreamy than technical
A great book if you want to be inspired, convinced perfumery is a worthwhile thing, or provided with a teeny bit of instruction for getting started. Not nearly enough technical info to make me feel ready to buy several hundred dollars of starter oils and begin blending. The book is disorganized with an abundance of oddly pieced together history, and fantastical creative writing. Beautiful but not very helpful for making beautiful things. I got one page of "how to get started" notes from the whole book. ... show more
Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2014 by Mama Says

Some new material but not much.
Format: Paperback
I love Mandy's original "Essence and Alchemy; the first edition is where I "cut my teeth" so-to-speak. I truly am grateful she shared her knowledge. My only wish for this new second edition is that there'd be a lot more new stuff...more golden nuggets.
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2022 by Mary E. Kinlen
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