The Philosophy of Perfume

Author: Alice du Parcq

Fashion & society | Lifestyle & personal style guides

Published on 8^th October 2026 by British Library Publishing in the United Kingdom as part of the 'British Library Philosophies' series.

Hardback | 30+ colour illustrations
mm | 0g

"A perfect pocket-sized olfactory guide to all things perfume – inhaled at a single sitting!" – Richard E. GrantPerfume is intoxicating: a wearable scent journey, a cultural touchpoint, a piece of art and design, and a deep expression of individuality. From its ancient, ceremonial roots to the starry allure of modern celebrity fragrances, perfume has defined what an era's personality, mood and concept of luxury smell like, while even the lingering trail of someone's signature scent can be enough to send our minds reeling back through our memories.

From chronicling perfume's hazy beginnings and profiling the figures who have acted as aromatic muses, to covering olfactory psychology and how to find your signature scent, Alice du Parcq takes us on an opulent adventure through the mysterious world of perfume.