My husband recently gave me Roja Dove's sumptuous book, The Essence of Perfume. Having recently seen Roja give a guided tour of the Perfume Diaries at Harrods, I've been desperate to hear more from him. This book is the next best thing.
The Essence of Perfume is an enticing blend of history and anecdote. By describing the cultural mood of the time, Roja brings the perfume industry to life. He sets the scene for key perfume launches and clearly explains the reasons behind their success. Whether it's the aviation craze that inspired the name for Guerlain's Vol de Nuit or the creation of Charlie for the Cosmopolitan generation, it's clear how and why some pivotal perfumes filled a gap in the market and sparked new trends. Along with this, Roja includes intriguing details about the personal lives of the perfumers and the relationships, and often rivalries, that drove them.
The book is also a visual feast, brimming over with photos of beautiful perfume bottles and incredible packaging. Highly recommended.