A01=Elise Vernon Pearlstine
A12=Lara Call Gastinger
Age Group_Uncategorized
Age Group_Uncategorized
Author_Elise Vernon Pearlstine
Author_Lara Call Gastinger
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biodiversity
biology of scent
botannical
Category1=Non-Fiction
Category=PS
Category=PST
Category=WNP
COP=United States
Delivery_Delivery within 10-20 working days
eq_bestseller
eq_isMigrated=2
eq_nobargain
eq_non-fiction
eq_science
essential oils
floral
flower
fragrance
global history
herb
Language_English
lavender
luxury
medicinal
molecular chemistry
natural history
natural ingredients
PA=Available
perfume
plant products
pollination
Price_€20 to €50
PS=Active
rose
silk road
softlaunch
trade
tree
volatile organic compound
Product details
- ISBN 9780300246964
- Dimensions: 140 x 216mm
- Publication Date: 26 Jul 2022
- Publisher: Yale University Press
- Publication City/Country: US
- Product Form: Hardback
- Language: English
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A fascinating exploration of the natural history of scent and human perceptions of fragrance from the viewpoint of plant and pollinator
“An evocative journey that awakens one’s curiosity to an oft-forgotten sense.”—Dana Dunham, Scientific American
Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling compound called benzyl acetone to attract pollinators. Only recently in the evolutionary history of plants, however, have humans learned to co-opt their fragrances to seduce, heal, protect, and alter moods themselves.
In this wide-ranging and accessible new book, biologist-turned-perfumer Elise Vernon Pearlstine turns our human-centered perception of fragrance on its head and investigates plants' evolutionary reasons for creating aromatic molecules. Delving into themes of spirituality, wealth, power, addiction, royalty, fantasy, and more, Pearlstine uncovers the natural history of aromatic substances and their intersection with human culture and civilization.
“An evocative journey that awakens one’s curiosity to an oft-forgotten sense.”—Dana Dunham, Scientific American
Plants have long harnessed the chemical characteristics of aromatic compounds to shape the world around them. Frankincense resin from the genus Boswellia seals injured tissues and protects trees from invading pathogens. Jasmine produces a molecule called linalool that attracts pollinating moths with its flowery scent. Tobacco uses a similarly sweet-smelling compound called benzyl acetone to attract pollinators. Only recently in the evolutionary history of plants, however, have humans learned to co-opt their fragrances to seduce, heal, protect, and alter moods themselves.
In this wide-ranging and accessible new book, biologist-turned-perfumer Elise Vernon Pearlstine turns our human-centered perception of fragrance on its head and investigates plants' evolutionary reasons for creating aromatic molecules. Delving into themes of spirituality, wealth, power, addiction, royalty, fantasy, and more, Pearlstine uncovers the natural history of aromatic substances and their intersection with human culture and civilization.
After a seventeen-year career in wildlife biology, Elise Vernon Pearlstine found a second life as a natural perfumer, consultant, and educator. She conducts classes for corporate and private events, instructing students on the biology, artistry, and history of perfume ingredients. Dr. Pearlstine lives on Amelia Island in northern Florida.
