Today’s post is a book review of Jean-Claude Ellena’s 2022 release, Atlas of Perfumed Botany. The book is chock full of anecdotes and industry insights from the renowned composer. I’ve yet to see any other posts or reviews covering it. In fact, up until recently, I had no idea he had even released it until I stumbled upon it on Amazon. I’m glad I did. It’s excellent!
Split into various chapters focused on a specific plant/raw material, Ellena leads us through his personal experience with each ingredient. For instance, there’s a chapter based around woods and barks (sandalwood, cinnamon, etc.), flowers (jasmine, lavender, mimosa, etc.), and so on. In each chapter, Ellena recounts stories from his childhood, plant cultivation methods, how he used a specific material in one of his compositions, or gives examples of his favourite perfume/s featuring that particular material. For instance, in his chapter on woods, he recalls how his peculiar flour scent Bois Farine came to fruition.
I could see everyone enjoying this book. It’s written so that beginners will understand and learn something from it. Experienced noses will enjoy the engaging accounts chronicling Ellena’s life in the perfume trade. However, I wouldn’t call it an atlas, as it doesn’t feature maps or charts. Instead, in written form, it goes into geographic and historical detail where each material is found worldwide (cinnamon/Sri Lanka, cedar/Virginia, etc.). Beautifully rendered botanical illustrations accompany each chapter.
I consumed the 160-odd pages rather quickly. Overall, it is an excellent reference book that I will return to again and again. Undoubtedly, it caters to a broader audience than Ellena’s previous publication, Perfume Alchemy of Scent, as it’s much less technical. Even someone less interested in perfume, such as an avid gardener, may enjoy it. However, for anyone who reads this blog, it will prove enjoyable, and I highly recommend you add it to your perfume library. I bought mine from Amazon for 42 Dollars—money well spent.
Enjoy your weekend!
Note: All the pictures are my own.
Beautiful! I will definitely going to buy it as well! Tks for sharing!
Thank you, Tetê. You’re welcome, I hope you enjoy the book.
I’d wanted to get this book for a while and it wasn’t available, but I managed to buy it recently and haven’t read it yet. Am looking forward to it. Great photos with the actual plants on their pages!
Thanks, Nose Prose. Happy reading!