Quote:
Originally Posted by kbe
I am learning not to pre-judge the learning background of others and consider it on the same level as my own. For example, my next door neighbor (retired) I just found out after many years of living side by side was a university level chemistry professor. While the world of perfume might be new to him and he would be considered a 'scent novice' based on a recent conversation about cologne etc, I would bet he would have no problem at all with the chemistry in the above mentioned book. The exception rather than the rule, I know, but...
My reluctance to give exactly
that book of Luca Turin to a 'scent novice' was not based on a presumption that she would not
understand the chemistry, but rather because in my experience someone who is new to scent will have more interest in other information about scents and houses.
The interest in the chemical process involved usually comes later.
After all, the initial question of this thread was "
if anyone could recommend me a good book from which I can start building a basic knowledge of fragrances, including the history of fragrance houses"
Turin's book is hardly about 'basic knowledge' and lacks the history of fragrance houses.
So, rather than (god forbid!!) pre-judging a learning background, which would be rather stupid of me, I gave the advice that was the most sensible in my opinion and recommended the books that have the basic knowledge of fragrances and the history of fragrance houses.
And when your next door chemistry professor would have asked me the same question as the starter of this thread, I still would recommend to start his passion for perfume with books that tell all about the great houses and the way noses come to create a scent
Start with the easier to understand knowledge and learn to appreciate the love and effort that goes in creating a fragrance (and a bottle). After that: maybe this book of Luca Turin for those who will want to go in depth.
