Abundantly and charmingly illustrated with color photos and reproductions of antique packaging and art (up to 17 x 12 1/2 inches), this history of modern perfume begins in France in the 18th century, in particular Napoleon's love of perfume and the erotic importance he attached to it. By the early 20th century, perfume's place as one of France's most important luxury industries was recognized and celebrated, and timeless fragrances like Chanel No. 5, Shalimar, Arpeges, and Joy were launched. The distinctive bottles for these new essences and the art movements that inspired their various designs are detailed here, as are paintings, poetry, and literature that reveal perfume's ability to recall the past and evoke sensuality.
