Geur – Discover the Hidden World of Scent

In this fascinating book, scent artist and perfumer Frank Bloem takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the remarkable world of fragrance.

From the windswept beaches of Texel and the vanilla plantations of Réunion to the trenches of the First World War, scent has the power to transport us across time and place. At the same time, it brings us closer to home—back to your grandmother's sofa, a warm summer pine forest, or a cherished childhood memory. Smell is everywhere in our lives, yet it often receives surprisingly little attention in art, science, and history. It dominates our memories, but in everyday life we frequently forget to notice it.

Using the classical structure of perfume—top notes, heart notes, and base notes—Bloem invites readers to experience the world through the eyes of a perfumer. Along the way, he explains how fragrances are created and introduces the extraordinary ingredients that make perfumery such a captivating craft.

Written in an accessible and engaging style, Geur combines storytelling, history, science, and personal observations, making it enjoyable for both fragrance enthusiasts and curious newcomers alike.

LABO-NOIR Note: We thoroughly enjoyed reading this book ourselves. Unlike more technical fragrance literature, Geur is written in a highly approachable style. You can read it from cover to cover or simply dip in and out of chapters at random. It reads almost like a novel, making it an ideal introduction to the wonderful world of scent.