Bibliothek Perfume

One of the most wonderful scents in the world is the aroma of an old book.

Smell is chemistry, and the chemistry of old books gives your cherished tomes their scent. As a book ages, the chemical compounds used—the glue, the paper, the ink–begin to break down. And, as they do, they release volatile compounds—the source of the smell. A common smell of old books, is vanilla; Lignin, which is present in all wood-based paper, is closely related to vanillin. As it breaks down, the lignin grants old books that faint vanilla scent.

There is something more about the antique book smell than just a balanced blend of pleasing scents. It’s memories, sacred places, escapism. It’s prayer to some, and home to many. It’s knowing your ancestors, lunatics and hopeless romantics, old atrocities, heavy oaken tables, arched spines of a thousand doorways to other worlds.

A combination of sharp & dry, a warm green scent of sweet vanilla, torn old leather, decaying wood, pungent vetiver, typewriter ink, smoky sandalwood, with a touch of an intoxicating underlying mustiness, this unmistakable smell is as much a part of the book as its contents.

It feels like in an old European library, this is a true-to-scent perfume. Perfect for writers, book lovers, dreamers, and lovers of all ancient magic.

“A book has got to smell. You have to hold it in your hands and pray to it. You put it in your pocket and you walk with it. And it stays with you forever.” ~ Ray Bradbury