The Book of Perfumes

I have nearly 100 rare and not-so-rare fragrances in my collection. Having this book helps me enjoy them even more. Even collectors who think they know fragrances can learn something from this book. It tells you which season and personal image the scent portrays, so when you wear a certain scent you can select the right clothing, jewelry, makeup and hairstyle to achieve a total look. It can also help you figure out if a scent is right for you, or why it is not. You can take John Oakes' suggestions seriously or not, but he is fun and entertaining. I have most of the fragrances in his book, but you'll enjoy reading it even if you have only 1 or 2 fragrances.

Mr. Oakes must be one interesting guy to meet. His wonderfully detailed descriptions of the essences and their wearers made my mouth water even as it made me laugh. Even if you never buy any of these perfumes, just reading about them makes you want to cover yourself in the fragrances! And ahh, if you are into chypres as he is... The man gives whole little scenarios for each perfume so that you can picture yourself in the deep, dank woods (one of his favorites)covered with Chanel No. 19, or in the sweetly smelling open meadows next to a babbling brook along with Kenzo's Parfum d'ete, or in the middle of a pungent rose garden...This is fun, informative, and highly recommended. I've been reading and re-reading this for over a year now, just for the sheer fun of it.