Scent is an ephemeral yet deeply evocative presence – an invisible force shaping memory, identity, and artistic expression. This is a groundbreaking interdisciplinary volume that redefines the role of olfaction in cultural and intellectual discourse. Moving beyond conventional analyses, this collection explores the historical, poetic, and philosophical dimensions of fragrance, tracing its influence on literature, anthropology, psychology, and marketing.
Structured into five interwoven sections, the volume examines how scent functions as a literary motif, a marker of personal and collective transformation, and a dynamic agent in the construction of social and aesthetic meaning. From the metaphorical power of fragrance in classical texts to its contemporary implications in branding and sensory design, the contributors offer a nuanced exploration of olfactory culture across time and space.
By bringing together scholars from multiple disciplines, this volume positions scent as a crucial element of human experience, shedding new light on its presence in artistic creation, identity formation, and cultural narratives. This volume is an invaluable resource for those interested in sensory studies, literature, cultural history, and the ever-evolving dialogue between perception and storytelling.
Muses and Measures
This book is required reading for humanistic disciplines. Too often, scholars present theories without knowing how to test them empirically. In an engaging way, the authors teach statistics, leading students through projects to analyze their own gathered data.
