Les Pouvoirs de l'odeur (French edition) by Annick Le Guérer | Odile Jacob

The Powers of Scent by Annick Le Guérer is a captivating work that delves into the mysterious and enchanting world of scents. From Antiquity to the present day, this book traces the fascinating history of scents and their influence on society, sexuality, medicine, and even religious beliefs.

Annick Le Guérer, an anthropologist and philosopher, is a recognized specialist in the study of smell, scents, and perfume. In this book, she explores the complex relationship between scents and sexuality, revealing how certain scents have been associated with desire and seduction, while others have provoked reactions of disgust and rejection. This close link between scent and sexuality is examined through the ages, illustrated by examples from various cultures and historical periods.

Scents also possess immense symbolic power in myths and religions. In Antiquity, for example, certain scents were associated with gods and served as a bridge between mortals and the divine. Annick Le Guérer shows how this symbolism has evolved over time, influencing religious practices and popular beliefs.

In the medical field, scents have long been perceived as having powers of life and death. Traditional medicine attributed to certain scents the ability to heal or worsen diseases. Annick Le Guérer describes how these beliefs have shaped medical practices and influenced the way people perceived health and illness.

Despite their undeniable influence, scents have often been disdained by philosophers and psychoanalysts. Annick Le Guérer explains why these thinkers have been wary of scents, sometimes considering them as superficial sensory distractions or even obstacles to reason. This disdain has led to an underestimation of the importance of smell in the study of the human psyche.

Finally, this book draws on the most recent scientific research to explain the functioning of smell and how it influences our perception of the world. Scents are not just sensory stimuli; they play a crucial role in non-verbal communication, influencing our emotions and behaviors in often unconscious ways.

With its 323 pages of rich and detailed content, The Powers of Scent is essential reading for anyone interested in history, culture, psychology, or simply the magic of scents.

Additional Information:

• Format: Paperback
• EAN13: 9782738111845
• ISBN: 978-2-7381-1184-5
• Publisher: Odile Jacob
• Publication Date: 09/14/2002
• Series: OJ.POCHE SC.HU.
• Number of pages: 323
• Dimensions: 22 x 15 cm
• Weight: 350 g
• Language: French