Powell’s Books has released a book-scented fragrance for book lovers everywhere.
Looking for a fragrance that conjures the smell of ancient scrolls and aged books? Look no further for your strangely specific wish: Powell’s Books is selling it. The fragrance, called “Powell’s by Powell’s,” promises to “deliver the wearer to a place of wonder, discovery, and magic heretofore only known in literature.” It’s also unisex, so nuclear families can all smell like the same book.
As well as containing biblichor—the characteristic smell of old books—Powell’s by Powell’s contains notes of wood and violet. According to the Powell’s website, the fragrance calls to mind “labyrinth[s] of books; secret libraries; ancient scrolls; and cognac swilled by philosopher-kings.”
The fragrance comes in a 1-ounce bottle set inside a faux book, which can be placed on display or shelved with other books. This can serve all kinds of fun purposes: slap an Infinite Jest book cover on it when a date comes over and see her relief when you reveal that instead of a piece of pivotal literature, it is a perfume that smells like a book, which calls to mind cognac swilled by philosopher-kings.
Revisionist “Good Country People” re-enactors aside, there’s high demand for Powell’s by Powell’s — according to CNN, the response has been so overwhelmingly positive that the bookstore is placing a second order with their supplier. Get the scent while you can: Powell’s by Powell’s can be purchased online here.
