Folio Columns 2003-2014

Delight, broken into bite-sized pieces. I can't remember the last time I wished any given essay I was reading were longer, let alone every one in a collection. Luca's writing is vivid, funny, and teaches me things without making me feel like a dummy for not knowing them already. Yes, half of the book is "about" perfume, but it's more than a collection of reviews or lists of notes. It helps to explain why those of us whose favorite intoxicants have names like "No. 5" and "L'heure Bleu" feel the way we do. All art opens windows onto the entire world, and perfumery is an art. Even if the only scented thing you've ever worn is by Axe, you should read this. (And then stop wearing Axe, for god's sake.)

I recommend this book for those fragrance obsessed OR those who love witty writing. I like Luca Turin's voice. His wife is also funny and bright. I like reading this collection of articles as both a love of fragrances as well as a lover of good writing :)As for biases, these two have a ton. They like men's fragrances more than women's. They like aromatics, resins, woods and spice more than florals and fruits. But their opinions are always informed and articulate.

Luca Turin can turn a phrase like no other. Whether it's perfumes, music, science, or math,you will be entertained and informed by a brilliant writer.

I wish Luca Turin could be my new best friend. His wit, charm and wide-ranging intelligence shine through these essays. I found myself reading aloud from this book to friends at dinner, and pretty much anyone who would listen. I love this book.

If you love perfume you must read this. If you love smart interesting writing using a subject as a metaphor for expounding on a decadent and whimsical philosophy of life, you will enjoy this. Everyone should have someone like Luca Turin in their life.

Much better than most of Mr Turin's books on perfumery or the book written about him by Chandler Burr. At least this book is clearly tongue-in-cheek and funny, and does not pretend to contain much useful information.

Luca Turin is a good writer, funny, intelligent, and it does not matter what he is writing about you will have a good time reading this book.

Either you like Luca Turin or you don't. I don't always agree with him but I always find his perspective interesting. Half of the essays are perfume related and the other half are not.

Great, charming writing on topics from perfume to the relative merits of coffee vs chocolate. Enjoyable, poetic and, above all, entertaining.

Living in Switzerland, I was an avid reader of Luca Turin's monthly articles in the Neue Zurcher Zeitung, so it was a real thrill to find his Duftnotes, and the more recent Entweder Oder column, combined in a single volume. And, of course, in English this time around! Unfailingly witty and erudite this is Luca at his best - there really is something for everyone here. If you only know him as a perfume critic, do please read this. I promise you'll marvel at the sheer breadth of topics Dr Turin has an opinion on!! Highly recommended!!

As usual, Luca Turin makes many interesting observations and witty comments on a range of issues (mainly related to perfume). However delightful, the book is a collection of short articles that appeared elsewhere over a number of years. This means that it actually is better to read a few articles in short spurts rather than the sort of thing that one would read in a single sitting.

If I knew I would not have bought it, but I got a used copy, so its ok.The comparisons about perfume were good but halfway he stops writing about perfume and moves on to other subjects that did not interest me at all...

If you like perfumes you will like this book. The writer is brilliant!