Opinion

Smelling old books



The pleasures of smelling the odour of old books – or ‘vellichor‘, the term coined by wordcraftsman John Koenig – captures a unique and enchanting pleasure. It is a sensation that transcends the ‘mere’ act of reading, encapsulating the essence of time itself.

The almond and vanilla fragrance of aged pages evokes a sense of nostalgia, transporting readers to different eras, cultures and minds that have left their mark on the printed word. Not to mention the years passed and encaptured by the book object itself.

Each book carries the whispers of the hands that have turned its pages, the musings of minds that have read its words. It is a sensory journey that engages not only the intellect but also the olfactory senses, triggering a flood of Proustian memories and emotions.

The unique aroma of old books fosters a sense of intimacy with literature – stories and tellings – creating a sacred space where you become a custodian of a heritage, of a cult that non-book-lovers will forever be denied of. The scent of old books is a ritual, a communion with the collective wisdom of humanity, beyond the grasp of e-hoi polloi and digiterati.



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