Old Books

Old Books is the brand's scent of an old library, built to evoke the atmosphere of another era, a turn-of-the-century, almost Dickensian sensibility with a streak of rock and roll. The perfumer made it after the box of crumbling books in her grandmother's attic, and the brand links it to a film about a poet. It is sold as an eau de parfum in 30 and 150 ml. Frankincense, myrrh and elemi lead over a paper accord, with patchouli, amber, vetiver and cedar underneath. One reviewer finds the scent opens with a dose of patchouli, a definite elemi note comes first, and a resinous blend of frankincense and myrrh follows, given a dry edge by vetiver. Wearers describe a luscious incense edged with cedar, vetiver and patchouli, and a warm, comforting blend so well joined that it becomes its own note. Few say it smells literally of paper: more of a shelf of books and their covers, or the place where old books are kept. Wear is a mixed picture. Votes lean long lasting, with a sizeable group finding it weak, and the sillage sits between moderate and intimate. Autumn and winter lead the season votes, and day and night votes are close. It is quiet enough for casual wear and a reviewer suggests a rainy day with a favourite book. The house lists it as unisex and votes lean masculine, though a reviewer says it skirts gender. Reception is warm, with the main dissent from a wearer who found it clean and aftershave-like. It suits lovers of patchouli and incense who want something quiet and scholarly rather than loud.