Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin, first published in 1960, is the classic, authoritative reference for a vast array of natural products used in perfumes, scents, flavorings, foods, and medicine throughout the world. It is also the perfumer's and flavorist's bible.


Arctander's book is the most important reference on natural fragrance materials. His understanding of the nuances of scented material is unequalled, and he knows how to convey those subtleties to the reader in comparison to odors with which the reader is already familiar. The sheer passion for natural perfume materials manifest in his description has more than once stimulated me to track down some rare and unfamiliar essence. I lean on his book for my own descriptions of the individual essences, and I recommend buying a copy of it for yourself. Reading his descriptions of natural essences and comparing them to your own impressions is a terrific way to broaden your aromatic palette and to learn about the nuances of scent. --Mandy Aftel, Aftelier Perfumes