The story of modern perfumery would be incomplete without a chapter on Caron. It’s a name that evokes a world of sumptuousness and distinction, founded on an impressive list of classics ranging from Narcisse Noir (1911) to L’Anarchiste (2000). The history of one of the most venerable brands in perfumery is presented in this bilingual, lavishly illustrated monograph by Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg.

Caron was published six years ago, and is undoubtedly the most comprehensive book available on the subject. It covers a timespan of almost one century: from the early beginnings, with Ernest Daltroff and Félicie Wanpouille (1904), to the acquisition by current owner Patrick Alès (1998). It has all the characteristics of a coffee-table book, featuring stunning pictures of old bottles, powder boxes, poster ads, and other pretty specimens; but the luscious imagery aside, it paints a picture of real people, involved in a real business, against the backdrop of troubled times. The relationship between Ernest and Félicie plays a crucial role in the first part of the book, which at times reads like a romantic novel…

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