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I'm new to this "scientific" way of handling perfumes and given the amount of matter available on the Net, I was wondering whether I should buy/read The Guide, or would it just influence my opinion ?
What do you think?
PerfumesIt´s kind of entertaining and fun reading it, but if you are looking for a scent you like - only trust your own nose! (I would not say it is a scientific approach to perfumes at all -btw.)
PerfumesI would not say it is a scientific approach to perfumes at all
+1 it's a compilation of reviews, which are subjective.
PerfumesThe Guide is informative about the story behind popular perfumes and is an entertaining read about perfume. I would not look to it for useful advice as far as their opinions go however!
I have The Guide, plus I have an older book (1994) called Fabulos Fragrances by Jan Moran. I like both books for basic information on perfumes. If I find any other good books on perfume I will buy them.
Yes, I would recommend buying it. You'll form your own opinions as you continue on this fragrance path. The Guide won't cut short your journey. 
PerfumesAs others said, there's nothing really scientific about the Guide. It's two people opinions on perfume which they smelled on cards ( not skin) unless they actually wear said perfume personally. Where the guide is handy is to bring to your attention scents which may have flown under your radar, and it is very entertaining with some extremely funny one line reviews.
You will likely not agree with all their opinions, but it's definitely a must-read for all serious fume fans.
Your public library may have it.
Note- their focus is on scents commercially available at time of publishing, so anything discontinued that's iconic will not be there.
Last edited by knit_at_nite (2012-07-09 20:15:14)
I'm new to this "scientific" way of handling perfumes and given the amount of matter available on the Net, I was wondering whether I should buy/read The Guide, or would it just influence my opinion ?
What do you think?
If you have no idea who Turin or Sanchez are, than No, to both. Don't bother and it won't influence your opinion. I can't for the life of me figure out what I did with my hardcover copy, and don't really miss it. I pretty much skimmed over the first chapter (or two?) and skipped to the reviews. Which weren't really full reviews. More like quips and one or two word descriptions. Now, if you a familiar with either author, and therefore have some preference and taste context to put that in- you may enjoy. If not, it is disappointing. Not to mention, I bought mine when it was first released, so many of the perfume I looked forward to reading their opinion of weren't included.
There is no science, in the review section. It's not even similiar to wine reviews (which this perfume hobby is often compared to), as there are no descriptors of notes, or accords- it is, for the most part, more of a two- or as I mentioned- one word snapshot, or summary of the overall perception of the perfumes.
Thanx everyone !!!!
I WILL probably read The Guide just to see what its all about.
Also all that I can find on the Net( Flavorite, thanx for listing all those out) and the book by Jan Moran.
And use MY nose just as you suggest !!!
Thanx so much everyone !!! 
PerfumesYes, I recommend it! It's great toilet read
I totally agree! 
As useful reviews go, Katie Puckrick is the one I use as a reference. We have fairly similar tastes.
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