Sacred Luxuries: The Culture of Truth

by Lise Manniche

The art of modern fragrance-making owes much to practices developed in ancient Egypt. The Egyptians attached great importance to perfumes and cosmetics, which men and women wore to make themselves attractive and alluring, to restore vitality and good health, and as a means of venerating the gods and of negotiating a passage to the realm of the hereafter. In this lavishly illustrated, oversized book, Lise Manniche looks at the role played by scents...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0801437202
• ISBN13: 9780801437205
• Release Date: September 1999
• Publisher: Cornell University Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 2.40 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 9.7" x 10.9"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A delightful Ancient Egyptian aromatherapy primer

This exceeded my expectations. Incredibly beautiful photographs thanks to Werner Forman. Ancient recipes from the Pharoahs and goddesses temples, myths, legends and Egyptian herbalism. Lise Manniche digs deep to find the original use for many essential oils that are in use today. She sticks with reputable research rather than presenting erroneous information yet the tone is lively and engaging. This book serves as an inspiration and will undoubtably make the reader want to know more about this fascinating era.

Very informative and interesting

The author did a wonderful job of covering the use of essential oil (perfumes) and botanicals in ancient Egypt (and at times other areas) from a archaeological standpoint. Many of the well known ancient perfume recipes are included and it is interesting to see how Pliny and others suggested medicinal use. I will say however people wishing Aromatherapy content, as the title denotes, will be very disappointed as there really is none. Lack of training in herbology, Aromatherapy or even botany also serves to limit the authors grasp and ability to expound. Altogether I feel the book is a great reference work and well researched.

A perfumer's delight!

Anything by Manniche about ancient Egyptian herbs, plants or perfumes is a treat! If you have an interest in the perfumes used in the ancient world - what was used, where they came from, the hows and whys - you must get this book. Includes reconstructed recipes for the most famous perfumes in the ancient world - a real eye-opener. Accompanied by gorgeous illustrations. Well worth the price.