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Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World's Smells,Used
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The ultimate guide to the smells of the universe the ambrosial to the malodorous, and everything in between from the author of the acclaimed culinary guides On Food and Cooking and Keys to Good CookingFrom Harold McGee, James Beard Awardwinning author and leading expert on the science of food and cooking, comes an extensive exploration of the longoverlooked world of smell. In Nose Dive, McGee takes us on a sensory adventure, from the sulfurous nascent earth more than four billion years ago, to the fruitfilled Tian Shan mountain range north of the Himalayas, to the keyboard of your laptop, where trace notes of phenol and formaldehyde escape between the keys. We'll sniff the ordinary (wet pavement and cut grass) and the extraordinary (ambergris and truffles), the delightful (roses and vanilla) and the challenging (swamplands and durians). We'll smell one another. We'll smell ourselves.Through it all, McGee familiarizes us with the actual bits of matter that we breathe inthe molecules that trigger our perceptions, that prompt the citrusy smells of coriander and beer and the medicinal smells of daffodils and sea urchins. And like everything in the physical world, molecules have histories. Many of the molecules that we smell every day existed long before any creature was around to smell thembefore there was even a planet for those creatures to live on. Beginning with the origins of those molecules in interstellar space, McGee moves onward through the smells of our planet, the air and the oceans, the forest and the meadows and the city, all the way to the smells of incense, perfume, wine, and food.Here is a story of the world, of every smell under our collective nose. A work of astounding scholarship and originality, Nose Dive distills the science behind the smells and translates it, as only McGee can, into an accessible and entertaining guide. Incorporating the latest insights of biology and chemistry, and interweaving them with personal observations, he reveals how our sense of smell has the power to expose invisible, intangible details of our material world and trigger in us feelings that are the very essence of being alive.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main theme of 'Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World's Smells'? A: 'Nose Dive' explores the science and complexity of smells, detailing a range of odors from nature and everyday life. The book delves into how these smells impact our perceptions and experiences.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Nose Dive' and what are his credentials? A: The author is Harold McGee, a James Beard Award-winning author known for his expertise in the science of food and cooking, with acclaimed works like 'On Food and Cooking'.
- Q: What can readers expect to learn from this book? A: Readers will learn about the molecular origins of smells, how smells affect our experiences, and the historical context of various odors, enriching their understanding of the sensory world.
- Q: Is 'Nose Dive' suitable for someone without a scientific background? A: Yes, 'Nose Dive' is written in an accessible style, making complex scientific concepts understandable for general readers while still being informative and engaging.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: 'Nose Dive' is available in hardcover binding, providing durability and a premium feel for readers.
- Q: How many pages does 'Nose Dive' contain? A: 'Nose Dive' comprises 688 pages, offering an in-depth exploration of the topic of smell.
- Q: When was 'Nose Dive' published? A: 'Nose Dive' was published on October 20, 2020, marking its first edition release.
- Q: What categories does 'Nose Dive' fall under? A: 'Nose Dive' is categorized as a reference book, appealing to readers interested in science, cooking, and sensory exploration.
- Q: Is this book a good gift for culinary enthusiasts? A: Yes, 'Nose Dive' makes a thoughtful gift for culinary enthusiasts and anyone interested in the science of food, as it blends sensory experiences with scientific insights.
- Q: Are there any notable features or illustrations in the book? A: While the book focuses on text and information, it provides detailed descriptions that help readers visualize the smells and their contexts, enhancing the learning experience.