Aroma The Cultural History of Smell Author:Constance Classen, David Howes, Anthony Synnott Smell is a social phenomenon, given particular meanings and values by different cultures. Odors form the basis of class hierarchies. They can enforce social structures or transgress them, unite people or divide them, empower or disempower.The authors argue that the sociology of smell is repressed in the modern West, and its social history ignore... more »d. Aroma offers the first comprehensive exploration of the cultural role of odors in the history of Western and non-Western societies. Its topics range from the aromatherapies of South America to the role of smell in postmodernity.Its subject matter will fascinate anyone who likes to nose around in the inner workings of culture.« less