Wednesday, May 7, 2008

More on the Sweet Scent of Literature

After my last post I was left wondering about what other literary scents we could get our hands on. So I did a little digging just as much for you, dear reader, as for myself and these are my results.

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab, an online store specializing in gothic scents, is selling perfumes based off the novels of Neil Gaiman. They also offer perfumes with some literary, poetic, and mythical inspirations such as:
Highwayman
Hymn to Proserpine
I Died For Beauty
Incantation
Inferno
Kubla Khan
The Black Tower
La Bella Donna Della Mia Mente
Lampades
Leanan Sidhe (W.B. Yeats)
Ode On Melancholy
Ozymandias
Penny Dreadful (titled after the penny dreadful novels of yesteryear)
Poisoned Apple (from Snow White)
The Raven (Edgar Allan Poe)
Scherezade (1,001 Nights)
Tavern of Hell
Tempest
Twenty-One (Dorothy Parker - whose own favorite scent was Coty's Chypre)
Ulalume
Wilde
They also offer a collection called the mad tea party that features perfumes named for the characters in Alice in Wonderland

Perfumer Laura Tonatto as a promotion for a bookshop created five perfumes based on scents described in classic works like Swann's Way by Marcel Proust; Madame Bovary by Flaubert; The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilder; Perfume by Patrick Suskind; and Gabrielle D'Annunzio's The Child of Pleasure.

Alice in Wonderland
Bath and Body Works is offering scented bulbs
(if fact they have an entire limited edition line right now)
Konstantin of parfums d'Imperfiction available on his own site as well as Aus Leibe Zum Duft
(there you can also find his perfume based on the book Eleven Minutes)

Disney is offering perfume featuring characters from children's stories like Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Bambi. For a full list and availability visit here.

Apparently even J.K. Rowlings Harry Potter has had a perfume all of it's own as well.

For excerpts from literature involving scent I recommend scented pages. A few more can also be found at Memory and Desire.

For poems with the theme of perfume visit poetry-chaikhana.

And for anyone who has not read of seen Perfume: The Story of a Murderer I recommend you procure it in whatever way you see fit post haste!

Book Lovers Perfume

Christopher Brosius hates perfume, and I mean really hates perfume:
"I hate perfume.
Perfume is too often an ethereal corset trapping everyone in the same unnatural shape
A lazy and inelegant concession to fashionable ego
Too often a substitute for true allure and style
An opaque shell concealing everything – revealing nothing
A childish masque hiding the timid and unimaginative
An arrogant slap in the face from across the room
People who smell like everyone else disgust me
* * * * * * *
Perfume is a veil that reveals the soul
Perfume is the fanfare of our individuality sounding differently to everyone who listens
Perfume is a signpost to our true selves – a different journey for the brave to travel
Perfume is the weather of our inner world bringing life to a personal landscape
Perfume is an art that shows us who we can be if we dare – an invisible portrait of who we are
Perfume is discovered fully only by our lovers when we are together - naked
* * * * * * *
I encourage you to be yourself, expand yourself and please yourself
Allow yourself the luxury of your own vision
Perfume is an adventure I encourage you to explore
I love making perfume
I love being a perfumer"

What on earth does perfume have to do with books? CBIhateperfume in so many words is the new Demeter Fragrances (for those of you who do not Demeter their fragrances include scents like tomato, dirt, baby powder, laundromat, rain, and caramel.) But unlike Demeter CB uses oil and water as a base for the perfume.

CB also offers something of particular interest to bibliophiles. A scent by the name of "in the library"

Follow your nose

Tuesday, May 6, 2008

Random Book Goodies

Wicked Witch Door Stopper

witchdoorstop.JPG

$18.00

Even though winter has passed that doesn't mean you won't love the

Alice in Wonderland Dishes

ALICE GLASSES SET OF 4
ALICE CEREAL BOWL
ALICE SQ PLATE 9" CARDS

Wicked Witch Draft Stopper



$40.00

The Library Shop's Literary Luncheon Collection
Click to enlarge


Click to enlarge



Book Coasters

fauxbookcoaster.jpg

Books and Tea Teapot


Literary Summer

Vacation time will be upon us soon. And for those of you who cannot only afford to go on vacation but can afford some literary vacay swag here are some of my summer recommendations.

Penguin Books Deck Chair

Penguin Book Deckchair - The Common Reader

What a perfect way to curl up pool or seaside with a book (and you will know your chair from all the others.) For those who may be able to afford the chair but not the vacay this will do just as nicely on your porch or in your garden.

Available in the following titles:
The Common Reader
A Room of Ones Own
Brighton Rock
The Big Sleep
The Horizontal Man
The Man of Property
Country Life
Man and Superman
The Big Sleep
The Garden Party

Price tag $118.04 + shipping

And what better way to remember your vacation with a camera.

Lens: 23.1mm f8
Shutter: 1/80
Film advance: Manual
Film: 110mm film (film sold separately here.)
Flash : None
Body Size: 110x31x68mm
Weight: 110g
Accessories include: Paper case, manual.

$67

As a further follow-up on my previous post of literary destinations I have a few more places I have stumbled upon.

The Spencer Hotel and Spa
Chautauqua, NY

Lewis Carroll Theme Room | The Spencer Hotel

Akawaaba Bed and Breakfast
Washington D.C.

ZORA NEALE HURSTON

Decorated in tribute to Zora Neale Hurston, this second floor guestroom faces picturesque 16th street and is decorated in bold red hues. One of the largest rooms in the house, it is furnished with a Brass King sized bed, antique writing secretary, and mirrored armoire. The front bay window allows plenty of natural light. The private bath features a 2-person Jacuzzi tub and shower.

TONI MORRISON

Nobel prize winner, 1993 for her collected works and Pulitzer Prize, 1988 for Beloved, Morrison is best noted for her “epic themes, vivid dialogue and richly detailed African American characters.” Located on the second floor, in the middle of the house, this room features a queen-sized bed, decorative fireplace, and private, shower only bath.


ROMANCE SUITE

A queen-sized 4-poster canopy bed sets the tone of this second floor guestroom decorated honoring the romantic in all of us. Situated at the rear of the home, allowing for a quite peaceful nights sleep, or quiet respite from life's hectic pace. The private ensuite bath features a couple's shower with dual showerheads.

LANGSTON HUGHES

Poet and Playwright Langston Hughes is memorialized in this 3rd floor guestroom. Decorated in deep browns and greens, this room includes a small private balcony overlooking 16th street. The second of the largest rooms in the house, guests will find a king sized bed, decorative fireplace sitting area and ensuite private bath with 2 person Jacuzzi tub and shower.


MODERN CLASSICS ROOM

Located on the 3rd floor, this guest room offers a queen sized bed with
upholstered headboard, and private shower only bath. Sleek trim decor,
hardwood floors and decorative fireplace give this room a modern feel mixed
with old world charm.


WALTER MOSLEY SUITE

Best known for his Mystery novels featuring lead character Easy Rawlings, guests who stay in this suite often feel as though they are staying in Mr. Mosley's secret writing retreat. The Mosley Suite is located on the 3rd floor and rear of the home. The room offers a queen sized bed, decorative fireplace, writing desk and private bath with couple's shower with dual showerheads.

INSPIRATION ROOM

Be inspired with this 4th floor suite. Tucked in the eves of the home, yet bright with a large skylight, neutral tone and 2 windows, this room proves to be very popular with our guests looking for a little romance or pampering. The room is furnished with a king sized iron bed and sitting alcove with 2 wing back chairs. The ensuite bath is shower only, however an antique claw-foot soaking tub is tucked in the room, and perfect for a hot bubble bath.


POETRY SUITE

Dedicated to one of your host's favorite genres, the Poetry Suite offers a library of collected favorite works. This 4th floor room, features 2 queen-sized beds, allowing comfortable sleeping accommodations for up to 4 guests. Natural light fills this room with a large window stretching almost the full width of the room. A large couch allows for a great place to catch up on your favorite book, or a pick from the room's collection.

THE WRITER'S SUITE

The Writer's Suite is a Garden level/English basement fully furnished, and private entranced efficiency apartment. The spacious main room is divided into sleeping and living quarters offering a cozy living room with a full sized leather sofa, armchair and TV with cable and DVD player.

The bright front bay window has a dining table which also provides a great work space to catch up on email. Sleeping accommodations include a king sized bed and bureau and night stands at the back of the room.

The apartment provides a galley style kitchen, with gas stove/oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, and all counter-top appliances. There is also a full bath. Breakfast and daily housekeeping are not provided with this unit. All bed and bath linens are provided. Wireless Internet is complimentary.

Reserved off street parking is available behind the home by reservation for an additional $12 per night.

Ammenities include:
  • Choice of 8 guestrooms each with private bath (2 feature Jacuzzi tubs
  • Home cooked hot breakfast served each morning, 8am weekdays, 9am weekends
  • Complimentary WiFi
  • Available reserved off street parking
  • Rooms with King sized beds
  • Color television with cable in each room
  • Romance packages available
  • Massage services can be reserved on-site
  • Afternoon refreshments
  • Smoke free/pet free accommodations
  • We can accommodate children over 12 in the Poetry Suite
Rates:
Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes Suites: $190-285
Romance and Walter Mosley Suites: $165-235
Toni Morrison and Modern Classics Rooms: $150-205
Inspiration Suite: $175-235
Poetry Suite: $175-235 for 2, $30 per night for each additional guest up to 4.
Writer's Suite: $145-195

See more here

Recently Finished:
The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette
Carolly Erickson

EnLIGHTening Books

The Oskar book shaped book lamp


The Oskar is solidly built from aluminum plates, with the cord out the back and the on/off switch in the front. Again, perfect for sitting on your book shelf: The cord is hidden in the back, while the switch is easily accessible in the front. It uses a 50W halogen bulb which is a little on the bright side for my tastes, but it gets the job done.

These were initially available from Ikea for about $20 but now it looks like if you want one you will need to consult ebay.

Light Reading Book Lamp by Sam Johnson
The book lamp disguised as a book that will not heat damage its shelf mates.

Light Reading Lamp, Sam Johnson, Thorsten Van Allen, GNR8, CFL, Compact Flourescent Reading lamp, low energy book lamp

Light Reading Lamp, Sam Johnson, Thorsten Van Allen, GNR8, CFL, Compact Flourescent Reading lamp, low energy book lamp
$149

Friday, May 2, 2008

Shameless Self Promotion

Once and long ago I went to art school. I learned art does not feed anything other than my tortured soul. I still create.

Doc Martin is having a contest. Artist are able to submit their work. Only two winners will be chosen. So I made a bunch of entries. Your votes would mean so much. And hopefully you are able to vote because you actually like my designs.

Passing these along is also a great help to help procure more votes.

Thanks to everyone for all love and support this will provide and sorry for the shameless self promotion


Links to my designs:
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/LVWishes
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/fright
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/releaseme
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/steponmyex
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/Lahman
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/skrik
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/stockingfeet
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/EyeFull
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/buckinghamboot
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/mindtheboot
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/notre
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/watcher
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/rocktree
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/empirical
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/HawaiiRainbow
www.dmbootdesign.com/view/letitsnow

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Anthropologie Summer Classics

No sooner do I make a post about "bookish looks" than I get the new Anthropologie catalog with an adorable spread (pgs 22 - 31) featuring a model reading The Color of Green and intermittent quotes from authors.