Whiff of the Past

 image linked (without permission) from Guardian

I received my February edition of Psychologies magazine today and with it a small booklet called, "The Life Guide", which masquerades as a self help tool but is actually a time traveling device.

The moment I opened this little booklet I found myself back in my home town, aged 9, having just returned from the bookshop where Mother had bought me all of the text books I would need for the following school year. My nose firmly between pages of a large history text book, I was inhaling deeply and, quite frankly, developing a bit of a high.
I know. Who doesn't have those memories, right?
The same thing would happen come summer time and the shopping trip for plastic sandals.

Anyway, it occurred to me to look into this obsession with new book smells on the interwebs. Surely there will be something about it there..
Did you know you can buy Smell of Books in a spray can? No, me neither.
In just 2 minutes of browsing I found people discussing this particular olfactory obsession here and here. There were also half a dozen blogs at least, but I can't be bothered to link them all.

The thing is, there aren't that many books these days that have that particular smell which sends me straight into nirvana. It's obviously something to do with the way the paper is processed or the type of ink used. I'd love to find out what makes my nostrils go Rawr. (if you do know anything about this, please drop me a note).

And now, if you'll excuse me, I have an appointment with a time traveling device. [Dr Who eat your heart out]

PS. Psychologies are finally back on form. Must be something to do with the new editor. I am so relieved. I had been cross with myself for forgetting to cancel my subscription back in December but now I'm glad for it.