This book has a beautiful underlying intention, to introduce its reader to the dynamics of our underestimated sense of smell. All five senses can be used as tools to feed our soul. When we put healthy tasty food in our mouths and paint our walls colors that are pleasing, we are nourished, inspired, and perhaps more complete feeling. This book presents the 'health food' for our nose- a mysterious tool, at least in my own experience that is easy to use only accidentally. As smell has historically been explored before by many different cultures, the author proficiently unites ideas and uses of incense, ultimately suggesting modern application of sacred rituals.

The importance and use of smell, as I have gathered after reading this book, could be a missing link that encourages ceremony and sacredness in a time that lacks both. If not that, at least by becoming more aware of our senses, we can be more conscious of our environment- thus more in the present.

Incense, as Hughes states the preface of her book, is a vast topic to cover in just one book. This well researched, thoughtful book, however, upholds its aim in an efficient and useful manner. I was happy to discover such an author promoting understanding and applications of our environment and how closely connected we really are to it.

I really love how the author blended the esoteric with hard science in The Incense Bible. If you are looking for a woo-woo book, this is not it. Instead it is a carefully researched and well-documented journey of the sense of smell, the spirit of fragrance/incense and the history and science behind it. Ms. Hughes knows how to walk that fine line between science and spirituality and as I went through the book, I began to regard my sense of smell as sacred and sensuous, and yet I am also grateful to learn about how it can transport me to another place and time so readily.

In reading the book, I also felt the author's knowledge and love of the plants that give us the remarkable aromas of incense and I appreciate how she presented the big picture, walking us through various uses for individual fragrances. I have ordered this book to give to a couple of friends of mine who run a Yoga studio, so that they can decide on the perfect blend for their classes. The Incense Bible makes me realize a strong truth, which is we live in a world that offers many gifts - and the sense of smell and the many different moods of incense is certainly one of them. Thank you!