Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore [Hardcover]

Gina Hyams (Author), Susie Cushner (Photographer)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2003

Now that aromatherapy has become an everyday luxury and top-quality incense can be found in trendsetting boutiques and nationwide retailers everywhere, it's time for the first stylish volume on this ancient tradition. Touching on topics ranging from spirituality to romance to health and well-being, Incense draws on folklore and wisdom from Japan, India, the Pacific, and the Americas. By translating those traditions into practical applications anyone can enjoy, Incense shows how different scents can bring energy, focus, or relaxation to daily life. Suggestions for arousing the senses abound, such as enhancing a meditation session with spicy clove or adding a rich and sensuous juniper aroma to a steamy bath. Incense also describes the variety of incense products available and explains their essential ingredients: flowers, herbs, and oils. Gorgeously rounded out with Susie Cushner's evocative photography, Incense is an elegant gift that soothes the soul and engages the senses.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Gina Hyams is the author of several books on travel and Mexico, including the Day of the Dead Box and Mexicasa, both published by Chronicle Books. Her work has also appeared in several literary anthologies and in San Francisco Magazine, Salon, Newsweek, and on National Public Radio. She lives in Northern California.

Susie Cushner is a Boston-based photographer whose work can be found in Viva la Vida (0-8118-3184-1), as well as Gourmet and Saveur magazines.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 96 pages
• Publisher: Chronicle Books (November 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0811839931
• ISBN-13: 978-0811839938
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,967,697 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Gina Hyams is an author and editor who specializes in travel, tradition, and the arts. Her books include the bestselling travel-design titles, In a Mexican Garden: Courtyards, Pools, and Open-Air Living Rooms and Mexicasa: The Enchanting Inns and Haciendas of Mexico, as well as Pacific Spas: Luxury Getaways on the West Coast, Day of the Dead Box, The Campfire Collection: Thrilling, Chilling Tales of Alien Encounters, and Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore -- all published by Chronicle Books. She is also co-editor of the recently-published anthology, Searching for Mary Poppins: Women Write About the Relationship Between Mothers and Nannies (Hudson Street Press/Penguin U.S.A.). Gina's essays and articles have appeared in Newsweek, San Francisco, Berkshire Living, Organic Style, Living Southern Style, Healing Lifestyles & Spas, and Salon.com. She has also contributed to Fodor's Travel Publications, National Public Radio, and numerous anthologies. For more info, see www.ginahyams.com.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Overpriced and under-researched, March 19, 2006

By 

Emuru (Western NY state) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore (Hardcover)

Very nice, trendy little coffee-table type book, with pretty pictures and a small amount of general information you could easily find just about anywhere. Not a book for the serious researcher in spite of the glowing reviews obviously submitted by friends and relatives. It would make a nice gift for a favorite aunt or grandmother or a pal met at the spa. Do not purchase, however, if you are trying to find serious and detailed information concerning the history, lore and making of rare or even classic incense blends or you will be sorely disappointed.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Nice, December 28, 2003

By 

Rosie - See all my reviews

This review is from: Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore (Hardcover)

Just reading Gina Hyams is soothing in itself. I loved every part and every word. Big Sky meditation is my favorite part, but it's all wonderful, really. I love the mysteries of incense and read almost every book I can on the subject. This and The Book of Incense by Kiyoko Morita are my favorites of all of them.

This is a beautiful hardbound book with great color illustrations. It covers so many different perspectives on incense, from recipes for Egyptian Kyphi to a marvelous section of the Japanese incense ceremony and incense games. Anyone who loves incense will love this book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Broad brush overview, July 1, 2008

By 

V. Voss "VV" (Jupiter, FL United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Incense: Rituals, Mystery, Lore (Hardcover)

This book is very nicely written and easy to read but it doesn't go into any real depth about incense. If you're interested in an overview of the history and traditions of Incense it's worth reading.