”A Romance of Perfume Lands” by F. S. Clifford, published in 1881, is an intriguing blend of travel narrative, commercial promotion, and botanical exploration. Presented as a fictional account of a journey to locate Captain Jacob Cole, the book serves as a vehicle for discussing various perfumes and toiletry products. Each chapter introduces a new location, such as New Orleans, Sydney, Hawaii, India, China, Indonesia, and New Zealand, where the author delves into the local production of essential oils, fragrances, and other related commodities. The narrative is interspersed with advertisements for Boston-area businesses, reflecting the author’s intent to promote the products of Clifford & Co., dealers in perfumery and toilet articles.
The book is structured around the fictional expedition to find Captain Jacob Cole, with each stop providing an opportunity to explore the commercial aspects of perfumery and related industries. For instance, in New Orleans, the narrative discusses the manufacturing of cotton seed, peanut, benne, and castor oils, highlighting their preference over animal fats in hair pomades due to concerns about hair loss. In Sydney, the focus shifts to the commercial products derived from oranges, referencing Richard Hill’s orangery in New South Wales. The inclusion of such details not only informs readers about the global trade of perfumery materials but also subtly promotes Clifford & Co.’s products and services.
Illustrated with 31 black-and-white woodcut images, the book provides visual insights into the perfumery industry of the late 19th century. These illustrations complement the text, offering readers a glimpse into the tools, processes, and products associated with the trade. The inclusion of advertisements and product descriptions further emphasizes the commercial nature of the work, blurring the lines between literature and marketing.
“A Romance of Perfume Lands” is a unique historical document that combines elements of travel writing, botanical study, and commercial promotion. Through its narrative and illustrations, it offers valuable insights into the global perfumery industry of the 19th century, reflecting the era’s fascination with exotic goods and the burgeoning trade in essential oils and fragrances. While serving as a promotional tool for Clifford & Co., the book also contributes to our understanding of the cultural and commercial dynamics of the time.