Odor Sensation and Memory by Trygg Engen (English) Hardcover Book - Very Good
$ 20.9
Description
Odor Sensation and Memory by Trygg Engen (English) Hardcover Book - Very Good. He surveys real-life examples—from the nostalgia of childhood aromas to the uses of olfaction in advertising, safety, and therapy. Scientific Rigor: Engen is one of the pioneers in the empirical study of olfaction, and his book provides an authoritative synthesis of research up to the early 1990s. Odor Sensation and Memory (1991) by Trygg Engen is a foundational work exploring the remarkable ways in which the human sense of smell is linked to memory, emotion, and experience. Drawing on decades of experimental psychology, neuroscience, and perceptual science, Engen’s book addresses how olfactory information is processed, stored, and recalled—highlighting the unique properties that make olfaction especially evocative. The book begins with the basics of how we perceive smells, including the physiology of the olfactory system, sensory thresholds, and the brain’s organization for smell. Engen then compares olfactory memory to other modalities, showing that smell memories are often exceptionally persistent, emotionally charged, and resistance to forgetting. He explores both the biological underpinnings and the evolutionary reasons for these features, proposing that the structure of the olfactory system itself makes memories for odors especially robust and direct. Throughout, Engen considers the individual differences in olfactory memory, cultural variations, and the role of language (or lack thereof) in describing and remembering odors. He surveys real-life examples—from the nostalgia of childhood aromas to the uses of olfaction in advertising, safety, and therapy. Review / Assessment Scientific Rigor: Engen is one of the pioneers in the empirical study of olfaction, and his book provides an authoritative synthesis of research up to the early 1990s. The work is steeped in experimental evidence, offering clear descriptions of classic studies as well as the author’s own influential findings. Accessibility: While scholarly, the narrative is approachable for general readers interested in psychology, as well as students and researchers. Engen balances scientific depth with engaging real-life examples. Conceptual Impact: This book helped shape modern thinking about sensory memory, particularly the unique features of olfaction compared to sight or sound. Engen challenges misconceptions (such as the idea that people can’t remember smells well) and highlights the evolutionary, personal, and cultural importance of olfactory memory. Influence: Since its publication, Odor Sensation and Memory has become a widely cited reference in sensory science, neuropsychology, and even literature and marketing. Who Should Read This Book? Students and researchers in psychology, neuroscience, or sensory studies Professionals in perfumery, food science, design, or any field concerned with olfaction General readers curious about how and why smells so powerfully evoke memories and emotions In summary: “Odor Sensation and Memory” remains a classic and authoritative account of how we sense, store, and relive odors. Engen’s work bridges biology, psychology, and everyday life, providing insight into one of our most mysterious and meaningful senses. >>Powered by WonderLister App
