For many reading enthusiasts, the smell of a book is almost as important as its content. Just opening a newly published copy is enough to smell the distinctive aroma of paper, ink and bookbinding materials. Some describe it as fresh, others as slightly sweet or wood-like. Regardless of the associations, one thing is certain – the smell of a book is unique and hard to confuse with anything else.
Interestingly, it is not the smell of a single ingredient. It is created by the combination of many materials used during the production of a book. Paper, inks, adhesives, varnishes and the cover all affect how the finished publication smells.
The smell of a book starts with the paper
The biggest influence on the smell of a book is the paper. After all, it makes up the vast majority of the volume of any publication.
Paper is produced mainly from cellulose fibers extracted from wood. These are responsible for part of the characteristic aroma. Depending on the type of paper, the smell can be either more neutral or clearly noticeable.
For example, uncoated papers such as Munken Print Cream, Munken Lynx or CircleOffset White often have a more natural aroma than chalkboard papers. This is due in part to their structure and the way they are produced.
Therefore, the smell of a book printed on uncoated paper may differ from that of an album printed on chalk.
Book smell vs. inks
The second major source of aroma is printing inks. Although they are completely safe for use after production, they do release small amounts of VOCs for some time.
These are responsible for part of the characteristic smell of a new book. It is especially easy to smell it just after opening a freshly printed copy.
Modern printers use inks with increasingly lower odor emissions, but it would be virtually impossible to completely eliminate this effect. It is the mixture of paper and ink aroma that creates the smell of a book that most people associate with a new copy.
Smell versus binding
The final smell is also affected by the bookbinding materials. In the case of glued books, the adhesives used during the production of the binding are of importance. In hardback books, there are additionally materials used for the cover, liner or capital.
Most of these elements remain undetectable to the reader, but together they create a characteristic odor mixture. This is why the smell of a hardbound book may be slightly different from that of a thin booklet.
Why old books smell different
The smell changes with the passage of time. Many people even think that old books smell more pleasant than new ones.
This is because paper slowly undergoes natural aging processes over the years. The cellulose fibers decompose, releasing the chemical compounds responsible for the distinctive aroma of old libraries and antiquarian books.
This is why the smell of a book published a few months ago is completely different from that of a copy that is decades old.
Is every book smell the same
Definitely no. Smell is affected by many factors, including:
- paper type,
- printing technology,
- inks used,
- type of binding.
That’s why two books printed with different technologies can smell completely different, even if they have a similar format and number of pages.
Particularly clear differences can be seen between chalky and uncoated papers, and between digitally and offset printed books.
Book smell vs. reader experience
Although it seems like a small thing, smell has a real impact on the perception of a publication. Research on product perception shows that people evaluate objects not only with their eyes, but also with other senses.
In the case of books, they are of great importance:
- appearance of the paper,
- the texture of the cover,
- the method of opening,
- just the smell.
That’s why collector’s editions and premium publications often use high-quality uncoated papers and carefully selected bookbinding materials. This ensures that the book engages the reader even before he or she reads the first page.
Why we like the smell of a book
Some researchers believe that the attachment to the smell of books stems from emotions and memories. For many people, the aroma of paper is associated with a library, learning, a quiet evening or a favorite childhood read.
Therefore, the smell often evokes positive associations and a sense of comfort. This is one of the reasons why, despite the development of e-books, traditional books still have so many supporters.
Summary
The smell of a book does not come from a single source. It is created by paper, inks, adhesives and materials used during binding. Each of these elements affects the final aroma of the finished publication.
This is why a new book smells different from an old copy, and an album printed on chalk is different from a novel on Munken Print Cream paper. Although we often do not consciously pay attention to it, the smell of a book is one of the elements that make contact with a printed publication remain a unique experience.