Why Do Old Books Smell?

Walk into a used bookshop and you will encounter the unique aroma of aging books. The smell is loved by some, disliked by others, but where does it come from?

A physical book is full of organic material that reacts with heat, light, moisture and - mostly importantly - the chemicals used in its production. The smell comes from the reaction of the organic material to these factors.

Chemists at University College, London have investigated the old book odor and concluded that old books release hundreds of volatile organic compounds into the air from the paper. The lead scientist described the smell as "A combination of grassy notes with a tang of acids and a hint of vanilla over an underlying mustiness."

Chemicals are found in the wood pulp that makes paper, and also in the ink for text and illustrations. From a chemist's point of view, the biggest reason for a book's decay is acidity -- and paper with too much acidity is common in books printed in the 19th and 20th centuries, hence their rapid deterioration and the smell.

Books printed by the earliest printers have survived for 500 years because the purity of their paper.

Telltale signs of this deterioration is browning - an all over discoloration of the pages - and foxing which are localized brown spots.

Books can also react to external materials. A newspaper clipping stored inside a book can cause a reaction through its ink and cheap acidic paper.

Books can absorb strong smells from the environment and this is commonly seen with tobacco smoke. The best way to store your books is in a cool, dry environment away from direct sunlight.

Learn more about book care at the AbeBooks' Book Collecting Guide: http://bit.ly/ujYGTh


Image credit of UCL: UCL

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[postdesrapides]

One type of smell in a bad used bookstore is "Book Cancer" (MOLD and/or MILDEW). Never have these books on your shelf or it may spread!

[budway1942]

My Kindle smells of plastic.

[Meep Moop]

This is the only downside of collecting rare/old/antique books. Which makes it a BIG downside.

[OttawaKSLibrary]

These are great tips for identifying and appreciating old books.

[admx94]

with a hint of lithium?

[londonliz43]

My computer room/library smells just like that and I LOVE it! I wish we could capture the smell in a perfume, I would wear it all the time! LOL!

[RentTextbooksOnline]

Interesting.

[CaptainAhab M]

The phrase 'Used book' makes it sound like the books have been molested

[bowenfarm1]

Interesting :) I love old book smell!

[ilurvejerkchicken]

thank u . i have books i smell and takes me back to that year.

[Matt Chen]

You would have first hand experience, wouldn't you?