Psychology explains that people who smell books before reading them do not do it just for fun
Smelling books is a common behavior linked to the chemistry of paper and memory. Volatile organic compounds released during paper degradation produce different scents related to a book's age and material. Researchers have created the Historic Book Odour Wheel to classify and understand these variations. Unpleasant smells can indicate potential issues like mold or water damage requiring attention. Preservation techniques are available to help maintain the integrity of valuable books.
