Elements is an eclectic, evocative, and resoundingly beautiful treasury of imagery exploring depictions of the elemental forces that reveal their profound significance to ancient philosophers, alchemists, and astrologers, and modern artists, photographers, and scientists alike. Expertly curated, themed, and paired by image alchemist Stephen Ellcock, modern and visionary images are juxtaposed with the ancient and arcane, and the creative power of the elements is contrasted with the disastrous.

Following physician and occultist Robert Fludd’s (1574–1637) order of the elements, Ellcock guides readers through a remarkable selection of images, ascending from earth through water, air, and fire before culminating in the most spiritual of the elements, celestial aether. He makes parallels with the five elements of eastern philosophies and their relationship to the chakras, acupuncture, and Chinese astrology. Introductory text explores how the elements have defined the components of Earth and the heavens since the ancient creation myths from around the world that first proposed the elements as the fundamental substances of the universe. Insightful panel texts punctuate the pages, illuminating key concepts. Pertinent literary, philosophical, and spiritual quotations are interspersed with the amazing images, presenting further commentary on the overarching themes.

At a time when humanity’s relationship with the Earth teeters on the edge of catastrophe, this compendium of images exploring the natural elements envisions the possibility of earthly and spiritual harmony emerging from the chaos.

Stephen Ellcock
Thames and Hudson
Hardcover, 256 pages
ISBN  9780500027844