Alchemy & Mysticism

A breathtaking illustrated journey through the history of esoteric lore. This is a magical mystery tour spanning an arc from the mediaeval cosmogram and images of Christian mysticism, through the fascinating world of alchemy to the art of the Romantic era.

The mysterious science of alchemy is thought to have begun with the ancient Greeks and continued through to the mid-19th century. Adherents believed that the study of physical elements such as iron and copper could reveal philosophical and spiritual truths. Their hieroglyphics, symbolic metallurgical writings and more trace an intricate history of explorations, dovetailing with the beliefs of cabalists, Rosicrucians and freemasons.

In this illustrated compendium, paintings, drawings and rare images are culled from private and public collections in an exploration of the Western specialized science of transformation and spirituality dating back to Pythagoras. The book’s insightful explanations accompanying each image provide insights into this labyrinthine study. From Ptolemy and Copernicus to the divine work of creation, from animal riddles to apparitions and Divine Geometry, this extensive examination of the world’s mysteries through images and codes is a visual carnival that intrigues scientists and theologians as it inspired surrealist artists and other artistic movements.