Alchemy: The Secret Art

This colorful book presents a brief introduction into the history, mystical import, and practice of alchemy. It aims to disabuse the reader of popular misconceptions about alchemy being a crude precursor to modern chemistry. It does not illuminate the historical connection between them, but focuses on mystical texts and interpretations. De Rola, an alchemist and author, shows the difference between true and false alchemy, alchemy's function in "the great work" of reality, and offers a 17th-century exposition of Sir George Ripley's visions. The last quarter of the book includes several series of historical teaching-images and other sacred art. Annotation ©2013 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Much more than the art of turning base metals into gold, alchemy is a system of cosmic symbolism which can best be understood as a means of achieving oneness with the world. The alchemist learns how to create a model of the universe or of human consciousness, in which the opposing complementary forces symbolized by Male and Female, Sulfur and Mercury, Earth and Air, Fire and Water, attain the perfect synthesis of which gold is the emblem.

With more than 2,000,000 copies sold in more than a dozen languages, the Art & Imagination series provides illustrated introductions by distinguished writers and scholars to the worlds of mythology, symbols, and sacred traditions.