The Matter of Air: Science and the Art of the Ethereal

Air - without it, life on Earth would cease to exist. Though not usually seen, its presence is relied upon. At once ethereal and physical, air has been associated with flight and spirit, transcendence and optimism. Yet, as humans have progressively taken control of it through communications, warfare, travel and scientific exploration, our perceptions of this substance have changed. Air is not longer a completely reliable part of our daily life: it is now an environmental element that must be watched closely for quality and purity.

The Matter of Air investigates the meanings of air over the last three centuries, including our modern concern over emissions and climate change. It explores the human relationship with air, both positive and negative, and discusses the dangers posed by radio atmospherics, poison gas and haze as well as our fascination with effervescence and explosives. Drawing ideas from religion, science, art, literature and philosophy, The Matter of Air creates a comprehensive history of the human perception of air.

Thoroughly researched and written with wit and joy, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers interested in the environment, human history and our most essential aspects of life.

Steven Connor is Professor of Modern Literature and Theory at Birkbeck College. University of London. He is the author of Fly (2006) and The Book of Skin (2003), both published by Reaktion.