Four Elements

JOHN O'DONOHUE was born in County Clare in 1956 and lived in a remote cottage in the west of Ireland until his untimely death in January 2008. A highly respected poet and philosopher, he was awarded a Ph.D. in philosophical theology from the University of Tübingen in 1990. John wrote a number of international bestselling books: Anam Cara, Eternal Echoes, Divine Beauty and Benedictus, which he completed shortly before he died. He also wrote two volumes of poetry, Conamara Blues and Echoes of Memory. The Four Elements was originally published in separate editions in 1994/5.

"There are certain threads that run through the work of John O'Donohue. They manifest themselves with different colours and textures. The form may change for different purposes of rhythm and resonance, but the intention remains constant. It is grounded in human vulnerability and the desire, the longing, for a connection to the wonder of the divine in nature, and human life within it." -- Michael D Higgins, politician and broadcaster