Here is an hour-long talk by Spector sponsored by the New York Center for Book Art.
At 6 minutes in, there is a wonderful riff on the book as elemental cultural artifact, being able to stand for each of the four elements. Here are links to the images to which Spector refers – so much more enjoyable to see as well as hear!
Fire
Credit: http://bortolamigallery.com/artist/claudio-parmiggiani/works/
Earth
Credit: https://teachartwiki.wikispaces.com/Book+from+the+Sky–Xu+Bing http://wp.me/p2AYQg-Ou
Air
Credit: http://dougbeube.com/artwork/2154724_Disaster_series_Twister.html
Water –
Credit: http://images.artnet.com/images_us/magazine/reviews/robinson/robinson7-22-09-3.jpg
Your thoughts?