"Sparks of Ancient Light" is the sixteenth studio album by Al Stewart, released on September 15, 2008. The album continues Stewart's tradition of incorporating historical figures and events into his songwriting. It features songs that reflect on various historical personalities, including British prime minister Lord Salisbury, deposed Shah of Iran Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, and 34th U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
Thematically, the album explores ideas of "certainty and uncertainty," a recurring motif in Stewart's work. The album's lyrical content delves into these concepts through its historical narratives.
An accompanying music video for the track "Elvis at the Wheel," filmed in Arizona, was released in December 2013, providing a visual representation of Stewart's storytelling.
