Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Winchester returns with a thought-provoking history of the wind, written in his edifying and entertaining style.

What is happening with our atmosphere? The headlines are filled with news of devastating hurricanes, deadly tornadoes, and catastrophic fires. Gale force warnings are issued regularly by weather services around the world.

Atmospheric scientists are warning that winds – the force behind these dangerous natural events – are expected to steadily increase in the coming years, becoming stronger in power, speed, and frequency. While this prediction concerns the insurance industry, government leaders, scientists, and conscientious citizens, one particular segment of society received it with great enthusiasm. For the energy sector, increasing wind strength and speeds are an unmitigated boon for humanity – a vital source of clean and ‘safe’ energy.

Between these two extremes – wind as a malicious force, and wind as the savior of our planet – lies a fascinating world of history, literature, science, poetry, and engineering which Simon Winchester explores with the curiosity and vigor that characterize his bestsellers. In The Breath of the Gods, he explains how wind influences our daily lives, from airplane and car travel to the ‘natural disasters’ that are becoming more frequent and intense.

The Breath of the Gods is an urgent portrait across time of that unseen force – unseen but not unfelt – which respects no borders and no vessel or structure in its path. Wind, the movement of air, is viewed by many as a divine creation and generally a force of essential goodness. But when it flexes its invisible muscles, everyone should take caution and be very afraid.

Pages: 416, Dimensions: 15.9x15.9cm