$42.99
11 in stock
11 in stock
Sunday Times bestselling author Simon Winchester returns with a thought-provoking history of the wind, written in his edifying and entertaining style.
What is going on with our atmosphere? The headlines are filled with news of devastating hurricanes, murderous tornadoes, and cataclysmic fires. Gale force advisories are issued on a regular basis by weather services around the world.
Atmospheric scientists are warning that winds – the force at the centre of all these dangerous natural events – are expected to steadily increase in the years ahead, strengthening in power, speed, and frequency. While this prediction worried the insurance industry, governmental leaders, scientists, and conscientious citizens, one particular segment of society received it with unbridled enthusiasm. To the energy industry, rising wind strength and speeds as an unalloyed boon for humankind – a vital source of clean and ‘safe’ power.
Between these two poles – wind as a malevolent force, and wind as saviour of our planet – lies a world of fascination, history, literature, science, poetry, and engineering which Simon Winchester explores with the curiosity and Vigor that are the hallmarks of his bestselling works. In The Breath of the Gods, he explains how wind plays a part in our everyday lives, from airplane or car travel to the ‘natural disasters’ that are becoming more frequent and regular.
The Breath of the Gods is an urgently-needed portrait across time of that unseen force – unseen but not unfelt – that respects no national borders and no vessel or structure in its path. Wind, the movement of the air, is seen by so many as a heavenly creation and generally a thing of essential goodness. But when it flexes its invisible muscles, all should take care and be very afraid.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 416
Imprint: Collins UK/HarperCollins
Publication date: 11/11/2025
The Breath of the Gods
By Simon Winchester
Review by Kazia
I had never given much thought to the wind before this book appeared on my radar. Or at least, I had never given much serious thought to the wind, until I picked this up and discovered that there was a fascinating story to be told.
In The Breath of the Gods, Winchester masterfully balances scientific explanation with historical investigation. This book meanders through the history of wind by way of nautical evolution and technological advancements; through windmills and war, plant life and natural disasters. There is something about the way that Winchester narrates this story that makes you believe that he could quite captivatingly relay any sort of history, on any topic, and you would eagerly pay attention. Winchester’s writing style is easy and personable, with many an interesting (though not always directly related to the topic) footnote. Part of the disarming appeal of Winchester’s writing style is that you never have to question his biases or personal opinion because he delivers them with a bluntness that I found respectable even when I didn’t necessarily agree. Overall, this is an engaging piece of literature that leans somewhat more historical than ecological.
Perfect for fans of Winchester's other books or Robert Macfarlane's Underland.
