{"product_id":"the-breath-of-the-gods-the-history-and-future-of-the-wind-by-simon-winchester-9780008679538","title":"The Breath of the Gods : The History and Future of the Wind","description":"\u003cp\u003e`Very entertaining' Sunday Times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e`A thoroughly enjoyable book, brimming over with historical nuggets and contemplations about the future' New York Times\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSunday Times bestselling author Simon Winchester returns with a thought-provoking history of the wind, written in his edifying and entertaining style.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhat is going on with our atmosphere?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAtmospheric 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this prediction worried the insurance industry, governmental leaders, scientists, and conscientious citizens, one particular segment of society received it with unbridled enthusiasm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eTo the energy industry, rising wind strength and speeds are an unalloyed boon for humankind - a vital source of clean and `safe' power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBetween 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWind, the movement of the air, is seen by so many as a heavenly creation and generally a thing of essential goodness.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut when it flexes its invisible muscles, all should take care and be very afraid.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Simon Winchester","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57308644082037,"sku":"9780008679538","price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0812\/4075\/2426\/files\/9780008679538.jpg?v=1782120483","url":"https:\/\/sherlockandpages.com\/products\/the-breath-of-the-gods-the-history-and-future-of-the-wind-by-simon-winchester-9780008679538","provider":"Sherlock \u0026 Pages","version":"1.0","type":"link"}