The Breath of the Gods

The History and Future of the Wind

By: Simon Winchester

Narrated by: Simon Winchester

New York 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 affecting large swaths of America. Gale force advisories are issued on a regular basis by the National Weather Service.

In 2022, a report was released by atmospheric scientists at the University of Northern Illinois, warning that winds—the force at the center 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 savior 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.

Supplemental enhancement PDF accompanies the audiobook.

Another win for Mr Winchester!

Another wonderful experience . Informative and entertaining !!! We take the wind for granted but no more. Thank you!

Informative and interesting

I enjoy learning about weather and the processes that make it. This book captured my imagination in a way factual books don’t always do.

I breathlessly awaited this release...

Once again, Simon Winchester gives us a thoroughly well-researched and interesting read. His writing and mastery of the English language remains unmatched. Listening to the author read his work is so delightful, it almost doesn't matter what the topic is.

My main reason for docking a star is the structure of the book. The best of Winchester's books (The Map That Changed The World, Krakatoa, Professor and the Madman, Knowing What We Know, amongst others) are written in a narrative style, such that I didn't want to stop. I needed to keep going to find out what was next.

This book had lots of stopping points. Less a narrative, it is better described as a series of essays about various wind-related events in history and scattered personal anecdotes, arranged by the strength of the wind involved. Discussions of how woodwind instruments work are found along with descriptions of devastating storms, Benjamin Franklin's famous kite experiment, military engagements changed by the wind, and instructions on how to sail into the wind. Each of these disparate topics is interesting in itself, and while tied together thematically, it lacked some of the feeling of anticipatory discovery his books often fill me with.

That being said, it is very good. I learned a lot about the wind, and as stayed above, each topic was itself very interesting. I do recommend this book to all who have an interest in history and in weather. Thank you for another delightful reading Mr. Winchester.

Another immensely interesting book

Once again we are treated to several wonderful stories that only Simon Winchester can write. Who knew so many marvelous stories could from Wind! The author's narration adds so much to the enjoyment.

The Master has returned; I am happier for it.

Simon Winchester is the king of the nonfiction audiobook. I have listened to them all multiple times. I rank this work among his best.

Because I am dyslexic, I do not read very well. So I depend on audiobooks. I’m grateful to Simon Winchester for putting all of his books in audio. I exaggerate little when I say that he has taught me nearly everything I know from geography to science to history. Moreover, he writes such gorgeous prose that he has taught me much about that subject as well.

Mr. Winchester is the rare combination of a man in full. He has the brain befitting an Oxford-educated geologist and a soul of a romantic poet laureate. Then there’s his majestic voice and complete mastery of his craft.

I adore this book. I hope (and believe) you will, too.