Author Talk: Simon Winchester, "The Breath of the Gods"

Darien Library and Barrett Bookstore are thrilled to welcome acclaimed, New York Times bestselling author, Simon Winchester, who will discuss his new book, The Breath of the Gods.  Winchester will be in conversation with interviewer, Doug Kline.

In the book, Winchester turns his attention to one of the most elemental yet overlooked forces shaping our world: the wind.

As climate disasters make headlines with increasing frequency—hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes—there’s a force behind them all that remains invisible, yet ever-present. In a 2022 report, atmospheric scientists warned that global wind speeds are expected to increase in power, speed and frequency in the years ahead. While these changes raise alarm for governments, scientists, and citizens alike, the energy industry sees them as opportunity: a clean and powerful source of renewable power.

Between these two poles—wind as a malevolent force, and wind as savior of our planet—lies a vast and captivating story, one that Winchester explores with his trademark depth and breadth. The Breath of the Gods is a journey through science and myth, engineering and literature, meteorology and philosophy—a sweeping history of the wind and its impact on human life across time.

From its role in natural disasters to its critical function in energy, travel, and weather, wind is a force both life-giving and fearsome. Winchester makes the case that understanding it is no longer optional—it is essential.

About Simon Winchester

Simon Winchester is the acclaimed author of many books, including The Professor and the Madman, The Men Who United the States, The Map That Changed the World, The Man Who Loved China, A Crack in the Edge of the World, and Krakatoa, all of which were New York Times bestsellers and appeared on numerous best and notable lists. In 2006, Winchester was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. He resides in western Massachusetts.

About Douglas Kline

Doug Kline recently retired from a 35-year career on Wall Street, where he worked at large sell-side firms including Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, Montgomery Securities and Deutsche Bank. He spent 10 years as one of the original employees at a large equity long / short-focused hedge fund and most recently, Chief Operating Officer at a sizable single family office. An avid reader, Doug now applies his considerable skills as a freelance interviewer for various library programs. Doug holds a B.A. from Middlebury College.