Defining the Wind

The Beaufort Scale and How a 19th-Century Admiral Turned Science Into Poetry

By: Scott Huler

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Paperback | 28 June 2005

At a Glance

Paperback
304 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
20.32 x 12.7 x 1.91

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Defining the Wind is a wonderfully written account of one man’s crusade to learn about what the wind is made of by tracing the history of the Beaufort Scale and its eccentric creator, Sir Francis Beaufort. It’s as much about the language we use to describe our world as it is an exhortation to observe it more closely.

Industry Reviews

"[An] enchanting stroll through maritime and science history . . . [Huler is] a charming guide." --New York Times Book Review

"Huler writes with self-deprecating wit, and . . . he captures the Beaufort scale's 'open-hearted intellectual decency.'" --The New Yorker

"On a scale of 0 to 13, this will blow you away . . . Hang on for a lighthearted romp over two hemispheres, two centuries of discovery, and the consuming passions of two men: Beaufort and Huler." --Seattle Times

"Scott Huler's obsession with the scale is a match for Beaufort himself. Part history, part textbook, part memoir, Defining the Wind explores how we think about the currents that shape sea and landscapes." --Los Angeles Times

"[A] reminder of why we read science books. . . . Read Huler and you'll pay more attention to the air moving through your backyard, fluttering leaves, rattling windows . . . compelling, powerful. . . . " --Boston Globe

"To some people, the devil is in the details. But a true researcher will revel in the details. That's what Mr. Huler joyfully discovered in his investigations, and it shows in every page of this unusual and delightful book." --Dallas Morning News

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