First published 2019
Snow shapes human civilization in ways both subtle and dramatic. Giles Whittell examines this frozen precipitation through dual lenses of science and culture, revealing how crystallized water determines settlement patterns, supplies drinking water, and inspires artistic creation. The author traces snow's influence across millennia, from ancient humans who developed skiing techniques to contemporary billion-dollar industries built around manufacturing and manipulating frozen precipitation. Whittell investigates compelling questions about avalanche formation, explains how snow once saved a British prime minister, explores yeti mythology origins, and exposes disturbing events at the 1960 Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Through accessible scientific explanations and cultural analysis, the book demonstrates snow's role as both life-giving resource and lethal force, illuminating humanity's complex relationship with this atmospheric phenomenon.
Genres: history, science, nature, social-science, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: educational, informative, thought-provoking
Tropes: informative-narrative, interdisciplinary-approach
256 pages · Hardcover · Atria Books