Reading the Glass
Reading the Glass
A fascinating insight into the science of weather and the strange, wild and wonderful world of life at sea
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! DescriptionIn Reading the Glass, Elliot Rappaport takes readers on an enthralling journey through the tumultuous and awe-inspiring world of weather as experienced from the deck of a traditional sailing ship. Drawing from three decades of seafaring, Rappaport expertly navigates the complexities of meteorology and oceanography, blending scientific insights with personal anecdotes. This gripping account traverses from the icy waters of Greenland to the squally regions near the equator, unveiling the dramatic interplay between weather and the mariners who depend on its predictability for survival.
Rappaport’s narrative delves into the phenomena behind weather patterns: what forms a cloud, how a tropical storm differs from a winter blizzard, and the intricate workings of El Niño. Readers will gain a profound understanding of how these elements interact to shape our oceans and influence historical as well as contemporary seafaring adventures. The book seamlessly combines science and memoir, offering a unique perspective on how weather has indelibly etched its impact on human history and the natural world.
As readers traverse the pages, they are introduced to ancient Polynesian explorers who navigated against formidable trade winds and modern-day sailors contending with unpredictable squalls. With evocative prose, Rappaport brings to life the raw power and beauty of the seas, portraying the vulnerabilities and resilience of sailors confronting nature’s most formidable forces.
"Brimming with knowledge and experience . . . delightful."
TRISTAN GOOLEY, DAILY TELEGRAPH"A fabulous compendium of terror and disaster, expertise and courage."
ADAM NICOLSON, author of The Seabird's Cry"Evokes panoramas of sea and land with confident flair."
WALL STREET JOURNALThis extraordinary book is as educational as it is exhilarating, providing readers with invaluable insights into weather phenomena, illustrated by real-life tales of survival and mastery at sea. Reading the Glass is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the natural world, maritime history, or the indomitable human spirit.
"An extraordinary book by a modern-day Melville . . . I can't recommend this book highly enough."
MARK VANHOENACKER, author of Skyfaring"A gripping account of what weather is, how it feels to be in the middle of it, and what we can expect going forward!"
BILL MCKIBBEN, author of The End of NatureBook Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781529369373
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 02 January 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Sceptre
Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 26.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 196.0mm
Weight: 240g
Pages: 336
About the Author
Elliot Rappaport has sailed as a captain in the United States maritime industry since 1992, involved primarily in the training of other mariners aboard an assortment of traditional sailing ships. Presently a faculty member at Maine Maritime Academy, preparing cadets for professional careers at sea, he has also worked extensively at the Sea Education Association in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, an organization that offers shipboard programs in ocean science and leadership to college undergraduates. A graduate of Oberlin College and the University of Maine, Elliot lives in coastal Maine when not at sea. Reading the Glass is his first book.
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