Title: Rain: A Natural and Cultural History
Author: Cynthia Barnett
First published April 21, 2015
355 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780804137096 (ISBN10: 0804137099)
Rating: 3.83
Overview
Rain is a fascinating and multifaceted part of our world, and Cynthia Barnett’s Rain: A Natural and Cultural History tells its story like never before. With a comprehensive look at the science behind rain, readers will discover everything from the true shape of a raindrop to the mysteries of frog and fish rains.
But this book is far more than just a scientific exploration–it’s also a journey through history, culture, and human ambition. From ancient rain dances to modern levees, Rain explores our long-standing desire to control rain and the many ways we’ve tried to do so.
Along the way, readers will travel to Scotland to learn about the surprising history of the mackintosh raincoat, and to India, where the scent of rain is extracted from the earth and turned into perfume. And as climate change continues to alter rainfall patterns around the world, Rain shows us how this elemental force is more important than ever for our planet’s future.
Whether you’re a scientist or a poet, a farmer or a city-dweller, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever been captivated by the power of rain.
About the Author
Cynthia Barnett is an accomplished author who has written four books, including “The Sound of the Sea: Seashells and the Fate of the Oceans” (WW Norton, 2021). Her previous book, “Rain: A Natural and Cultural History” (Crown-Random House, 2015), received critical acclaim and was a finalist for the PEN/E.O. Wilson award for literary science writing.
NPR’s Science Friday, Kirkus Reviews, the Tampa Bay Times, the Miami Herald, and the Boston Globe named it one of the best books of 2015.
Ms. Barnett’s writing style has been described as a unique blend of journalist, mom, historian, and optimist. The Los Angeles Times has praised her ability to bring the origins of our water to life with vividness and compassion, much like Michael Pollan did for modern agribusiness.
In addition to her latest book, Ms. Barnett is also the author of “Blue Revolution: Unmaking America’s Water Crisis” and “Mirage: Florida and the Vanishing Water of the Eastern U.S.” She resides in Gainesville, Florida with her family and teaches journalism at the University of Florida.
Editoral Review
Rain: A Natural and Cultural History by Cynthia Barnett is a captivating non-fiction book that explores one of the most essential elements of life- rain. Barnett, an award-winning environmental journalist, presents a comprehensive history of rain, covering diverse topics such as its impact on nature, religion, culture and economics.
The book was published on April 21, 2015, by Crown Publishers. Rain is unique in its genre, fusing scientific facts with cultural analysis, making it accessible to a wide range of readers, from scientists to historians, artists, and nature enthusiasts.
Barnett’s writing is eloquent, engaging and informative, taking the reader on a journey through time and space, from the formation of the Earth to the latest research on climate change. In Rain, Barnett presents a broad overview of rain, drawing on historical examples to explain how our relationship with rain has changed over time.
The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on different aspects of rain. The first section, “Before We Tamed the Rain,” covers the prehistoric period and the beliefs of early humans.
The second part, “After We Tamed the Rain,” explores how humans developed technologies to control rainfall and the social and economic impacts of these developments. Finally, the third part, “After We Ignored the Rain,” looks at the modern era and the challenges of climate change, drought, and floods.
Barnett’s storytelling is vivid, and her attention to detail paints a vivid picture of her characters, including the elusive rainmakers of the West, the impact of the great flood of 1937 on the Mississippi River, and the drought of 2011 in the United States. She also delves into cultural and religious rituals associated with rain, inviting readers to reflect on the ways rain has shaped our history, mythology and art.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to make technical language and scientific concepts accessible to general audiences without oversimplifying. Barnett’s descriptions of hydrology, climate models, and weather forecasting are lucid and engaging while not sacrificing scientific accuracy.
The book also includes stunning photographs and illustrations that enhance the reading experience. However, one shortcoming of the book is that at some points, it becomes too detailed, risking losing the reader’s interest.
The book is also heavily focused on the Western world, with scant attention on other regions, such as Africa or Asia. This is not necessarily a criticism of the author, but rather a reflection of limited historical records available on these regions.
Rain: A Natural and Cultural History is a must-read for people interested in nature, climate change, and history. Barnett’s writing is captivating and informative, and she makes a compelling case for the need to appreciate and protect our natural resources.
The book is perfect for students, academics, and laypeople who want to learn more about the interrelationship of people and their environment. Overall, Rain is a masterful work of environmental writing that offers a thoughtful and informative perspective on the profound impact of rain on our lives in the past, present, and future.
I rate this book a solid 4 out of 5, as its shortcomings are minor compared to the insights gained from reading it. It is perfect for anyone who wants to explore the history of our planet’s most essential resource.
