Due to health reasons, Simon Winchester has cancelled his upcoming Australian tour. All ticket holders will receive a refund.

Bestselling author Simon Winchester's new book The Breath of the Gods reveals how the wind - an unseen force with astonishing influence - has shaped humanity's past and will define its future.

Sweeping and deeply perceptive, it traces humanity's attempts to understand, harness and transform the world's atmosphere, and considers how a changing climate is reshaping before our eyes.

In The Breath of the Gods, Winchester reveals how the invisible movement of air has shaped civilisation — from ancient trade routes and naval power to modern aviation, energy and warfare. Sweeping in scope and deeply perceptive, the book traces humanity’s long efforts to understand, harness and transform the world’s atmosphere, while confronting the urgent realities of a rapidly changing climate.

At once historical, scientific and profoundly human, the book asks pressing questions about our relationship with the natural world. How did wind shape the rise and fall of empires? What happens when an elemental force we once relied upon becomes unpredictable? And how do we respond when climate change is no longer theoretical, but visible all around us?

Simon will speak to Newcastle Writers Festival director Rosemarie Milsom.

Accessibility

The venue is wheelchair accessible
To book accessible seats please email ticketing@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
Companion Card holders can book free tickets. Please email ticketing@newcastlewritersfestival.org.au
Disability parking is available on Auckland Street either sides of the King Street intersection.

Travel

Limited street parking is available
The nearest parking station is Civic West Gibson St - 5 min walk
The closest light rail stop is Civic - 5 min walk
The closest bus stop is University House, King St (Stop ID 230048) and is serviced by the 11, 13 and 23 buses - 3 min walk

Contact the host of The Breath of the Gods: An Evening with Simon Winchester