6 March 2026

WORD Christchurch | Simon Winchester: The Breath of the Gods

Cancelled

Bestselling writer, journalist and broadcaster Simon Winchester OBE (UK/USA) joins us to chat about his latest book, The Breath of the Gods: The History.

Simon Winchester has written about everything from eccentric scientists and how engineers invented the modern world, to natural disasters, religious conflicts and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary in his 30-plus books to date.

The Breath of the Gods brings together history, literature, science, poetry, and engineering in a fascinating look at that beguiling force of nature: the wind. Wind plays a vital part in our everyday lives from aeroplane and car travel to the climate disasters that are becoming more frequent, so expect an insightful and wide-ranging conversation with the master of narrative nonfiction.

We hosted Simon at WORD in 2019 to much acclaim – you can read a review from our friends at Christchurch City Libraries(external link) for a hint on how wonderful this evening will be.

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Simon Winchester has written about everything from eccentric scientists and how engineers invented the modern world, to natural disasters, religious conflicts and the making of the Oxford English Dictionary in his 30-plus books to date.

The Breath of the Gods brings together history, literature, science, poetry, and engineering in a fascinating look at that beguiling force of nature: the wind. Wind plays a vital part in our everyday lives from aeroplane and car travel to the climate disasters that are becoming more frequent, so expect an insightful and wide-ranging conversation with the master of narrative nonfiction.

We hosted Simon at WORD in 2019 to much acclaim – you can read a review from our friends at Christchurch City Libraries(external link) for a hint on how wonderful this evening will be.

Location
The Piano, 156 Armagh Street, Christchurch Central

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