Lightning
Nature and Culture
Distributed for Reaktion Books
240 pages
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70 color plates, 30 halftones
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6 x 8 1/4
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© 2015
- Contents
- Review Quotes
Table of Contents

Contents
Preface
1. Weapon of the Gods and Goddesses
2. Fear of Lightning: Thunderbolts, Witchcraft and Protective Charms
3. The Science and Nature of Lightning
4. Lightning Threats to People and Activities
5. Lightning in Literature, Art and Popular Culture
Gods and Goddesses of Thunder and Lightning
References
Select Bibliography
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
1. Weapon of the Gods and Goddesses
2. Fear of Lightning: Thunderbolts, Witchcraft and Protective Charms
3. The Science and Nature of Lightning
4. Lightning Threats to People and Activities
5. Lightning in Literature, Art and Popular Culture
Gods and Goddesses of Thunder and Lightning
References
Select Bibliography
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
Review Quotes
Fortean Times
“One of a series of books on natural phenomena that traces a history of the topic through cultural superstitions, scientific discoveries, and depictions in literature and the arts, illustrated by beautiful colour photography. From odd warding customs, the gods of antiquity and ball lightning to lighting marks, St Elmo’s Fire and solidified lightning (fulgurites), Derek Elsom maintains our interest throughout, making this very accessible to everyman . . . an excellent introduction to one of the mysterious forces of nature.”
Choice
“The phenomenon of lightning has long frightened and fascinated humanity. As part of Reaktion’s “Earth” series, this book explores the scientific and social aspects of this natural occurrence. . . . This book, beautifully illustrated with many color photographs, provides an excellent, basic overview of the subject. ”
International Journal of Meteorology
“This is the best book I have read on the subject of lightning and is very reasonably priced, so I can unreservedly recommend it to all readers.”
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Earth Sciences: General Earth Sciences
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