The Weather Factor

The fate of humankind has often been decided by the uncontrollable, unpredictable power of weather. From the doomed campaigns of Roman legions in Central Europe and Napoleon's troops in Russia to the fate of U.S. forces in the South Pacific and Vietnam, the history of human conflict has often been decided by the elements. Torrential rain, brutal winters, monster typhoons, and killer hurricanes have had far-reaching--and often terrifying--effects upon the destiny of nations. Drawing upon extensive research as well as the author's own experiences as a battle-tested reporter, this is an account of the inevitable collision between "acts of God" and the best-laid plans of mankind.--From publisher description.