Westport Historical Society presents book talk by Eric Jay Dolin

WESTPORT — The Westport Historical Society presents a virtual book talk by Eric Jay Dolin, author of "A Furious Sky: The Five-Hundred-Year History of America's Hurricanes" at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10

From the moment European colonists laid violent claim to this land, hurricanes have had a profound and visceral impact on American history — yet, no one has attempted to write the definitive account of America’s entanglement with these meteorological behemoths. Now, bestselling historian Eric Jay Dolin presents the 500-year story of American hurricanes, from the nameless storms that threatened Columbus’ New World voyages, to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico and the escalation of hurricane season as a result of global warming.

Populating his narrative with unlikely heroes such as Benito Viñes, the nineteenth-century Jesuit priest whose revelatory methods for predicting hurricanes saved countless lives, and journalist Dan Rather, whose coverage of a 1961 hurricane would change broadcasting history, Dolin uncovers the often surprising ways we respond to natural crises. A necessary work of environmental and cultural history, A Furious Sky will change the way we understand the storms on the horizon of America’s future.

This program is supported in part by a grant from the Westport Cultural council, a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency. Visit https://wpthistory.org/ for additional information.

Westport Historical Society | 508 636 6011 | westporthistory@westporthistory.net |www.wpthistory.org