Overview

This book, the only one of its kind in the English language, examines the Greek attempts to predict weather change by means of naked-eye observation of celestial phenomena, unaided by scientific meteorology. In 'A Catalogue of Signs', which constitutes the main body of the book, the author sets forth systematically 720 signs derived from clouds, comets, dew, hoar frost, lightning, mist, moon, planets, rainbow, stars, sun, thunder, and winds: the assemblage of signs associated with each predictive phenomenon is preceded by a brief introduction, which includes a resume of the views of the Greek natural philosophers, mainly those of Aristotle, on the nature of the phenomenon and on its relationship to the weather, if such a relationship was thought to exist. The book aims to impose a comprehensible order on that part of the amorphous body of Greek popular meteorology that is concerned with celestial phenomena; it testifies to the abiding interest of the Greeks, from their earliest days to the present, in the observation of these phenomena as a guide to weather prediction. It will be of interest not only to all students of Greek culture, but also to folklorists and meteorologists. Its publication is opportune at the present time when, more than ever before, the world is concerned with climatic change and its impact on our environment.

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The critical discussion of signs from winds is thoroughly praiseworthy. The divine power of the winds was already recognised by Greek-speakers in late bronze age Knossos, and Dr. Cronin shows how in Homer and Hesiod winds are connected with the weather. - Prof. G.L. Huxley Trinity College Dublin This work will be an essential reference book for folklorists and Hellenists wishing to understand the relevance of weather references in literature. - Prof. Andrew Smith University College Dublin

"""The critical discussion of signs from winds is thoroughly praiseworthy. The divine power of the winds was already recognised by Greek-speakers in late bronze age Knossos, and Dr. Cronin shows how in Homer and Hesiod winds are connected with the weather."" - Prof. G.L. Huxley Trinity College Dublin ""This work will be an essential reference book for folklorists and Hellenists wishing to understand the relevance of weather references in literature."" - Prof. Andrew Smith University College Dublin"""

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