Reginald Sutcliffe and the Invention of Modern Weather Systems Science

"Atmospheric scientists, weather forecasters, numerical weather prediction modelers, weather enthusiasts, historians with an interest in the industrial revolution in the United Kingdom and World War II from the perspective of those who lived it in England, and educators interested in teaching general science education courses at the high school and college level will all be avid readers of Jonathan Martin’s book. The author continually embeds a history of ideas into his discussion of Dr. Sutcliffe’s distinguished scientific contributions. Martin writes with passion for his subject matter, and his book is delightfully informative." —Lance F. Bosart, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, University of Albany, SUNY

"This book is an insightful and full-orbed biography of one of meteorology’s veritable luminaries. It faithfully traces the multifaceted career, the monumental scientific achievements, and the far-reaching and long-lasting influence of Sutcliffe. In the process, the book pays due attention to his character, personal circumstances, and family life. The manuscript’s underlying theme is the emergence of meteorology as a socioeconomically relevant and scientifically rigorous discipline during the twentieth century. The author’s account is purposefully set against the backdrop of the prevailing but rapidly evolving societal, cultural, and educational scene." —Huw Davies, Emeritus Professor of Atmospheric Dynamics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland

"An advancing world demanded better weather forecasts, but meteorology was in a rut. Then along came Reginald Sutcliffe. This thoroughly accessible, meticulously researched, and inspiring twentieth-century journey reveals how wonderfully diverse factors such as geopolitics, community action, sport, a visitor to Malta, underemployment, family, and war engineered this giant of the meteorological world. Discover how his relentless endeavours in understanding and application genuinely have improved quality of life for us all." —Timothy Hewson, Principal Scientist, European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts

"Martin is a professor of atmospheric and oceanic sciences, so he includes a more thorough explanation of Sutcliffe's science than some biographers might—yet this does not detract from the overall readability of the text. The book will be valuable reading for students of meteorology and related sciences and should also interest those seeking to understand how World War II drove scientific innovation." Summing Up: Recommended. Lower- and upper-division undergraduates. Graduate students. —Choice

"One of the many interesting features of Martin's study is that it is not only a scientific biography: it is also a work of science communication. This book should be accessible to an interested, non-specialist readership. Martin's passion for his subject—both the science and the individual scientist he is profiling—leaps off the pages." —Weather & Climate