Tide of War

Halley’s Comet helped to announce the fall of the Shang Dynasty in China, a solar eclipse frightened the Macedonian army enough at Pydna in 168 BC to ensure victory for the Romans, a massive rain storm turned the field of Agincourt to mud in 1415 and gave Henry V his legendary victory, fog secured the throne of England for Edward IV at Barnet in 1471, wind and disease conspired to wreck the Spanish Armada, snow served to prevent the American capture of Quebec in 1775 and confined the Revolution to the Thirteen Colonies, and an earthquake helped to spark the Peloponnesian War. But this is only a small sampling of the many instances where nature has tipped the balance in combat.

Over the past 4000 years, weather and nature have both hindered and helped various campaigns and battles, occasionally even altering the course of history in the process. Today elements of nature still affect the planning and waging of war, even as we have tried to mitigate its impact. The growing concern over climate change has only heightened the need to study and understand this subject.

Tide of War is the first book to comprehensively tackle this topic and traces some of the most notable intersections between nature and war since ancient times.

David R. Petriello is an historian and author. He received his PhD from St. John's University, where he focused on American History and the effect of disease on history. He currently teaches at Caldwell University. His most recent book was Bacteria and Bayonets: The Impact of Disease in American Military History.

"He is one of those rare authors who can condense several thousand years of history into a work that is both enjoyable and informative." —Mary Kate Wright, Morris College, history lecturer

"Riveting history written by a riveting historian." —Christina Scano, William Paterson University, professor of education

"Dr. Petriello's books are as fascinating, engaging, and entertaining as his lectures. To read one is a truly educational experience." —Adria Cortes, former researcher at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

"Dr. Petriello takes us on a journey through world history. As a teacher, I consider this to be an amazing resource that my students will no doubt enjoy as much as I did." —Aruna Mathura, Hillside School, history educator and researcher