Winter takes us on an intimate tour of the artists, poets, composers, writers, explorers, scientists and thinkers who helped shape a new and modern idea of winter. We learn how literature heralds the arrival of the middle class; how snow science leads to existential questions of God and our place in the world; how the race to the poles marks the human drive to imprint meaning on a blank space. Offering a kaleidoscopic take on the season, Winter is a homage to an idea of a season and a journey through the modern imagination.
I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I first heard of it, but Gopnik wrote his essays in a way that really does explore the different ways we perceive winter through various recreational, artistic and historical developments. I highly enjoyed it and definitely recommend it. You could read my full commentary on my blog: http://www.rulethewaves.net/blog/?p=3432
