Wind Wizard: Alan G. Davenport and the Art of Wind Engineering Hardcover - 2012

"This thoughtful biography captures the genius of Alan Davenport. Knowing Davenport for some forty years and working with him throughout the design of New York's World Trade Center, I witnessed his ascent as the leader in wind engineering, pioneering that science as we know and depend upon it today. Roberts skillfully tells the engineering story, uncovering fascinating details about Davenport and his work previously unknown to me. The reader emerges having enjoyed an intimate and informative visit with Davenport, one of the most interesting engineers of our time."--Les Robertson, recipient of the 2011 International Award of Merit in Structural Engineering

"Wind Wizard is a masterpiece of science writing at its best: informative, interesting, and entertaining. I warmly recommend it to anyone interested in the important issues of our time. Roberts is one of our best writers on science and mathematics today."--Amir Aczel, author of Fermat's Last Theorem: Unlocking the Secret of an Ancient Mathematical Problem

"Roberts has a rare gift for writing about technical matters without oversimplifying (and thus annoying the scientists) or becoming too abstruse (and thus putting off her readers). In Wind Wizard, that admirable balance is deftly used to create a fascinating portrait of a little-known scientist who was a giant in his field--a story which also serves as cautionary tale for a world apparently confronting ever more severe weather."--Marq de Villiers, author of Windswept: The Story of Wind and Weather

"Wind Wizard provides an excellent overview of wind engineering for general readers."--Henry Petroski, author of The Essential Engineer: Why Science Alone Will Not Solve Our Global Problems

"This captivating and compelling biography looks at the life of Alan Davenport, and his significant contributions to wind engineering. Highlighting Davenport's unique approach and technical prowess, this book delves into the behind-the-scenes engineering on major architectural construction projects, such as the Twin Towers. A satisfying read."--Drew Landman, Old Dominion University