Harvesting the Air : Windmill Pioneers in Twelfth-Century England

Harvesting the Air: Windmill Pioneers in Twelfth-Century England examines the emergence of the Western windmill in the early twelfth century, highlighting its transformative effects on society. This study weaves together the stories of forgotten yet influential figures who championed, exploited, or resisted this groundbreaking technology, which revolutionized land reclamation and agricultural productivity. The invention of the windmill spurred debates on topics ranging from ecclesiastical authority to labor distribution, illustrating the profound and multifaceted impacts of this mechanical innovation. By tracing these debates and the individuals who influenced them, the book provides a vivid narrative of four generations navigating the winds of change. Although windmills largely vanished with the advent of electricity, the energy crisis of 1973 sparked renewed interest in their potential. Research into Anglo-Norman documents reveals a treasure trove of information about the earliest windmills and the visionaries behind them. These medieval pioneers—both altruistic and opportunistic—pioneered labor-saving techniques and fostered commercial enterprise, embodying a deep-rooted belief in the connection between mechanical ingenuity and communal well-being. Despite their humility preventing significant recognition in their era, their contributions are more relevant than ever as we strive for energy independence. This work celebrates their legacy, connecting the past’s ingenuity to present-day sustainability efforts. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1987.