4 Extra Debut. Peter Moore's account of the quest to understand the weather: 19th century naval officer, Robert FitzRoy. Read by Tim McMullan.

Peter Moore's lively account tells the story of the adventurous quest to understand the atmosphere.

Today we are never far from a weather forecast, but as meteorology evolved as a science in the 19th century, it was often controversial; reputations were made and destroyed, and bold men driven by their obsession with the laws of nature took death defying risks.

In the opening episode, the charismatic naval officer, Robert FitzRoy, confronts storms on the high seas.

Read by Tim McMullan.

Abridged by Sara Davies

Producer: Elizabeth Allard

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2015.