"This is a provocative and useful summary of what we know, and what we would like to know about El Nino's influence on humankind. The book is a clear, scientifically definitive statement on an issue of concern to us all."--Brian Fagan, University of California, Santa Barbara"The most important thing I can tell you about Our Affair with El Nino is that I genuinely enjoyed reading it. Like the author, it is erudite, cultured, original, imaginative, idiosyncratic, and opinionated. George Philander is especially adept at providing easy-to-grasp analogies to illuminate complex material. Both the general reader and those who know a great deal about El Nino will appreciate this book."--Mark A. Cane, Columbia University