0
    • Close Modal
    0 0
    Download high-resolution image Look inside

    The Cloudspotter's Guide

    The Science, History, and Culture of Clouds

    Author Gavin Pretor-Pinney
    Look inside
    Paperback
    $20.00 US
    Penguin Adult HC/TR | Tarcher
    5.19"W x 8"H x 0.8"D   | 16 oz | 32 per carton
    On sale Jun 05, 2007 | 320 Pages | 9780399533457
    Add to cart Add to list Exam Copies

    Now in paperback: the runaway British bestseller that has cloudspotters everywhere looking up.

    Where do clouds come from? Why do they look the way they do? And why have they captured the imagination of timeless artists, Romantic poets, and every kid who's ever held a crayon? Veteran journalist and lifelong sky watcher Gavin Pretor-Pinney reveals everything there is to know about clouds, from history and science to art and pop culture. Cumulus, nimbostratus, and the dramatic and surfable Morning Glory cloud are just a few of the varieties explored in this smart, witty, and eclectic tour through the skies.

    Illustrated with striking photographs (including a new section in full-color) and line drawings featuring everything from classical paintings to lava lamps, The Cloudspotter's Guide will have enthusiasts, weather watchers, and the just plain curious floating on cloud nine.
    "Charming...spills over with strange and interesting asides."
    --The Boston Globe

    "This book will entice readers of every stripe."
    --The Seattle Times

    "Lively, literate, and great fun to read."
    --Kirkus Reviews 
    Gavin Pretor-Pinney is a renowned journalist and cofounder of The Idler magazine in England. A former science nerd and a graduate of Oxford University, he has been obsessed with clouds since childhood. His writing has appeared in The Telegraph, Evening Standard, and elsewhere. Based in London and Somerset, Gavin is the founder and chair of The Cloud Appreciation Society. Visit their website at www.cloudappreciationsociety.org. View titles by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

    About

    Now in paperback: the runaway British bestseller that has cloudspotters everywhere looking up.

    Where do clouds come from? Why do they look the way they do? And why have they captured the imagination of timeless artists, Romantic poets, and every kid who's ever held a crayon? Veteran journalist and lifelong sky watcher Gavin Pretor-Pinney reveals everything there is to know about clouds, from history and science to art and pop culture. Cumulus, nimbostratus, and the dramatic and surfable Morning Glory cloud are just a few of the varieties explored in this smart, witty, and eclectic tour through the skies.

    Illustrated with striking photographs (including a new section in full-color) and line drawings featuring everything from classical paintings to lava lamps, The Cloudspotter's Guide will have enthusiasts, weather watchers, and the just plain curious floating on cloud nine.

    Praise

    "Charming...spills over with strange and interesting asides."
    --The Boston Globe

    "This book will entice readers of every stripe."
    --The Seattle Times

    "Lively, literate, and great fun to read."
    --Kirkus Reviews 

    Author

    Gavin Pretor-Pinney is a renowned journalist and cofounder of The Idler magazine in England. A former science nerd and a graduate of Oxford University, he has been obsessed with clouds since childhood. His writing has appeared in The Telegraph, Evening Standard, and elsewhere. Based in London and Somerset, Gavin is the founder and chair of The Cloud Appreciation Society. Visit their website at www.cloudappreciationsociety.org. View titles by Gavin Pretor-Pinney

    Other Books by this Author

    Related Articles

    Adults Children's General All Gift Blog

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    Exciting news! Compendium has joined the Penguin Random House family, bringing a proven line of bestselling, sentiment-driven gifts to our extensive and ever-growing catalog. Since 1985, Compendium has been creating meaningful moments with beautiful, thoughtfully made gifts that center connection and celebrate occasions both big and small. From greeting cards to inspirational books to impulse-friendly add-ons, Compendium

    Read more

    Live Inspired with Compendium: Now Available from PRH!

    Adults Children's General All Gift Blog

    Penguin Random House Retail

    © 2026 Penguin Random House

    Back to Top
    0
    Wish List (0)