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Gavin Pretor-Pinney
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The Cloud Collector's Handbook Kindle Edition

by Gavin Pretor-Pinney (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 641 ratings
Keep your head in the clouds with this whimsical guide to the wonders of the sky from an award-winning science writer.

In The Cloud Collector’s Handbook, cloud expert Gavin Pretor-Pinney catalogs a variety of clouds and gives readers points for spotting them and recording their finds. This fun and fact-filled book features gorgeous full-color photographs that showcase various types of clouds, from fluffy cumulus to the super rare horseshoe vortex to the wispy noctilucent clouds that hang at the fringes of space.

Sure to be a hit with both aspiring and seasoned cloud gazers, this clever handbook comes from the bestselling author, BBC presenter, and founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society.
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  1. Print length
    253 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Chronicle Books LLC
  4. Publication date
    April 29, 2011
  5. Reading age
    18 years and up
  6. File size
    6.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Not Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Gavin Pretor-Pinney'sdreamy and beautiful The Cloud Collector’s Handbook will turn your family into cloud chasers and cloud connoisseurs." -My Daily Find.

"I immediately fell in love with The Cloud Collector’s Handbook." - Brain Pickings

About the Author


Gavin Pretor-Pinney is the founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, a global organization that fights "blue-sky thinking." He is also the co-founder and creative director of The Idler magazine and author of the best-selling The Cloudspotter's Guide. He lives in Somerset, England.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004XJ8O7A
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Chronicle Books LLC; Illustrated edition (April 29, 2011)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 29, 2011
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6.5 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 253 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 641 ratings

About the author

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Gavin Pretor-Pinney

Gavin Pretor-Pinney

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Gavin Pretor-Pinney is founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society, which has members in 120 countries, all of whom are united in the belief that clouds are the most dynamic, evocative and poetic aspect of nature. Gavin is the author of the internationally bestselling Cloudspotter’s Guide and Cloud Collector’s Handbook. Gavin is a TED Global speaker with 1.4 million views. He won the Royal Society Winton Prize for Science Books and the Royal Meteorological Society’s Michael Hunt award, has presented television documentaries for the BBC and Channel 4 and is a Visiting Fellow at the Meteorology Department of Reading University. Gavin co-founded the Idler, a magazine that argues for the importance of downtime in creative thinking.

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
641 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book informative and practical for learning about clouds. They appreciate the beautiful photography and illustrations. The book is described as fun, interesting to read, and a perfect hobby for someone who has everything. Readers find the explanations clear and concise, with humor and interesting facts. They also mention that the different types of clouds are organized in a way that makes it easy to classify them. Overall, customers find the book useful and a nice introduction to the subject.

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Information qualityPictures qualityEnjoymentEase of useHumorCloud varietyGift valueValue for money
86 customers mention "Information quality"86 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for identifying different types of clouds and weather conditions that cause them. They find it a practical guide to learning about clouds, with good illustrations. The book makes cloud watching enjoyable and informative, making it easy to appreciate them more.

"...It will guide you to spot clouds just fine and is very interesting! This author has another book that I got as well (Cloudspotter Guide) but..." Read more

"...We need a bigger book. And this IS an introduction book and a very fine one at that. I’m still laughing over some of the definitions and point system." Read more

"Just as the title said, it is a practical handbook to star identifying the cloud, do not explain how are formed, but give a beautiful description,..." Read more

"...my purchase about 2 months ago, my son has learned a great deal about different types of clouds, how to identify them, what causes their formation,..." Read more

52 customers mention "Pictures quality"47 positive5 negative

Customers appreciate the book's photos and illustrations. They find the pictures of different cloud types nice and informative, with good illustrations. The book contains good descriptions and fun facts about clouds. It has a lot of color images and is detailed.

"If your a fan of clouds this is a beautiful book with lots of color images, some dbl pg size, and descriptions to learn about different clouds types..." Read more

"this is a fabulous beginner’s book with excellent photographs...." Read more

"...the cloud, do not explain how are formed, but give a beautiful description, and as most of the name are in latin, somehow i felt like a magician ☺️..." Read more

"...It has nice pictures of every cloud type, fun facts, and it's written with a bit of humor in mind as well...." Read more

46 customers mention "Enjoyment"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book informative and entertaining. They find cloud collecting a fun hobby for people who have everything. The explanations and facts are easy to understand, making it a rewarding activity for them. The book brings them pleasure and allows them to enjoy looking at the sky anytime.

"...It has nice pictures of every cloud type, fun facts, and it's written with a bit of humor in mind as well...." Read more

"...In short, it's fun. Great price, too." Read more

"...most technical, nor are the pictures fantastic photography, but it’s fun and a great gift for anyone who has a good view of the sky." Read more

"...choice of photo, this cloud type can be quite interesting and fascinating...." Read more

31 customers mention "Ease of use"23 positive8 negative

Customers find the book easy to understand and enjoyable. They appreciate the clear explanations, beautiful photographs, and concise information. The book walks readers through all the types without confusion, in an entertaining and readable style. It's well organized and well-written in a small format.

"this is a fabulous beginner’s book with excellent photographs. Easily explained (and often with a great sense of humour) different types of clouds -..." Read more

"...the precise names for the different types of clouds and information about the conditions under which different types of clouds form...." Read more

"...It’s not the most technical, nor are the pictures fantastic photography, but it’s fun and a great gift for anyone who has a good view of the sky." Read more

"...It is helpful to understand the makeup of the different kinds of clouds, what elevation they are found, and the things that make the phenomena such..." Read more

17 customers mention "Humor"17 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the explanations and comments amusing, making it a fun read. The subject matter is universal and likable. The author has an entertaining voice and provides just enough information without bogging down. The text is lively with beautiful photographs.

"...Easily explained (and often with a great sense of humour) different types of clouds - with photographs to illustrate...." Read more

"...has nice pictures of every cloud type, fun facts, and it's written with a bit of humor in mind as well...." Read more

"...The author has an entertaining voice, and provides just enough information without bogging down into dry facts. In short, it's fun...." Read more

"...Filled with beautiful photography and a fair amount of humor...." Read more

12 customers mention "Cloud variety"12 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for describing and collecting different types of clouds. It includes precise names and information about each cloud type. The book organizes the different types of clouds with photographs to illustrate them. It helps weather photographers classify and capture them. Additionally, it provides a collection point system for each type of cloud. Overall, the book provides detailed explanations of various cloud subsets and provides valuable information for weather photographers.

"...with lots of color images, some dbl pg size, and descriptions to learn about different clouds types and varieties and collector journal page...." Read more

"...Easily explained (and often with a great sense of humour) different types of clouds - with photographs to illustrate...." Read more

"...is written as a field guide for clouds, and includes the precise names for the different types of clouds and information about the conditions under..." Read more

"...This book is like a bird watching book where you can track the different types of clouds you see...." Read more

7 customers mention "Gift value"7 positive0 negative

Customers like the gift value of the book. They say it's fun and a great gift for anyone with a good view of the sky, and good for grandchildren.

"...nor are the pictures fantastic photography, but it’s fun and a great gift for anyone who has a good view of the sky." Read more

"...It's a bargin gift, too." Read more

"Good for Grandchild." Read more

"What a wonderful Christmas gift for young and old -- for anyone who goes outside and looks up at the sky." Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it excellent and worth buying for cloud or meteorology enthusiasts.

"...In short, it's fun. Great price, too." Read more

"Nice book with okay value at a price around $12. It’s a small book but the hardcover makes it feel higher quality...." Read more

"...They represent a fun new avocation that is inexpensive, easy for anyone to do,and educational...." Read more

"...Worth the money!" Read more

Love this book! ⛅️
5 out of 5 stars
Love this book! ⛅️
If your a fan of clouds this is a beautiful book with lots of color images, some dbl pg size, and descriptions to learn about different clouds types and varieties and collector journal page. It will guide you to spot clouds just fine and is very interesting! This author has another book that I got as well (Cloudspotter Guide) but it is in black/white. So if you only want 1, Ibwoukd choose Cloud Collecter book in color, it serves as a guide and plenty of info for the average person. However if you want to read more and get little more science info, I guess the cloudspotter bk has more info. I posted pics for that one in its own review too.--- Ended buying this Collectors book for my friend too (she already had b/w cloudspotter guide) and she absolutely loved it!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Abigail Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book! ⛅️
    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    If your a fan of clouds this is a beautiful book with lots of color images, some dbl pg size, and descriptions to learn about different clouds types and varieties and collector journal page. It will guide you to spot clouds just fine and is very interesting!
    This author has another book that I got as well (Cloudspotter Guide) but it is in black/white. So if you only want 1, Ibwoukd choose Cloud Collecter book in color, it serves as a guide and plenty of info for the average person. However if you want to read more and get little more science info, I guess the cloudspotter bk has more info. I posted pics for that one in its own review too.
    --- Ended buying this Collectors book for my friend too (she already had b/w cloudspotter guide) and she absolutely loved it!
    Customer image
    Abigail Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    Love this book! ⛅️

    Reviewed in the United States on January 10, 2024
    If your a fan of clouds this is a beautiful book with lots of color images, some dbl pg size, and descriptions to learn about different clouds types and varieties and collector journal page. It will guide you to spot clouds just fine and is very interesting!
    This author has another book that I got as well (Cloudspotter Guide) but it is in black/white. So if you only want 1, Ibwoukd choose Cloud Collecter book in color, it serves as a guide and plenty of info for the average person. However if you want to read more and get little more science info, I guess the cloudspotter bk has more info. I posted pics for that one in its own review too.
    --- Ended buying this Collectors book for my friend too (she already had b/w cloudspotter guide) and she absolutely loved it!
    Images in this review
    Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Helen
    5.0 out of 5 stars Make the most of a cloudy day!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 28, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    this is a fabulous beginner’s book with excellent photographs. Easily explained (and often with a great sense of humour) different types of clouds - with photographs to illustrate. They had a point system so you could add up how many you have seen which would be fun to do with children. And how many to look for. I would have liked to have seen this cloud could lead to that cloud, or this cloud is that cloud but at a different elevation or wind speed etc. We need a bigger book. And this IS an introduction book and a very fine one at that. I’m still laughing over some of the definitions and point system.
    2 people found this helpful
    Helpful
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  • Martha
    4.0 out of 5 stars a cloud handbook
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Just as the title said, it is a practical handbook to star identifying the cloud, do not explain how are formed, but give a beautiful description, and as most of the name are in latin, somehow i felt like a magician ☺️ (my lack of experience with the language)

    Entertain way to push you to start #CloudChasing
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book for a cloud or weather aficionado
    Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love this book and have purchased 2 additional copies for people who love weather. It has nice pictures of every cloud type, fun facts, and it's written with a bit of humor in mind as well. I also enjoy the space available to write notes on the cloud and note the weather where you saw it as well as the file name for the picture you take of the cloud.
    One person found this helpful
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  • ReallySaucy
    5.0 out of 5 stars A perfect book for those weather watchers in your life
    Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2019
    Verified Purchase
    My son is odd... in a good way. Now in his teens (14), he still is fascinated by weather. Though his interests sway to the disastrous phenomenon like tornadoes and uncommon types of lightning, he also voiced the desire to be able to identify all the types of clouds. He regularly requests books for me to check out at our local public library (reading being his primary passion) but his request to get a book about clouds ended to be fruitless. All the books about clouds were for children. I thought surely there are adults who are interested in weather even if there wasn't a book dedicated solely about clouds. Amazon saved the day when a simple search introduced me to this book. I got the handbook and also the author's guide on cloudspotting, not sure if they were too similar but thought the handbook may spark some more non-gaming time (another favorite pastime) and a fun way to keep track of his hobby. This book definitely accomplishes that. I will say that you do not *need* both books but my son would not allow me to return the handbook vowing that it had more information about the different types of clouds. Since my purchase about 2 months ago, my son has learned a great deal about different types of clouds, how to identify them, what causes their formation, and what kind of weather the clouds may indicate. He has also been almost obsessively keeping track of the clouds he's seen. His cell phone's gallery is filled with pictures of the sky. He actually hasn't taken any other pictures with his phone that he received 3 months ago. Whenever we're out and about he quizzes the family on what the clouds are and gets excited when he sees something new. The best thing about being a parent is watching your children be truly happy in learning and growing and this guidebook has facilitated that.
    46 people found this helpful
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  • C. J. Fuller
    5.0 out of 5 stars Keep looking up!
    Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2011
    Verified Purchase
    If you are at all interested in clouds, this is the book for you. It is written as a field guide for clouds, and includes the precise names for the different types of clouds and information about the conditions under which different types of clouds form. The book is beautifully illustrated by photos sent in by members of the Cloud Appreciation Society, which was founded by the author. If you are a painter, there are some great references here. If you home school your kids, this would make a good resource for weather, art or water segments. The book includes space to notate which clouds you've seen so you can "collect" clouds, and describes and illustrates some of the rarer forms. I'm a confirmed cloud watcher, and this book has photos of formations I've never seen before. The author has an entertaining voice, and provides just enough information without bogging down into dry facts. In short, it's fun. Great price, too.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Windtrix
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Gift
    Reviewed in the United States on August 6, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Having moved to the coast with an ocean view I spend a lot of time looking out at the sky and seeing lots of different cloud formations. This book is like a bird watching book where you can track the different types of clouds you see. It’s not the most technical, nor are the pictures fantastic photography, but it’s fun and a great gift for anyone who has a good view of the sky.
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Kunde
    5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr zufrieden!
    Reviewed in Germany on July 15, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    The Cloud Collector's Handbook ist sehr empfehlenswert und ansprechend illustriert . Der Versand ging sehr schnell. Ich bin sehr zufrieden mit diesem Produkt!
    Report
  • Charlie Brown
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book to keep in the car.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 17, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Bought as a present for my 8 year old daughter and she loves it.

    It's small enough to keep in the car and she's had a great time spotting the different cloud types and noting them in the book.

    Because of it's diminutive size it isn't particularly comprehensive, but that's to be expected for a spotter's guide. For more in-depth information I also bought her this book The Cloud Book: How to Understand the Skies which is far more detailed but quite large an so stays at home.

    The 2 books together make an excellent pair.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Geoff
    4.0 out of 5 stars Great Service
    Reviewed in Australia on August 29, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Great service and book was great . My daughter loved it
    Report
  • Marcos Goldin
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in Italy on May 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Perfect book for all cloud lovers
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  • Sculder
    5.0 out of 5 stars loved it
    Reviewed in France on February 1, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    A good one to have with the cloud book from Amblyn. Easy access on your phone with the kindle version when you look at the skye and have a question .
    Report

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