Clouds: Nature And Culture

Clouds have been objects of delight and fascination throughout human history, inspiring scientists and daydreamers alike. Described by Aristophanes as “the patron goddesses of idle men,” clouds symbolize the restlessness and unpredictability of nature, and are also the source of life-giving rains. Richard Hamblyn's book examines clouds in their cultural, historic, and scientific contexts, exploring their presence in our skies, literature, art, and music.

Hamblyn discusses the different kinds of clouds, from high cirrus to cumulus, as well as man-made and extraterrestrial clouds. He shows how clouds serve as symbols in human culture, representing portents of calamity or ethereal figures in the heavens, as seen in poetry and modern language. This comprehensive, illustrated guide offers insight into these shapeshifting sky phenomena.