Dr Richard Hamblyn is a post-doctoral research fellow at Nottingham University, England. His book The Invention of Clouds (Picador) was shortlisted for the 2002 Samuel Johnson Prize, and received wide critical acclaim.

This is an attractive and entertaining guide to the clouds, helping you to identify every cloud type and related phenomena, and understand its implications for the weather.Unlike other weather and cloud books which can be very scientific and hard to understand, "The Cloud Book" follows a logical progression from low clouds to the high stratus clouds, and on to special clouds.This guide features a detailed introduction on the history of cloud classification - how it came about, the challenge involved with naming transitional forms in nature and how it was overcome. It introduces the three principle cloud forms and provides clear explanations of any potentially confusing terminologies and atmospheric processes.Beautifully illustrated with stunning images from the Met Office's own archive, this is a visual feast and a clear yet fascinating exploration of the familiar world of cloud spotting.