Clouds

Nature and Culture

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Other Sciences, Meteorology
Cover of the book Clouds by Richard Hamblyn, Reaktion Books
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Richard Hamblyn ISBN: 9781780237701
Publisher: Reaktion Books Publication: May 15, 2017
Imprint: Reaktion Books Language: English
Author: Richard Hamblyn
ISBN: 9781780237701
Publisher: Reaktion Books
Publication: May 15, 2017
Imprint: Reaktion Books
Language: English

Clouds have been objects of delight and fascination throughout human history, their fleeting magnificence and endless variety having inspired scientists and daydreamers alike. Described by Aristophanes as “the patron goddesses of idle men,” clouds and the ever-changing patterns they create have long symbolized the restlessness and unpredictability of nature, and yet they are also the source of life-giving rains. In this book, Richard Hamblyn examines clouds in their cultural, historic, and scientific contexts, exploring their prevalence in our skies as well as in our literature, art, and music.
           
As Hamblyn shows, clouds function not only as a crucial means of circulating water around the globe but also as a finely tuned thermostat regulating the planet’s temperature. He discusses the many different kinds of clouds, from high, scattered cirrus clouds to the plump thought-bubbles of cumulus clouds, even exploring man-made clouds and clouds on other planets. He also shows how clouds have featured as meaningful symbols in human culture, whether as ominous portents of coming calamities or as ethereal figures giving shape to the heavens, whether in Wordsworth’s poetry or today’s tech speak. Comprehensive yet compact, cogent and beautifully illustrated, this is the ultimate guidebook to those shapeshifters of the sky.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Clouds have been objects of delight and fascination throughout human history, their fleeting magnificence and endless variety having inspired scientists and daydreamers alike. Described by Aristophanes as “the patron goddesses of idle men,” clouds and the ever-changing patterns they create have long symbolized the restlessness and unpredictability of nature, and yet they are also the source of life-giving rains. In this book, Richard Hamblyn examines clouds in their cultural, historic, and scientific contexts, exploring their prevalence in our skies as well as in our literature, art, and music.
           
As Hamblyn shows, clouds function not only as a crucial means of circulating water around the globe but also as a finely tuned thermostat regulating the planet’s temperature. He discusses the many different kinds of clouds, from high, scattered cirrus clouds to the plump thought-bubbles of cumulus clouds, even exploring man-made clouds and clouds on other planets. He also shows how clouds have featured as meaningful symbols in human culture, whether as ominous portents of coming calamities or as ethereal figures giving shape to the heavens, whether in Wordsworth’s poetry or today’s tech speak. Comprehensive yet compact, cogent and beautifully illustrated, this is the ultimate guidebook to those shapeshifters of the sky.

More books from Reaktion Books

Cover of the book Beyond Words by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Moth by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Shape of Things by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Spoken Image by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book The Global Economic System since 1945 by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book A Philosophy of Freedom by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Art Forgery by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Hieronymus Bosch by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Jim Jarmusch by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Faith and Sword by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Beijing by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book John Berger by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Scorpion by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Mad, Bad and Dangerous? by Richard Hamblyn
Cover of the book Jean-Paul Sartre by Richard Hamblyn
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy