Throughout history, clouds have been a source of fascination. With their ever-changing and magnificent appearance, they have captivated the minds of both scientists and daydreamers.

In this definitive guide to clouds and the skies, Richard Hamblyn introduces you to all the different cloud species. The Pocket Cloud Book will enable you to identify individual clouds, skies and phenomena. You will also be able to track their likely changes over time and predict the implications they have for the weather you may experience.

This brand new pocket-size edition includes the 12 new cloud types only recently officially recognised by the World Meteorological Organisation. Many of these previously only had informal names, but their new Latin classification brings them into the fold of officially adopted global meteorological terms. It also includes an updated section on climate change and the role that clouds might play in shaping future conditions on Earth.

Produced in association with the Met Office - the world's premier weather forecasting bureau - all things to do with the origin and development of a cloud are here. Whether you are looking at a giant cumulonimbus or a tiny shred of stratus factus, an everyday occurrence or a fleeting rarity, your cloud spotting will be expertly informed and much more satisfying with this handy reference guide. This book will enable you to not only identify individual clouds and skies as they might appear at any given moment, but also to track their likely changes over time, and thus predict weather patterns.

Illustrated with stunning images from around the globe, this pocket edition is the perfect size to take with you on walks or have handy in the garden so that you can enjoy sky-gazing every day. This is the only guide to cloud classification that you will ever need, in handy and practical pocket-friendly size.