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A Cloud a Day
Cloudspotter and bestselling author Gavin Pretor-Pinney delivers a moment of calm atmospheric contemplation to members of his Cloud Appreciation Society by sharing a cloud image and story every day. A Cloud a Day urges all of us to keep our heads in the clouds with 365 fascinating cloud formations from his extraordinarily popular Cloud Appreciation Society collection. Inspirational quotes and informative cloud facts accompany provocative and meditative images of the sky, encouraging readers to pause for a moment and look up.
• Beautifully illustrated book of stunning cloud images
• Features cloud facts and inspirational quotes
• Encourages appreciation of the natural world
Fans of In The Cloudspotter's Guide or The Cloud Collector's Handbook will love this book.
This book is perfect
• Weather and cloud watchers
• Daydreamers
• Cloud Appreciation Society members and anyone interested in clouds
• Introduction to weather book for kids
• Beautifully illustrated book of stunning cloud images
• Features cloud facts and inspirational quotes
• Encourages appreciation of the natural world
Fans of In The Cloudspotter's Guide or The Cloud Collector's Handbook will love this book.
This book is perfect
• Weather and cloud watchers
• Daydreamers
• Cloud Appreciation Society members and anyone interested in clouds
• Introduction to weather book for kids
368 pages, Hardcover
Published November 5, 2019
118 people are currently reading
558 people want to read
About the author
Gavin Pretor-Pinney
22 books66 followersGavin Pretor-Pinney is cofounder of The Idler magazine in England and founded of The Cloud Appreciation Society in 2005.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
July 4, 2020
It is easy to forget that you live in the sky - not beneath it, but within it. Our atmosphere is an enormous ocean, and you inhabit it. This ocean is made up of the gases of air rather than liquid water, but it is as much of an ocean as the Atlantic or the Pacific. You may think of yourself as a creature living on the ground, but all that means is that you are a creature of the ocean bed. You still inhabit the atmosphere like a sea creature does the water. pg. 7
Very good book. Features pictures of clouds, 365 of them. Clouds over different countries, clouds from planes, clouds from space, clouds on other planets, paintings of clouds. The pictures are accompanied by informative and slightly humorous texts by Pretor-Pinney. I learned a lot. I never knew HOW varied and interesting clouds could be.
Of course, Pretor-Pinney founded the Cloud Appreciation Society. He calls people who look at clouds 'cloudspotters' and many of the pictures in this book are submitted by various members of CSA from around the globe.
Highly recommended.
Very good book. Features pictures of clouds, 365 of them. Clouds over different countries, clouds from planes, clouds from space, clouds on other planets, paintings of clouds. The pictures are accompanied by informative and slightly humorous texts by Pretor-Pinney. I learned a lot. I never knew HOW varied and interesting clouds could be.
Of course, Pretor-Pinney founded the Cloud Appreciation Society. He calls people who look at clouds 'cloudspotters' and many of the pictures in this book are submitted by various members of CSA from around the globe.
Highly recommended.
May 5, 2024
This is an intriguing book - part educational - part pictorial. The educational part is explaining how clouds are classified using a number of techniques and the benefits of taking time and looking up.
The other part is a series of clear and in many cases beautiful images showing off the various clouds (from classic paintings to astronomical photos to those taken by the general public who sent them in to be shared.
This book will not fundamentally change the way you think about clouds or even care how they form but what you will appreciate in the sheer variety and beauty of something we can so easily take for granted.
To me this book is a reminder to stop and look around us as honestly there is so much we are missing out there
The other part is a series of clear and in many cases beautiful images showing off the various clouds (from classic paintings to astronomical photos to those taken by the general public who sent them in to be shared.
This book will not fundamentally change the way you think about clouds or even care how they form but what you will appreciate in the sheer variety and beauty of something we can so easily take for granted.
To me this book is a reminder to stop and look around us as honestly there is so much we are missing out there
June 24, 2025
a reminder to look up and appreciate the skies every once in a while ☁️💗
June 20, 2021
Being a bit of a cloud lover, this book is my strawberry. So many gorgeous photos and interesting facts. One of my favourites - the bottom half of a rainbow as seen from an airplane. Yes! Did you know that all rainbows have the potential of being full circles?
July 9, 2020
Amazing medative book, with brilliant photos, sketches and art to represent every type of skye. With beautifully written descriptions and quotes.
August 22, 2020
This is a book dedicated to clouds no matter where they may be found - Earth, art, interstellar parts of the universe and even on other planets. As a result it is mesmerizing and factual while opening inquisitive readers up to the fact there is more to looking up than we sometimes take for granted.
Gavin does a great job in providing the reader with an array of information starting with the Introduction. First of all there are four charts that act as a Table of Contents of a sort with the first being devoted to cloud genera and species, the second exploring cloud shapes as we translate them, the third exploring clouds in art and the last exploring the optical effects that one may see when looking up. The reason why I say this a sort of a table is due to there was one I was looking for, which I didn't see on either of the charts.
From there the book is further presented with a cloud photograph or artwork on almost each page with exceptions being given to some of those pages where the photograph takes up the whole leaf. In the case of the latter the opposite page is dedicated to the caption and an explanatory paragraph if there should be one. Otherwise the rest of the set-up is as described as before with at least one photograph per page with captions while cloud quotes and educative paragraphs interspersed throughout.
The paragraphs usually explain how optical effects or clouds are formed so for those who are interested in explanations they definitely provide an extra treat by helping the reader to get to know more about what they see. There were a few spelling mistakes but noting to take away from the whole and some repetitive spots as well.
The photographs are what really sell this book as they are glorious whether land-bound or universal. There is no actual organization structure to how they are presented while if you were to go with the actual cloud a day you could probably start anywhere you wanted and proceed from there.
All in all it is a great book and one that would make for a beautiful addition to the library of cloud lovers, artists and those who just enjoy weather phenomenon.
Gavin does a great job in providing the reader with an array of information starting with the Introduction. First of all there are four charts that act as a Table of Contents of a sort with the first being devoted to cloud genera and species, the second exploring cloud shapes as we translate them, the third exploring clouds in art and the last exploring the optical effects that one may see when looking up. The reason why I say this a sort of a table is due to there was one I was looking for, which I didn't see on either of the charts.
From there the book is further presented with a cloud photograph or artwork on almost each page with exceptions being given to some of those pages where the photograph takes up the whole leaf. In the case of the latter the opposite page is dedicated to the caption and an explanatory paragraph if there should be one. Otherwise the rest of the set-up is as described as before with at least one photograph per page with captions while cloud quotes and educative paragraphs interspersed throughout.
The paragraphs usually explain how optical effects or clouds are formed so for those who are interested in explanations they definitely provide an extra treat by helping the reader to get to know more about what they see. There were a few spelling mistakes but noting to take away from the whole and some repetitive spots as well.
The photographs are what really sell this book as they are glorious whether land-bound or universal. There is no actual organization structure to how they are presented while if you were to go with the actual cloud a day you could probably start anywhere you wanted and proceed from there.
All in all it is a great book and one that would make for a beautiful addition to the library of cloud lovers, artists and those who just enjoy weather phenomenon.
September 21, 2025
I've been a cloud watcher since I was a child, looking to the skies with interest, fascination and often for inspiration or to provide a sense of calm. I've also been a fan of the Cloud Appreciation Society for years. A friend gave me this beautiful book a while back and I always felt it was perfect to dip in and out depending on the day and my need. The thought of a cloud a day was very calming.
But I took it along on a driving RV trip across the middle of Canada this summer (49 days, 10,000 kilometres, five provinces) -- partly because we dubbed our trip Canadian Skies. I started reading it with a focus after I broke my foot. And it was totally magic. Factoids, photos, paintings, poems, cloud history, weather data and images from space. It’s all here and beautiful.
I was in no rush on the way home, sitting with a boot on my foot and hundreds of kilometres ahead with a perfect reading companion. On our trip we encountered thunder storms, a wide array of cloud types, shooting stars and Northern Lights.
This was the perfect book for the recovery leg of the Canadian Skies tour, but I don't think you need to be incapacitated to make your spirits soar. Or even just enjoy it.
But I took it along on a driving RV trip across the middle of Canada this summer (49 days, 10,000 kilometres, five provinces) -- partly because we dubbed our trip Canadian Skies. I started reading it with a focus after I broke my foot. And it was totally magic. Factoids, photos, paintings, poems, cloud history, weather data and images from space. It’s all here and beautiful.
I was in no rush on the way home, sitting with a boot on my foot and hundreds of kilometres ahead with a perfect reading companion. On our trip we encountered thunder storms, a wide array of cloud types, shooting stars and Northern Lights.
This was the perfect book for the recovery leg of the Canadian Skies tour, but I don't think you need to be incapacitated to make your spirits soar. Or even just enjoy it.
January 10, 2020
Clouds from around the world, in all seasons and times of day, at high and low altitudes, by photographers professional and amateur who share a love of cloud types and formations, from the dramatic to the mundane (mostly dramatic). Author Pretor-Pinney—founder of the online group The Cloud Appreciation Society—includes brief paragraphs with each picture, explaining what we're looking at, and when and how it is formed. If you're not interested in the science, the book will endear itself to you for the photographs, paintings, and prints it contains.
October 29, 2019
If you find yourself buried in grim reading material for hours on end (as I often do), this might be a welcome reprieve. The book captures over 360 photos of clouds, which range from mildly pleasant to jaw-droppingly gorgeous. The accompanying text also gave me a new fascination for the seemingly mundane skies I live under every day. The author details the science behind the formation of different cloud types and gives tips on how to identify different patterns. It's a nice, relaxing book that you can choose to engage with on a variety of levels - either digging into the nuts and bolts of cloud types or by simply enjoying this amazing collection of visuals from photographers around the world.
June 2, 2020
Absolutely love, so interesting and beautiful to look at. Great references for future paintings.
February 7, 2023
I’ve often been accused of having my head in the clouds. But that’s only because I have my eye on the sky. Yes, I’m a self-confessed cloudspotter—or as family members and friends would term it, a cloud “nerd” or “geek.” Okay, so I routinely try to dazzle them with my categorizations of altocumulus stratiformus perlucidus versus cumulus congestus castellanus. I’m not always sure I’m getting these labels just right, but hey, it sounds convincing. So I was happy to receive this book as a birthday gift. It feeds right into my cloud mania, comprising 344 pages of cloud photos and artworks, most spotted by members of the Cloud Appreciation Society, with plenty of quotes and captions, many tongue in cheek. And the clouds are not confined to planet Earth; there are several of the clouds on other inhabitants of the solar system, as well as interstellar gas clouds and nebulae. I usually don’t read nonfiction books straight through, preferring to hop around, but this was a page turner. I mean, who can argue with a statement like this: “To gaze at Stratus is to confront the possibility that infinity exists. To feel like the last human alive”? Well, our youngest, for one. Now that I’ve taught her the different cloud types, she’s decided the flat, gray, featureless stratus is her favorite.
June 14, 2021
“It’s easy to forget that you live in the sky—not beneath it, but within it.”
To share their love of clouds, the Cloud Appreciation Society compiled 365 amazing photos from their member cloudspotters around the world, along with paintings, art, and poetry on clouds. Each picture has an apt quote or scientific explanation. There are even pictures of clouds from space and other planets.
“We seek to remind people that clouds are expressions of the atmosphere’s moods, and can be read like those of a person’s countenance.”
https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/
Clouds are so ephemeral yet magnificent while it lasts. Like so many things we value in life. If we don’t pay attention, it’s gone too soon before we could enjoy it.
“Each cloud is a tap on your shoulder, prompting you to look up, take a breath, and unfetter your thoughts from earthbound concerns. It is there to remind you to look around you, look above you, and appreciate this ever-changing ocean of air that we all inhabit and share.”
So let’s look up at the clouds and see what we can find. Share a photo before it disappears. It’s a good reminder of the beauty of life.
@IvyDigest
To share their love of clouds, the Cloud Appreciation Society compiled 365 amazing photos from their member cloudspotters around the world, along with paintings, art, and poetry on clouds. Each picture has an apt quote or scientific explanation. There are even pictures of clouds from space and other planets.
“We seek to remind people that clouds are expressions of the atmosphere’s moods, and can be read like those of a person’s countenance.”
https://cloudappreciationsociety.org/
Clouds are so ephemeral yet magnificent while it lasts. Like so many things we value in life. If we don’t pay attention, it’s gone too soon before we could enjoy it.
“Each cloud is a tap on your shoulder, prompting you to look up, take a breath, and unfetter your thoughts from earthbound concerns. It is there to remind you to look around you, look above you, and appreciate this ever-changing ocean of air that we all inhabit and share.”
So let’s look up at the clouds and see what we can find. Share a photo before it disappears. It’s a good reminder of the beauty of life.
@IvyDigest
September 10, 2022
A beautiful book that would make a good addition to your coffee table. Cloud lovers can rejoice in seeing clouds from below and above, along with clouds on other worlds and in the spaces between stars. Most of the photos are from everyday people (and members of the Cloud Appreciation Society), while some are from astronauts or satellites and other are literal works of art through history. I enjoyed learning about Hector the Convector in Australia and am ready to book a trip to Venezuela to watch the never-ending lightning shows over Lake Maracaibo.
February 3, 2020
Fascinating compilation of cloud and weather phenomena photographs with descriptions and weather related quotes from writers over the ages. Some illustrations are from works of art showing the artist appreciated the sky above.
Perhaps could do with a little more explanation of some of the effects with some illustrative diagrams. Also would be great to know more about the Cloud Appreciation Society.
Perhaps could do with a little more explanation of some of the effects with some illustrative diagrams. Also would be great to know more about the Cloud Appreciation Society.
January 7, 2020
Entertaining and enlightening tour of all things clouds, from the earliest painting showing clouds to clouds on other planets to stunning photos of clouds from all over the world. The text is repetitive at times, but does a great job of explaining both the science and culture of clouds. Definitely worth owning.
October 15, 2021
I love watching clouds and discovered this book. Members of the "cloud" society take photos from all over the world. The author explains the types of clouds and defines the climate that allows them to form. Beautiful photos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have unusual clouds too and actually categorize them in shapes, people,animals, etc. Fun book.
April 24, 2022
简体中文版北京时代华文书局：接《云彩收集者手册》。这一册选图比之前宽泛不少，不仅仅是摄影作品，还有很多艺术作品，辅之以文学作品中与云相关的诗作或者语句。云彩背后其实是光影、水汽多种科学现象的结合。虽然科学可以解释，“如果我能解释它们的本质……人们就会很容易相信，在某种程度上，我们可以找到地球上一切美好事物的根源。”，但也会失去其神秘和浪漫的色彩。记录几个印象深刻：1、2017年首次收录糙面云。原来云也需要正名，有种终于出息的感觉。2、魔鬼藏于13世纪壁画的云朵中，是至今已知对云彩刻画最早的壁画。3、《荣耀与丑闻》的封面原来叫《海雾上的漫游者》（Wanderer above the sea of fog，1817）。
April 25, 2020
( Format : hardback )
"365 Skies"
A stunning book for everyone who has ever looked up at the sky with wonder. Fantastic photographs accompanied by descriptions, information as quotations.I
A book to return to, over and ovef.
A simply must have.
"365 Skies"
A stunning book for everyone who has ever looked up at the sky with wonder. Fantastic photographs accompanied by descriptions, information as quotations.I
A book to return to, over and ovef.
A simply must have.
May 18, 2020
I must say that this was a great read. Not only I loved the beautiful pictures, I also learned a lot the clouds. The most surprising were the quotations from amazing writers about clouds. As an amateur photographer, I will start looking up to enjoy and capture our beautiful sky, starting now...
December 31, 2020
A must have for a cloud gazer! I enjoyed reading this throughout the year. It was a lovely way to start the morning by reading a few pages, enjoying the beautiful cloud photography and art and sipping on some coffee. :)
February 8, 2022
Carefully curated set of photos and paintings of clouds. Many quotes and poems written about clouds through the years. Excellent descriptions of the clouds and how they are formed. This book is beautiful and informative!
December 31, 2022
A delight for any nature lover and anyone who passionately appreciates the natural canvas of the sky! It’s always a calming experience to take a break from looking at screens, pick up this book and take some time to learn and appreciate different types of clouds. ☁️
January 19, 2024
Honestly this is like my favorite kind of nonfiction. Just nerds geeking out about their passions and making it fun for other people to learn. This book made me want to make my own cloud photo gallery for my wall.
April 27, 2025
A multitude of stunning photographs. The captions are informative, written with a light tone and touches of humor.
The book calls to mind long-ago summer afternoons spent lying in the grass, looking for animal shapes in the clouds. I should pause to look up more often.
The book calls to mind long-ago summer afternoons spent lying in the grass, looking for animal shapes in the clouds. I should pause to look up more often.
May 17, 2025
如题目所说，可能真的一天看一朵，才能记住和分辨不同云彩的名字，对于我这样刚接触的人来说，感觉明天我还是说不出来早晨的云彩是什么类型。不过感谢书里的图片，可以让我更直观地看到各种形状，形态，堆叠方式的云。除此之外，作者还收录了各种作家写的关于云彩的片段。画家的画作最神奇了，他们或许不能像云彩专家一样说出这朵云的名字，却可以准确记录云彩的样子，所以18世纪甚至以前的人们，也是仰望这样的云彩陷入沉思呢。4⭐。
October 12, 2019
I am ordering this book (!)
January 13, 2020
Just wish that it was a bigger book...
February 23, 2020
What a wonderful book, with some awesome photos of amazing clouds and skyscapes, it’s hard not lose yourself in it.
Happy reading/cloud chasing!
Happy reading/cloud chasing!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews