The Black Cloud cover art

The Black Cloud

Valancourt 20th Century Classics

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The Black Cloud

By: Fred Hoyle
Narrated by: David Pickering
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About this listen

Astronomers in England and America have made a terrifying discovery: an ominous black cloud the size of Jupiter is travelling straight towards our solar system. If their calculations are correct, the cloud’s path will bring it between the Earth and the Sun, blocking out the Sun’s rays and threatening unimaginable consequences for our planet.

With the fate of every living thing on Earth in the balance, world leaders assemble a team of brilliant scientists to figure out a way to stop the cloud. But when they uncover the truth behind its origins, they will be forced to reconsider everything they think they know about the nature of life in the universe....

A landmark of British science fiction, The Black Cloud (1957) was the first novel by world-renowned astronomer Sir Fred Hoyle (1915-2001), who used his own scientific background to create a frighteningly real apocalyptic thriller, in which Hoyle said, “there is very little that could not conceivably happen.”

©1957, 2023 Estate of Fred Hoyle (P)2023 Valancourt Books LLC Classics Fiction Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Solar System Thought-Provoking

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Critic reviews

“Without a question the most intelligently written science fiction story I have ever read...A terrific yarn.” (Charlotte Observer)

“An eerie story which demands the reader’s attention from start to finish.” (Denver Post)
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A well narrated story that didn't try to be too complex. The age in which this story was written lends a gentleness that some modern texts lack.

Overall, a pleasing leasurly listen.

Solid Sci-fi

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Great story, lots of real science in the book. I enjoyed it immensely.

Great book for science lovers.

Great listen

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This is not just a story of science fiction but also science fact. The author clearly demonstrates his knowledge of real science particularly with the investigation of the cloud. So as well as having experienced a wonderfully entertaining story I now feel more knowledgeable about astronomy and science. A great recommendation by Richard Dawkins - which is the reason why I listened to this book. Thank you. Finally the narrator was simply amazing. I highly recommend listening to this book. You won't regret it.

Lots of real science

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I first came across this story many years ago before I had my stroke and could only hold a book so finding an audible version was too good an opportunity to miss. I was not disappointed, the story was as fascinated as ever and very well read. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a really good read.

Fascinating story

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I had wanted to read this for years. I was disappointed. It is only really suited to people with an overriding interest in science at the expense of psychological realism. There's too much factual detail and the characters are two dimensional. I think Hoyle must have written it largely as a thought experiment. The reader is also rather tedious to listen to.

Hard going

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Distinguishef Astronomer Fred Hoyle's book has been a classic for 50 years, rated by Prof Brian Cox as his favourite sci-fi work. Mine too.

The Audible version allows a welcome access to the story, since the book is out of print and a collector's item.

The narrator's attempts at accents are amusingly variable, especially when he talks "American", but by exercising initial suspension of disbelief you get used to them, and enjoy the gripping story.

A must listen.

One of the best sci-fi stories ever

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Really enjoyed the story. Interesting book for casual science lovers and funny sometimes. Learned many things also. Would recommend.

Great

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A classic Sci-Fi. I read in the 60s. The code is ..... .... ... ..

Not to be missed

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