The Black Cloud

Valancourt 20th Century Classics

By: Fred Hoyle

Narrated by: David Pickering

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

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)

Engrossing, Hard Science Fiction from 1957

This influencel science fiction story is an exciting story with a mysterious black cloud written by the astronomer who coined the term "Big Bang".

Epic!

This is now one of my favorite books! Not only the content but the narration was stellar. Pure performance on both fronts.

A hidden science fiction classic

An instant classic that I recommend to anyone wanting to get into hard science fiction. This is a fun and easy to enjoy story with a lot of actual science mixed into it. I highly recommend for anyone want to dip their toes into sci-fi.

Realistc take, and great ending dig.

Beautifully written; realistic and relatable conversations and persons. I especially appreciated the mix of personal interactions and scientific description. Perfectly labeled "Science Fiction." I now understand why Richard Dawkins praised it as he did. Loved it.

The mathematics

So many old guys, needed more youngins, women and a romantic thread to round it out.