Forthcoming book - The Weather Observers Handbook

steve · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 7:40 am

Meteorologist Stephen Burt has been in touch with me to tell me about his new book "The Weather Observers Handbook", due to be published soon. It looks like it will be useful to most Cumulus users. There's a chapter on AWS software and Stephen tells me that Cumulus is mentioned (but he hasn't told me what he has said!). I've attached a document containing more details, and a couple of flyers offering 20% discount for UK and US orders for a limited period - note that there is a UK version and a US version of the flyer.

Here's the 'blurb':

"The Weather Observer's Handbook provides a comprehensive, practical and
independent guide to all aspects of making weather observations. Automatic
weather stations today form the mainstay of both amateur and professional
weather observing networks around the world and yet – prior to this book –
there existed no independent guide to their selection and use. Traditional and
modern weather instruments are covered, including how best to choose and
to site a weather station, how to get the best out of your equipment, how to
store and analyse your records and how to share your observations with other
people and across the Internet. From amateur observers looking for help in
choosing their first weather instruments on a tight budget to professional
observers looking for a comprehensive and up-to-date guide covering World
Meteorological Organization recommendations on observing methods and
practices, all will welcome this handbook."

nking · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 8:46 am

Looks like a good buy. Price from Amazon £26.59 & free delivery, so not such a big saving on the paperback i.e. 70 pence.... but any saving is worth having!

steve · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:29 am

To be honest, for the convenience of being able to buy online, I'll probably get a copy from Amazon anyway.

nking · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 9:45 am

I agree but thought I should be suttle :lol:

RayProudfoot · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:21 pm

Looks like a really useful book to have. Christmas could be coming early in the Proudfoot house!

tobyspond · **Posted:** Fri Jun 01, 2012 11:48 pm

Steve

Thanks for posting this along with the discount! The book looks interesting.

Kerry

RayProudfoot · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:32 pm

Has anyone bought this book? No-one has posted a review on Amazon yet.

tobyspond · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 8:55 pm

Hi Ray,

I bought the paperback version direct from Cambridge University Press using the discount a month or so ago and am pleased with it. At least for me (no meteorology background), the book contains good basic information. I liked the chapter on what to do with all the data.

Kerry

RayProudfoot · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:06 pm

Thanks Kerry. I was tempted towards the hardback edition but it's a hefty price hike over the paperback. I have some meteorological knowledge but could do with reading a few online pages to get a feel for its level.

I also found the CUP 20% discount coupon but unless I'm mistaken VAT of 20% has to be added to the discount price and after you add £3.50 P&P the price ends up at £61.10. Amazon sell it for £57 with no P&P charges so that discount seems a bit tenuous. :roll:

tobyspond · **Posted:** Wed Aug 15, 2012 9:58 pm

Hi Ray,

I'm in the US so VAT does not apply. The price differential between Amazon and CU Press was minimal, but the deciding factor for me was the wait with Amazon. At the time I purchased the book, I think there may have been a three month wait.

The author has a website: http://measuringtheweather.com/ and Amazon has a "look inside": http://www.amazon.com/Weather-Observers ... 1107662281

Kerry

mcrossley · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2012 10:09 am

There are some interesting spread sheets for download on the authors web site associated with the book.

RayProudfoot · **Posted:** Thu Aug 16, 2012 4:25 pm

Hi Toby,

Whilst you won't pay VAT won't you have to pay state or local taxes? Actually, I thought that books and magazines were VAT free in the UK so that being the case there shouldn't be any to pay. Obviously I'm not asking you that question.

Thanks for the links. I've read the first few pages which has given me a good feel for it. I see it's not the Brits who are weather-obsessed - it's you over there! :lol:

Mark,

Thanks. I shall take a look at them.

saratogaWX · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2012 4:33 pm

I just purchased it via Amazon US and the Kindle version was only $17.50

We have several Kindles (and the Kindle app on our iPad) so it just made sense to have it in electronic format with no shipping required.

Best regards,
Ken

RayProudfoot · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:01 pm

I've checked the HMRC website and VAT is zero rated on books in the UK for UK residents. So there is a 20% discount for UK residents.

Prices are £48 (hb) and £22.39 (pb) + £3.50 P&P but the offer is only available until 31 August. Download the CUP flyer from here.

Ken, I've not yet been tempted by e-books but that is a good price. But unlike a physical book you can't resell an ebook should you want to.

steve · **Posted:** Fri Aug 17, 2012 5:11 pm

RayProudfoot wrote:

Download the CUP flyer from

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Forthcoming book - The Weather Observers Handbook

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