THE BLACK CLOUD

A prominent astronomer's first fictional excursion is also a scientific diversion of some brilliance and projects the (possible) phenomenon of a black cloud which when observed as it moves toward the earth provokes consternation and ominous speculation in Pasadena and London. Professor Kingsley, of Cambridge, is appointed to head a special installation and survival is measured in months, and then days, before communication is established and the cloud is revealed to contain a deadly intelligence.... Professor Hoyle also takes this opportunity to prod the politicians with non-scientific detachment and considerable humor, and manages an intellectual entertainment for hi-fi tastes.