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About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

Name: About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks
Price: 15.98 USD
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Rating: 4.2 (223 reviews)

4.2 of 5 Stars: Experiments, Instruments & Measurement - About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks

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Book Synopsis: One of Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best History Books of 2021

A captivating, surprising history of timekeeping and how it has shaped our world.

For thousands of years, people of all cultures have made and used clocks, from the city sundials of ancient Rome to the medieval water clocks of imperial China, hourglasses fomenting revolution in the Middle Ages, the Stock Exchange clock of Amsterdam in 1611, Enlightenment observatories in India, and the high-precision clocks circling the Earth on a fleet of GPS satellites that have been launched since 1978.

Clocks have helped us navigate the world and build empires, and have even taken us to the brink of destruction. Elites have used them to wield power, make money, govern citizens, and control lives―and sometimes the people have used them to fight back.

Through the stories of twelve clocks, About Time brings pivotal moments from the past vividly to life. Historian and lifelong clock enthusiast David Rooney takes us from the unveiling of al-Jazari's castle clock in 1206, in present-day Turkey; to the Cape of Good Hope observatory at the southern tip of Africa, where nineteenth-century British government astronomers moved the gears of empire with a time ball and a gun; to the burial of a plutonium clock now sealed beneath a public park in Osaka, where it will keep time for 5,000 years.

Rooney shows, through these artifacts, how time has been imagined, politicized, and weaponized over the centuries―and how it might bring peace. Ultimately, he writes, the technical history of horology is only the start of the story. A history of clocks is a history of civilization. 25 illustrations

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Unlock the secrets of time with About Time: A History of Civilization in Twelve Clocks. This captivating and surprising history of timekeeping takes you on a journey through the centuries, showcasing the crucial role clocks have played in shaping our world. From ancient sundials to modern GPS satellites, clocks have guided us, empowered us, and even pushed us to the edge. Now, you can delve into the stories behind twelve fascinating clocks and discover how they have influenced our lives.

Transport yourself to 1206, Turkey, as al-Jazari's castle clock is unveiled, marking a pivotal moment in the history of time. Explore how British government astronomers, stationed at the Cape of Good Hope observatory, utilized a time ball and a gun to control their empire in the 19th century. And venture to Osaka, Japan, where a plutonium clock lies entombed beneath a park, silently keeping time for the next 5,000 years.

Through the pages of About Time, historian David Rooney reveals how clocks have been more than mere timekeeping devices. They have become instruments of power, tools of governance, and symbols of resistance. Embark on this incredible journey and gain a profound understanding of how time has been imagined, politicized, and weaponized throughout history.

With 25 illustrations accompanying the vivid narratives, this book is a visual feast. Immerse yourself in the rich history of clocks, where technical marvels intertwine with the evolution of civilization itself. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the impact of timekeeping, About Time is a must-read.

Don't miss your chance to own this Smithsonian Magazine's Ten Best History Books of 2021 selection. Click here to order your copy now and unlock the secrets of the past.

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