Rebecca Struthers

"A hugely entertaining achievement." -Esquire"An engaging survey through a period of intellectual history that reveals as much about people who wear watches as the objects on their wrists." - Wall Street Journal"As impeccably crafted and precisely engineered as any of the watches on which the author has worked so lovingly over the years, this book is a joy to behold and a wonder to enjoy." -Simon Winchester, author of The Perfectionists and LandAn award-winning watchmaker--one of the few practicing the art in the world today--chronicles the invention of time through the centuries-long story of one of mankind's most profound technological achievements: the watch. Timepieces have long accompanied us on our travels, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, the ice of the arctic to the sands of the deserts, outer space to the surface of the moon. The watch has sculpted the social and economic development of modern society; it is an object that, when disassembled, can give us new insights both into the motivations of inventors and craftsmen of the past, and, into the lives of the people who treasured them. Hands of Time is a journey through watchmaking history, from the earliest attempts at time-keeping, to the breakthrough in engineering that gave us the first watch, to today - where the timepieces hold cultural and historical significance beyond what its first creators could have imagined. Acclaimed watchmaker Rebecca Struthers uses the most important watches throughout history to explore their attendant paradigm shifts in how we think about time, indeed how we think about our own humanity. From an up-close look at the birth of the fakes and forgeries industry which marked the watch as a valuable commodity, to the watches that helped us navigate trade expeditions, she reveals how these instruments have shaped how we build and then consequently make our way through the world. A fusion of art and science, history and social commentary, this fascinating work, told in Struthers's lively voice and illustrated with custom line drawings by her husband and fellow watchmaker Craig, is filled with her personal observations as an expert watchmaker--one of the few remaining at work in the world today. Horology is a vast subject--the "study of time." This compelling history offers a fresh take, exploring not only these watches within their time, but the role they played in human development and the impact they had on the people who treasured them.

A children's guide to the science and history of telling the time and clockmaking in a fun and interactive way. This interactive book will help children aged 7-9 understand how clocks work and learn how to tell the time on various devices. Time is central to our experience as humans, and it's important for children to know not just how to tell the time, but also how to make the most of it. About Time uses fun and unique elements to teach children about the topic of time and introduce concepts like time zones and time management. This time book for children offers: Content written by experts in the field, a scientist, and a Horologist (the study of time). A unique book on an underrepresented topic, looking at how humans learned to measure time, how it shapes our lives, and the amazing science behind time. Interactive and practical activities for children to get involved with and learn about the subject. This book combines the expertise of an award-winning watchmaker and a physics teacher to explore the mechanics and history of timekeeping while aligning with the national curriculum. With this book children can learn much more than just how to tell the time, they can also find out how clocks are built and even explore the history behind timekeeping.

A children’s guide to the science and history of telling the time and clockmaking in a fun and interactive way. This interactive book will help children aged 7-9 understand how clocks work and learn how to tell the time on various devices. Time is central to our experience as humans, and it’s important for children to know not just how to tell the time, but also how to make the most of it. About Time uses fun and unique elements to teach children about the topic of time and introduce concepts like time zones and time management. This time book for children offers: Content written by experts in the field, a scientist and a Horologist (the study of time). A unique book on an underrepresented topic, looking at how humans learned to measure time, how it shapes our lives and the amazing science behind time. Interactive and practical activities for children to get involved with and learn about the subject. This book combines the expertise of an award-winning watchmaker and a physics teacher to explore the mechanics and history of timekeeping whilst aligning with the national curriculum. With this book children can learn much more than just how to tell the time, they can also find out how clocks are built and even explore the history behind timekeeping.

'5/5 A true joy. A work of staggering complexity and bewildering economy.' TELEGRAPH'Every page glitters' SPECTATOR'Mesmerising' NEW STATESMAN'An exquisite book, beautifully put together... What a very wonderful book.' STEPHEN FRYA BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK______________________In Hands of Time watchmaker and historian Rebecca Struthers welcomes us into the hidden world of watchmaking, and to a history of time that spans centuries and continents. The invention of timepieces was more significant for human culture than the printing press, or even the wheel. They have travelled the world with us, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, and even to the Moon. They regulate our daily lives and have sculpted the social and economic development of society in surprising and dramatic ways. From her workshop bench, Rebecca explores the ways in which timekeeping has indelibly shaped our attitudes to work, leisure, trade, politics, exploration and mortality, and introduces us to some extraordinary devices, each with their own story to tell. Hands of Time is an intricate exploration of the history, science, philosophy, and craft of timekeeping.'A rattling, wonderful read.' OBSERVER'Beautiful, bewitching and brilliant' LARA MAIKLEM'An intensely personal, finely-tuned meditation. A beautiful book' EDMUND DE WAAL

A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK'An exquisite book, beautifully put together... What a very wonderful book.' STEPHEN FRY'Forty-thousand years of our relationship with time condensed into 288 pages: a hugely entertaining achievement.' ESQUIRE'5/5 A true joy. A work of staggering complexity and bewildering economy.' TELEGRAPH'A rattling, wonderful read.' OBSERVER'Every page glitters' SPECTATOR'Mesmerising' NEW STATESMAN'Absolutely gorgeous. It blew my socks off' JAY BLADES'An intensely personal, finely-tuned meditation. A beautiful book' EDMUND DE WAAL'Beautiful, bewitching and brilliant' LARA MAIKLEMIn Hands of Time, watchmaker and historian Rebecca Struthers welcomes us into the hidden world of watchmaking, and to a history of time that spans centuries and continents. The invention of timepieces was more significant for human culture than the printing press, or even the wheel. They have travelled the world with us, from the depths of the oceans to the summit of Everest, and even to the Moon. They regulate our daily lives and have sculpted the social and economic development of society in surprising and dramatic ways. From her workshop bench, Rebecca explores the ways in which timekeeping has indelibly shaped our attitudes to work, leisure, trade, politics, exploration and mortality, and introduces us to some extraordinary devices, each with their own story to tell. Hands of Time is an intricate exploration of the history, science, philosophy, and craft of timekeeping.