About Time

In About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution Paul Davies confronts the puzzles and paradoxes of time that have bemused the world's greatest thinkers throughout the ages. When Albert Einstein formulated his theory of relativity it brought about a revolution in our understanding of time, yet also presented a new set of mysteries. Einstein's time can be warped, leading to bizarre possibilities such as black holes and time travel, while making a nonsense of our perception of a 'now' or a division of time into past, present and future. In About Time Paul Davies tackles the tough questions about time, including the strange relationship between physical time and our psychological perception of it. He gives straightforward descriptions of topics such as the theory of relativity, the relation between time dilation and the speed of light and Hawking's 'imaginary time'. He concludes that, despite decades of progress in unravelling the mysteries of time, the revolution is still underway... 'Confirms his place as one of the most lucid and readable science writers today' - Sunday Times 'Intriguing and important ... a fascinating discussion of why Einstein's can't be the last word on the subject' - Independent on Sunday 'Sublime stuff for armchair physicists' - Guardian 'A tour of some of the most exciting - and outlandish - work in modern physics ... Writing with passion and wit, he lets his scientific message shine through' - New Statesman

'An utterly dazzling book, the best piece of history I have read for a long time' Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in Twelve Maps 'Not merely an horologist's delight, but an ingenious meditation on the nature and symbolism of time-keeping itself' Richard Holmes The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world? In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction. This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.

In About Time: Einstein's Unfinished Revolution Paul Davies confronts the puzzles and paradoxes of time that have bemused the world's greatest thinkers throughout the ages. When Albert Einstein formulated his theory of relativity it brought about a revolution in our understanding of time, yet also presented a new set of mysteries. Einstein's time can be warped, leading to bizarre possibilities such as black holes and time travel, while making a nonsense of our perception of a 'now' or a division of time into past, present and future. In About Time Paul Davies tackles the tough questions about time, including the strange relationship between physical time and our psychological perception of it. He gives straightforward descriptions of topics such as the theory of relativity, the relation between time dilation and the speed of light and Hawking's 'imaginary time'. He concludes that, despite decades of progress in unravelling the mysteries of time, the revolution is still underway... 'Confirms his place as one of the most lucid and readable science writers today' - Sunday Times 'Intriguing and important ... a fascinating discussion of why Einstein's can't be the last word on the subject' - Independent on Sunday 'Sublime stuff for armchair physicists' - Guardian 'A tour of some of the most exciting - and outlandish - work in modern physics ... Writing with passion and wit, he lets his scientific message shine through' - New Statesman

'An utterly dazzling book, the best piece of history I have read for a long time' Jerry Brotton, author of A History of the World in Twelve Maps 'Not merely an horologist's delight, but an ingenious meditation on the nature and symbolism of time-keeping itself' Richard Holmes The measurement of time has always been essential to human civilization, from early Roman sundials to the advent of GPS. But while we have one eye on the time every day, are we aware of the power clocks have given governments, military leaders and business owners, and how they have shaped our lives and our world? In this spectacularly far-reaching book, David Rooney narrates a history of timekeeping and civilization in twelve concise chapters. Over their course, we meet the most epochal inventions in horological history, from medieval water clocks to Renaissance hourglasses, and from stock-exchange timestamps to satellites in Earth's orbit. We discover how clocks have helped people navigate the globe and build empires, but also, on occasion, taken us to the brink of destruction. This is the story of time, and the story of time is the story of us.

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 and horology.

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 and horology.

Neil Hilborn returns with the poignant and profound collection About Time. Balancing between devastation and perseverance, About Time shares the struggle to maintain mental health during the recent global crises. With his distinctly conversational tone and dark humor, Hilborn breaks down the cycle of mental illness-small improvements, setbacks, and the process of recovery. This collection fights against itself as the poems try to find a place for hope, love, and goodness in a lonely, terrifying world-ultimately, inspiring belief in and connection to all the small joys that we can find. Fans new and old will be stunned by Hilborn's third collection. Continuing in the legacy of his previous works, About Time is hot soup for the troubled soul and absolutely cannot be missed.

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.

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.

An enthusiasts’ guide to the best men’s wristwatches, from vintage pieces to smart watches. This celebration of high-end men’s wristwatches is a collection of essays, timelines, and more than 250 color photographs. Aimed at collectors, watch enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in fashion, the book ranges from in-depth looks at specific models, including classics and contemporary timepieces, to overviews of pilot’s watches, diver’s watches, and other watches developed for various purposes. Short essays and timelines take a look at pop culture, including topics such as cars and watches, watches in space, watches in films, famous advertising campaigns, and celebrities and their timepieces. Learn about today’s customized watches, smart watches, and a watch that shows the time in words only. Featured watch brands include Audemars Piguet, Omega, Rolex, IWC, Patek Philippe, Hublot, Tag Hauer, and more. The author also presents his top 10 list for the ultimate watch collector.

An enthusiasts’ guide to the best men’s wristwatches, from vintage pieces to smart watches. This celebration of high-end men’s wristwatches is a collection of essays, timelines, and more than 250 color photographs. Aimed at collectors, watch enthusiasts, and anyone with an interest in fashion, the book ranges from in-depth looks at specific models, including classics and contemporary timepieces, to overviews of pilot’s watches, diver’s watches, and other watches developed for various purposes. Short essays and timelines take a look at pop culture, including topics such as cars and watches, watches in space, watches in films, famous advertising campaigns, and celebrities and their timepieces. Learn about today’s customized watches, smart watches, and a watch that shows the time in words only. Featured watch brands include Audemars Piguet, Omega, Rolex, IWC, Patek Philippe, Hublot, Tag Hauer, and more. The author also presents his top 10 list for the ultimate watch collector.