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Hands of Time

A Watchmaker's History of Time

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Hands of Time

By: Rebecca Struthers
Narrated by: Anna Ploszajski
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About this listen

 A BBC RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK

A true joy. A work of staggering complexity and bewildering economy.' TELEGRAPH
'Every page glitters' SPECTATOR
'Mesmerising' NEW STATESMAN
'An exquisite book' STEPHEN FRY
______________________

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
©2023 Rebecca Struthers (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Limited History History & Culture Science World Technology Innovation
All stars
Most relevant
This book covers a lot of interesting information about watchmaking that is highly enjoyable to listen to.

Worth your time

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This was a delightful listen with some interesting commentary I did not expect I liked it so much I brought the print version twice one as a gift. Higher recommended.

Such a beautiful book

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A very interesting book.

The history presented in the book was highly informative and engaging. Especially the final chapter. A rare insight to how a watch maker approaches fixing a watch.

Great book on horology and history

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History, technical exploration and part memoir, this is a delightful listen, taking you into the tiny world of watchmaking and the engrossing history of timekeeping itself. Along the way I’ve learned that Bristol is ten minutes behind London, who the real stars of mechanical watchmaking were and discovered a truly deep coveting of a Bregeut Marie Antoinette watch .

A must for anyone who loves history of things told in a non technical way.

Fascinating history of timekeeping

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