Clocks and Clock Repairing (Practical Handbook S.)

For all those who are interested in horology, whether as a hobby or within the trade, this user-friendly guide is invaluable as a wealth of information for the internal workings of clocks. Eric Smith provides a fully comprehensive manual to the repair of clocks, whether modern or antique. Lucid language accompanies practical diagrams and photographs to bring clarity to what is often a highly complex task. The author recognises the curiosity which many feel about the workings of clocks. It is for this reason that the author has written a guide which does not depict horology as too complex for those outside the trade, but rather as a fascinating and accessible occupation. The ten chapters go through the practical stages of how different clocks work and the tools and materials needed. Pendulum clocks, 30-hour, 8-day and 400-day clocks, chiming, striking, electric and alarm clocks are all covered in detail. This new revised edition includes a chapter on working with more advanced tools including the lathe. The first chapter addresses the tools and materials which are required for repair, whilst the second chapter provides an explanation of the principles of clock mechanisms. The author subsequently takes the reader through specific aspects of clocks in each chapter, from the pendulums and balance wheels to cases and hands. A chapter on electric clocks gives advice on a significant sector of the clock market. In addition, this volume includes a glossary of terms, a bibliography and a list of suppliers of materials. It is also fully indexed. The author recognises that there is much in horology which cannot be self-taught from a book, yet Clocks and Clock Repairing is both a book to stimulate interest and a handy reference guide.

Eric R. A. N. Smith, Ph.D., University of California, Santa Barbara
Eric R.A.N. Smith is associate professor of political science and environmental studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. He received his A.B., M.A., and Ph.D. degrees from the University of California, Berkeley. He taught at Brandeis University and then at Columbia University before moving to U.C. Santa Barbara. From 1996 to 1997 he was the director of U.C. Santa Barbara's Washington D.C. Center. His research focuses on public opinion, elections, and environmental politics. Dr. Smith is the author of The Unchanging American Voter (University of California Press), Energy, the Environment, and Public Opinion (Rowman & Littlefield), and numerous articles in journals such as American Political Science Review, Journal of Politics, Legislative Studies Quarterly, Public Opinion Quarterly, Political Research Quarterly, Political Psychology, and Society and Natural Resources. Professor Smith enjoys teaching and has taught a wide range of classes?including introduction to American government and politics, public opinion and elections, political parties, Congress, and environmental politics. He believes that to understand and appreciate politics, students should both study academic theories about politics and be exposed to real politics and politicians. Toward that end, Professor Smith teaches his Congress course based on a simulation of the U.S. House of Representatives; he regularly brings politicians into his classes to talk with his students; and he sponsors dozens of internships in local, state, and national politics. Smith is not only a scholar who studies politics; he is also an active participant in politics. He sponsors one of the political clubs on his campus and has worked in campaigns ranging from local to national office.