David Rittenhouse (Hardcover)

Donald L. Fennimore

ISBN 10: 0300272952 / ISBN 13: 9780300272956

Published by Yale University Press, 2023

About this Item

Hardcover. A lush and in-depth celebration of the clocks of David Rittenhouse, one of eighteenth-century Americas greatest scientists and engineers David Rittenhouse: Philosopher-Mechanick of Colonial Philadelphia and His Famous Clocks brings a completely new focus on the life and works of the American astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and inventor David Rittenhouse (173296). A brilliant autodidact who would become the first director of the United States Mint, Rittenhouse was a pivotal figure of the cultural scene in Colonial Philadelphia. This publication expands the body of knowledge surrounding Rittenhouse and his brother Benjamin, as well as the era in which they lived. His masterful clocks are the principal subject matter, but the book also addresses Rittenhouses broader works, such as orreries, telescopes, surveying compasses, and other scientific equipment. These objects are all lushly illustrated with new photography, including rarely seen pieces in private collections. Providing a more complete and accurate view of Rittenhouses genius, this volume highlights the breadth of his talent and importance to both science and art in early America. Distributed for the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library A lush and in-depth celebration of the clocks of David Rittenhouse, one of eighteenth-century Americas greatest scientists and engineers Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.

Seller Inventory # 9780300272956

Bibliographic Details

• Title: David Rittenhouse (Hardcover)
• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication Date: 2023
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0300272952
• ISBN 13: 9780300272956
• Binding: Hardcover
• Condition: new

About this title

Synopsis

A lush and in-depth celebration of the clocks of David Rittenhouse, one of eighteenth-century America’s greatest scientists and engineers
 
David Rittenhouse: Philosopher-Mechanick of Colonial Philadelphia and His Famous Clocks brings a completely new focus on the life and works of the American astronomer, mathematician, surveyor, and inventor David Rittenhouse (1732–96). A brilliant autodidact who would become the first director of the United States Mint, Rittenhouse was a pivotal figure of the cultural scene in Colonial Philadelphia. This publication expands the body of knowledge surrounding Rittenhouse and his brother Benjamin, as well as the era in which they lived. His masterful clocks are the principal subject matter, but the book also addresses Rittenhouse’s broader works, such as orreries, telescopes, surveying compasses, and other scientific equipment. These objects are all lushly illustrated with new photography, including rarely seen pieces in private collections. Providing a more complete and accurate view of Rittenhouse’s genius, this volume highlights the breadth of his talent and importance to both science and art in early America.
 
Distributed for the Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library
 

About the Author

Donald L. Fennimore, curator emeritus, served as metalwork specialist at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library in Delaware for 34 years. Frank L. Hohmann, a retired Wall Street executive, is a collector of eighteenth-century furniture, with a concentration on brass dial clocks.