Hands of Time

Hands of Time by Rebecca Struthers invites readers into the fascinating realm of watchmaking, offering an insightful exploration of how our understanding of time has transformed over millennia. With an expert's eye, Struthers weaves together the intricate details of horology with a rich historical narrative, illuminating the cultural significance of timekeeping throughout various eras.

The Plot

The book chronicles our relationship with time across some forty thousand years. From her workshop bench, watchmaker and historian Struthers explores how timekeeping has shaped our attitudes to work, leisure, trade, politics, exploration and mortality, and introduces some extraordinary devices, each with its own story to tell. Along the way, readers come to appreciate not only the technical prowess involved in watchmaking but also the human stories intertwined with timepieces, which have travelled with us from the ocean depths to the summit of Everest, and even to the Moon.

Themes

• The relationship between technology and culture: The book illustrates how advancements in timekeeping have influenced societal structures and daily life.
• Human ingenuity: Struthers celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship that have driven the evolution of horological design.
• The philosophical implications of time: Readers are encouraged to reflect on the nature of time and its impact on human existence.

Struthers' writing style is both accessible and engaging, making complex concepts digestible for readers of all backgrounds. Fans of historical non-fiction and those interested in craftsmanship will find Hands of Time a captivating read. It will appeal to anyone intrigued by the history, science, philosophy and craft of timekeeping.