Customer Reviews

Automata: The Golden Age 1848-1914

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If you have a true passion for Victorian automata, this is a must-have book... in fact, this may be the only book you need. Bailly covers all the major manufacturers of the era, including Vichy, Roullet, Decamps, Phalibois, and more in this hefty oversize tome. Each chapter details everything about the master automaton makers, including the company history and ephemera, diagrams of the inner workings and mechanisms, what the original keys look like for that company, dates of manufacture for various models, and what set the companies apart from each other.

Perhaps even more fascinating is section 3, "Inside the Magic", which offers photographs of more internal mechanisms, explains how they work complete with movement diagrams, shows how an automaton is properly restored, provides information about musical movements, and much more.

Copiously illustrated throughout with loads of fantastic full color images of period automata, most of which are in beautiful original condition or superbly restored. There are also perhaps hundreds of black & white photos and illustrations, including copies of period catalog pages from three of the larger companies (Vichy, Roullet & Decamps, and Lambert).

Prior to its re-release, the original printing of this book was approaching the $1000 mark on the used market, and if you take a look inside you'll understand why. Nothing else like it has ever been produced or likely ever will -- this glorious celebration of the golden age of automata will have you spellbound for many years to come. Leave it on your coffee table and watch your guests become entranced!