Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice [Paperback]

Rene R.J. Rohr (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 9, 1996

Masterly account of the long and colorful history of sundials as well as practical instructions for building your own. Topics include mathematical formulae and calculations relating to sundials, rare and complex dials around the world, a listing of the most popular mottoes, and much more. 104 figures. 51 plates. References.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

First published in English in 1970, Rohr's volume traces a history of sundials as well as the science behind their operation. Along with measuring time, some of these devices also followed the movements of the moon and were accurate solar calendars. This is for both the lay reader and the scientist alike.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Among the earliest instruments for telling time was the sundial. Sundials: History, Theory, And Practice is an expert study offering a fascinating and informative account of these ancient devices, presented in simple, lively language and with a profusion of illustrations. Sundials will teach the reader a practical method for building one! For mathematically inclined readers, more complex formulae and calculations have been included, some of which have never before been printed in a book of gnomonics. Sundials is unusual, fascinating, and highly informative! -- Midwest Book Review

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: Dover Publications (July 9, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0486291391
• ISBN-13: 978-0486291390
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 11.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #183,595 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Not the best sundial book available, March 18, 2002

By 

Alex (Melbourne Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

I found Rohr not to be as useful as the two other texts by Waugh or Mayall and Mayall. The other books are more clear and practical in the constructions of many different types of dials.

The only strength of the Rohr test is the explanation of (i) drawing hour lines on any surface so long as you have a rod shaped gnomen and (ii) the construction of babylonian and Italian hours. Even so the explanation of the babylonian and Italian hours could be better.

So the Rohr book would best be used as an adjunct to the other texts but if you are just starting out, buy the book by Waugh first then Mayall and Mayall and then perhaps Rohr if your library hasn't got it.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Another great classic on sundial construction..., January 6, 2002

By 

Dan Lamb (Calgary, Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

This book is another of the must-have's for anyone interested in understanding or building sundials. It has a lot of the theory behind how they work and how to make some of the different types of dials. I recommend this title highly!

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting, but overly complex - 3.5*, April 13, 2011

By 

Metallurgist (USA) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice (Paperback)

This is an interesting book, but it is also a very complex one. It includes a brief history of sundials and a lot of pictures of sundials, but if this is all you are looking for this book is clearly much more than what you are looking for. Most of the book is concerned with the geometry of sundials and the stereographic projection of the sun's shadow onto vertical, horizontal or curved surfaces. Much of this information is conveyed in a chapter titled "Some Gnomonic Cosmology" which is as complex as this title indicates. The chapter on "Classical Sundials" is equally complex. It is not just devoted to pictures of classical sundials (although a number are included), but is mostly devoted to the stereographic projection of the sun's shadow on to the surfaces of many types of dials. I have some familiarity with stereographic projection, but nonetheless found this material bordering on the incomprehensible. I was forced to consult Wikapedia in order to get a clearer explanation of the features that were being discussed. I do not know if this is because the book was originally written in French and this therefore represents translation difficulties, of if the style is just not want a contemporary reader is used to.

I would recommend this book to people who are quite familiar with sundials and are looking for a more scholarly treatment. However, I do not think that it is a very good choice for a general reader because when you subtract out the more complicated material you are not left with very much. Hence, I am giving this book only 3.5-stars, but since fractional stars are not allowed I am rounding it up to four-stars.