Grade 5 Up-Duffy discusses the concept of time and how humans have developed methods for measuring and keeping track of it. He mentions the early observations of the heavens as a way to understand the passage of time; the development of the calendar, sundials, sandglasses, and water clocks; the invention of the mechanical clock and the chronometric clock; the changes brought about by the industrial revolution; the atomic clock; the wristwatch; and the computer's internal clock. The crisp, easy-to-understand text is authoritative and gives an interesting look at the history of this important device. The plentiful, sharp, full-color and black-and-white photographs and illustrations are an integral part of the story and provide visual enhancement to the presentation. A full-color foldout details how a clock works. Students will find enough information for research and may well develop an interest in future timekeeping developments. The final photograph shows a clock that was recently built to last for the next 10,000 years. An engaging book about an important invention that has affected, or will affect, readers' lives in a significant way.
Linda Wadleigh, Oconee County Middle School, Watkinsville, GA
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
This brief history of time and the instruments used to record it begins with the ancient Babylonians and moves forward to more sophisticated devices. Touching on sundials of ancient Egypt, the Heavenly Clockworks of ancient China, and water clocks of the Dark Ages, it concludes with a fascinating discussion on the development of the clock. The text is at times difficult; for example, the careful but complicated description of the verge escapement, anchor escapement, and level escapement will leave most readers behind. But the author tells a good story, weaving in history, invention, and important personalities like Galileo and Huygens, as well as the lesser known—such as John Harrison, inventor of the chronometric clock. This is the first in the Turning Point Inventions series, which “focus on the important inventions we often take for granted.” Historical photographs are used throughout; they are a handsome, excellent addition to the text. The glossy paper and broad white borders make this an attractive work, though picture captions and index are set in a pale gray Futura type so small that a magnifying lens would be helpful. A promising debut for an elegant new series on inventions for older readers. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright © 2000 Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
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