Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice
by Rene R.J. Rohr
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Book Summary Information
Author: Rene R.J. RohrEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1996-07-09
ISBN: 0486291391
Number of pages: 176
Publisher: Dover Publications
Book Reviews of Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice
Book Review: Interesting, but overly complex - 3.5*
Summary: 4 Stars
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.
Summary of Sundials: History, Theory, and Practice
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.
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