Explores all aspects of the science of sundials, providing information on gnomons, scales, and the placement of such instruments as polar, equatorial, and analemmatic dials

A rigorous appraisal of sundial science includes mathematical treatment and pertinent astronomical background, plus a nontechnical treatment so simple that several of the dials can be built by children. 106 illustrations.

Masterly account of long and colorful history of sundials, with practical instructions for building your own. Formulae, rare dials, mottoes, and much more. 104 figures. 51 plates.

This guide to making wooden sundials gently leads beginning diallists into sundial lore and construction. Novice craftsmen who can wield a saw, wood-burning pen, matte knife, sandpaper and a few other simple tools can make five different kinds of sundials; plans are flexible and allow for embellishment, alteration, variety of materials. Precalculated templates can be removed from the book and carbon-paper-transferred to wood.

Sundials, which decorate church walls, public plazas, and elegant gardens, are first and foremost astronomical instruments. Before understanding how sundials work, one must first understand the apparent motion of the Sun in the sky. In this book, Denis Savoie presents the basics of astronomy required to understand sundials and describes how to design and build your own classical sundial. Written for all levels of science readers, the author shows the calculations involved in the sundial’s construction and also gives a comprehensive history of time measurement. The practical and observational aspects of sundials will enable readers to create custom-made sundial of their own, adding whatever special features they wish to include. Most of these designs have been tested by people with no previous knowledge of astronomy. To aid the reader, the book is full of clear and instructive illustrations and diagrams.

Presents step-by-step instructions for making a sundial which will illustrate concepts regarding the interrelation of the sun, the earth's rotation, and time.

Clear and accessible introduction to the concept of time examines measurement, historic timekeeping methods, uses of time information, role of time in science and technology, and much more. Over 300 illustrations.