Secrets of Automata

Ingenious Designs for Mechanical Life

Michael Start

$120

Hardback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

The Crowood Press Ltd
01 February 2024

Antique clocks, watches, musical boxes & automata

This extraordinary book reveals the secrets of automata mechanisms, which were developed over generations by makers who closely guarded their designs in the competitive business of automata making. Written by a specialist restorer, it gives a unique appreciation of the internal mechanisms that allow an automaton to move as if alive. Organised into popular subjects that are explored in entertaining detail, this book is a rich resource for makers, artists, restorers and collectors alike, as well as those who simply find themselves asking the question 'How does it do that?' Secrets of Automata is the culmination of its author's career-long fascination with automata mechanisms. Michael Start specialises in restoring clockwork figures and singing birds produced in Paris during the 19th century. It is no accident that this time and place became known as the 'golden age' of automata; the craftsmen of Paris competed with each other to capture a share of a growing global market for mechanical wonders. The various methods of portraying mechanical life using complex mechanisms and clever design were rarely recorded or publicised - but they are there, sealed within the automata themselves. As a restorer, Michael is unique in being able to provide a written exposé of the historical techniques of the lifelike movement. In Secrets of Automata, it is his great pleasure to share them with you.

AUTHOR: Michael Start is a trained horologist who specialises in automata and mechanical singing bird restoration. Michael also runs The House of Automata in Forres, Scotland, a workshop, showroom and exhibition featuring a large number of rare automata. Once dubbed a 'clockwork guru' by the newspapers, he gives talks on and demonstrations of automata, provides consultancy and hire services to film and media, including Scorsese's Hugo and Hammer Films' The Woman in Black. He has also advised on and supplied automata to many major museums and collections around the world. Alongside his wife Maria, they feature their automata restoration skills on Quest TV in the series Salvage Hunters - The Restorers. The House of Automata has a significant social media presence promoting good restoration practice with knowledge and enjoyment of all things automata-related.

By: Michael Start
Imprint: The Crowood Press Ltd
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 280mm, Width: 220mm, Spine: 17mm
Weight: 982g
ISBN: 9780719843051
ISBN 10: 0719843057
Pages: 176
Publication Date: 01 February 2024
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Michael Start is a trained horologist who specialises in automata and mechanical singing bird restoration. Michael also runs The House of Automata in Forres, Scotland, a workshop, showroom and exhibition featuring a large number of rare automata. Once dubbed a ‘clockwork guru’ by the newspapers, he gives talks on and demonstrations of automata, provides consultancy and hire services to film and media, including Scorsese’s Hugo and Hammer Films’ The Woman in Black. He has also advised on and supplied automata to many major museums and collections around the world. Alongside his wife Maria, they feature their automata restoration skills on Quest TV in the series Salvage Hunters - The Restorers. The House of Automata has a significant social media presence promoting good restoration practice with knowledge and enjoyment of all things automata-related.

Reviews for Secrets of Automata: Ingenious Designs for Mechanical Life

Nowhere else is so much clearly described mechanical information specific to automata to be found. If you are a practising automatist, a beginner new to the field, or just someone with an interest in automata and other mechanical things, this book is a must-have. -- Automata Magazine * Automata Magazine * The appearance of this book is extremely attractive with a seductive layout, large print and hundreds of colour photographs, the captions to many of which give further explanation of how the subject 'works'. It is so gorgeous that you will want this for your coffee table - but don't leave it there. Read it and enjoy, and be prepared to be amazed. -- AMB, The Music Box * The Music Box *