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Book Reviews
March 2022
Page 36
Page 36
A review of Denis Savoie's comprehensive book, Une Histoire des Cadrans Solaire en Occident. La gnomonique du Moyen Âge au XXe siècle. The book covers the history and development of gnomonics in the West from the Middle Ages through to the 20th century, and is well-illustrated.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
December 2022
Page 39
Page 39
Review of Maciej Lose's free eBook, "Vertical Stereographic Sundial," which extends the concept of the double horizontal dial to various vertical and declining dials using geometric construction rather than algebraic methods.
Book Reviews, Dials: Vertical, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout
June 2021
Page 36
Page 36
Discusses the content related to sundials found in Book IX of De Architectura by the Roman author Vitruvius (c. 80–15 BC). Chapter VII provides a general discussion on dialling, while Chapter VIII credits various ancient figures—including Berosus, Aristarchus, and Apollonius—with inventing different types of early dials like the Hemicyclium, Bowl, and Plinthium.
Book Reviews, Dials: Hemispherical, Historical Dials
September 2021
Page 9
Page 9
Reviews two sundial inventory books by Dan-George Uza. The books cover sundials in North West Romania and Cluj County, respectively. The reviews note that the books provide colour pictures, descriptions, and geographical coordinates, serving as useful companions for dial hunting.
Book Reviews
September 2021
Page 44
Page 44
Reviews "Le Gnomon du Méridien Cassini", a book detailing the history, theory, calculation, and construction of a meridian line in Perinaldo, Italy. The line, built as a gigantic camera obscura in the birthplace of G.D. Cassini, was completed in 2007.
Book Reviews, Dials: Noon Lines
December 2021
Page 25
Page 25
Review of John Davis's Monograph No. 14, The Portable Saxon Sundial at Canterbury Cathedral. The monograph comprehensively covers the unique, small silver-and-gold Saxon portable dial, including its materials analysis, historical links to figures like King Edgar, and the ongoing debate regarding the exact method required for suspending and reading the gnomon.
Book Reviews, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
March 2020
Page 40
Page 40
A review of Jill Wilson’s expanded third edition of the Biographical Index of British Sundial Makers, featuring nearly 1900 entries (330 more than the previous edition). The book is divided by century, includes illustrations, useful lists of references, and complementary material on London Guilds and apprenticeships.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
June 2020
Page 43
Page 43
Reviews two books: "Time of Our Lives: Sundials of the Adler Planetarium" by Sara J. Schechner, cataloguing nearly 500 dials; and "Mathematical Instruments in the Collections of the Bibliothèque Nationale de France" by Anthony Turner et al., featuring 138 instruments including five sundials and nocturnals.
Dials: Portable, Book Reviews, Dials: Nocturnals
March 2019
Page 16
Page 16
Review of Valery Dmitriev’s "Sundials of Saint Petersburg", the first book on sundials published in Russia in four decades. It serves as a comprehensive guide to historical and modern dials in the city, detailing their history and the author's personal construction experience.
Book Reviews
March 2019
Page 39
Page 39
Review of "Sundials: Cutting Time – The Science and Art of 27 Kindersley Dials" by Frank King and Lida Lopes Cardozo Kindersley. The beautifully produced book explores 27 dials made by the Cardozo Kindersley Workshop over 80 years, covering the science, making, art, and language of dialling, and features a stereographic projection on the end flap.
Book Reviews
March 2018
Page 15
Page 15
Presents a page from the book Sun-Dial Notes by Nellie Stearns Goodloe, originally published as a calendar for 1894. The calendar is also noted to be correct for 2018, and features illustrations of sundials copied from Gatty, such as the dial on Chartres Cathedral.
Book Reviews
March 2017
Page 11
Page 11
Review of *Medieval Graffiti: The Lost Voices of England’s Churches by Matthew Champion. It notes the book's comprehensive approach to church graffiti, including a dedicated chapter on mass dials. The review addresses questions about the utility of mass dials for time-telling and compares the differing height placements observed in British and Spanish corpuses.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials
March 2017
Page 22
Page 22
Review of the book *Time and Cosmos in Greco-Roman Antiquity*, resulting from a world-class exhibition at the Institute for the Study of the Ancient World. The book features scholarly papers on ancient time measurement, including sundials, water clocks, and portable sundials, and is considered a core reference source.
Book Reviews, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
March 2017
Page 40
Page 40
Review of Robert Ovens’ article in the 'Rutland Record' on the Isaack Symmes (c.1580–1622) Ridlington Sundial (1614). Notes the small horizontal dial's old-fashioned design and the detailed biography of Symmes. The dial's back is literally covered in trial engravings, including the words “Ridlington” and “Church”.
Book Reviews, Dials: Horizontal, Historical Dials
September 2017
Page 47
Page 47
A review of Richard J.A. Talbert’s 2017 book, *Roman Portable Sundials: The Empire in your Hand*. The book describes the 16 known ‘geographical’ portable dials from the Roman period, which feature place names and latitude figures. It discusses their potential significance in understanding the educated public's geographical awareness and worldviews.
Book Reviews, Dials: Portable
September 2017
Page 48
Page 48
This entry references an extensive survey compiled by Mike Cowham and Fred Sawyer, covering English language sundial books published from the late 16th to the early 20th centuries. The survey is now available for members on the BSS website.
Book Reviews, Mathematics of Dialling, The BSS and Members
December 2016
Page 1
Page 1
The editorial notes the Newbury Meeting report and upcoming articles. It welcomes submissions and wishes readers well for the New Year. It also announces two full-page advertisements and highlights articles concerning Mrs Crowley and BSS Monograph 11, which features astonishing quality photographs of mass dials in Somerset.
Book Reviews, The BSS and Members
December 2016
Page 41
Page 41
Review of BSS Monograph 11, 'Somerset Scratch Dials: The original photographs of Dom Ethelbert Horne' by Tony Wood. The monograph reproduces 53 pages of astonishing quality photographs of mass dials taken by Horne between 1911 and 1915, complementing his 1917 catalogue.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
March 2015
Page 17
Page 17
An announcement and review of Denis Savoie’s book, *Recherches Sur Les Cadrans Solaires* (2014). The work is praised for its extensive coverage of gnomonic topics, ranging from the ancient world to the modern, and for seamlessly integrating the history and underlying mathematics of dial work.
Book Reviews, Mathematics of Dialling, Historical Dials
June 2015
Page 35
Page 35
A review of *La Mesure du Temps dans L’Antiquité* by Jérôme Bonnin, published in March 2015. The book deals primarily with Graeco-Roman sundials and revises traditional classification and terminology, with a chapter on mathematical challenges by Denis Savoie.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
December 2015
Page 40
Page 40
Review of "The Sundial Page from Clocks Magazine" by Christopher St J. H. Daniel. This volume collects over 20 years of monthly essays on sundials, praised for its erudition, comprehensive index, and wide range of content on dials and related history.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
March 2014
Page 12
Page 12
This contribution reviews the book "Moving Stars Changing Scenes – Gems Of The Ancient Chinese Astronomy Relics", a catalogue of historical Chinese solar instruments. Additionally, it details the design and construction of a stainless steel Noon Mark sundial for the Rotary Club of Whyalla, South Australia (33° 02′ S).
Book Reviews, Construction Projects, DIY Sundial Projects, Dials: Noon Lines
March 2014
Page 48
Page 48
Review of "Katalog zegarów słonecznych" [A catalogue of sundials of the Przypkowski Museum in Jędrzejów, Poland], which lists the museum's complete collection of 378 sundials and related instruments. The collection began in the 19th century and was expanded by Feliks Przypkowski and later his son Tadeusz, who was a famous 20th-century Polish dialmaker.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
September 2014
Page 29
Page 29
A review of 'A Study of the Quadrant' by Mike Cowham (2014). The monograph is highly recommended, covering the many types and functions of quadrants, including timekeeping, setting out hour-angle dials, and solving trigonometrical problems, all explained with clarity.
Book Reviews, Dialling Tools, Mathematics of Dialling
March 2013
Page 40
Page 40
A review of a monograph examining medieval Latin texts on sundial construction. James summarises its content, scholarly value, and relevance to the history of gnomonics.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Mathematics of Dialling
March 2012
Page 34
Page 34
This section contains three book reviews: "The Bagnold Sun-Compass: History and Utilization" by Kuno Gross, "Essex Sundials" by Peter Meadows, and "A Dial in your Poke: A Book of Portable Sundials" by Mike Cowham, offering insights into each publication.
Book Reviews
June 2012
Page 47
Page 47
This is a review of Alan Cook’s 'Addendum to Mass Dials on Yorkshire Churches' (BSS Monograph 9), an extension of a previous publication cataloguing mass dials in Yorkshire. The monograph provides scaled drawings and descriptions of dials across the county, completing a comprehensive survey and serving as a must-read for those interested in these intriguing dials.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials
March 2011
Page 20
Page 20
This section contains reviews of several books related to sundials and timekeeping, including 'Sundials in Museums of the British Isles' by Butson, Wilson & Wood, 'Tempus et Regula: orologi solari medievali Italiani' by Mario Arnaldi, and 'Cadrans Solaires de Bretagne' by J-P Cornec & P Labat-Segalen.
Book Reviews
September 2011
Page 44
Page 44
Peter Ransom describes receiving a copy of Mrs. Alfred Gatty's 'The Book of Sun Dials' (1872 first edition) from his daughter. He notes the physical differences between this copy and his other 1872 edition, particularly in cover colour and tooling, and speculates on further variations.
Book Reviews
March 2010
Page 9
Page 9
A review of the BSS monograph 'The Double Horizontal Dial - and associated instruments' by J. Davis & M. Lowne. The book covers the history, geometry, design, manufacture, and engraving of double horizontal dials, horizontal instruments, and horizontal quadrants from the 17th century onwards.
Book Reviews, Dials: Double Horizontal, Historical Dials
June 2010
Page 40
Page 40
This is a review of Marion Freeman's book, 'Ancient Crosses of the Three Choirs Counties.' The reviewer notes that despite the title, the book covers the history of British crosses broadly, including many converted to carry sundials. It's highlighted as a potential source for finding dials in the West of England, despite some minor picture identification errors.
Book Reviews
June 2010
Page 52
Page 52
This is a review of Catherine Eagleton's book, 'Monks, Manuscripts and Sundials: The Navicula in Medieval England,' which emerged from her doctoral research. The book focuses on the rare medieval navicula, or 'Little ship of Venice,' detailing known examples and newly uncovered 15th-century manuscripts that describe its making and use. It reveals that the navicula was likely more common than previously thought and predates other universal altitude dials.
Book Reviews, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
September 2010
Page 9
Page 9
This is a review of 'Time Reckoning in the Medieval World – A study of Anglo-Saxon and Early Norman Sundials' by D. Scott & M. Cowham. The monograph is praised for its comprehensive cataloguing of 75 early dials and its nuanced approach to their context, challenging previous interpretations of dating and timekeeping systems.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
March 2009
Page 7
Page 7
This piece discusses Gérard Desargues (1591-1661), a French mathematician and engraver known for his work on conic projections and perspective, which introduced key concepts of projective geometry. His book on sundials (1640) was theoretical, but his disciple Abraham Bosse published a more accessible version in 1643.
Book Reviews, Mathematics of Dialling, Historical Dials
March 2009
Page 37
Page 37
This review covers "A Study of Altitude Dials" by Mike Cowham (BSS Monograph No 4). It praises the monograph's comprehensive overview of altitude dials, including their construction, accuracy, and various types like pillar, chalice, and quadrant dials. The book also provides detailed construction guides, diagrams, and a CD-Rom with templates for readers to make their own dials.
How Sundials Work, Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout, DIY Sundial Projects
September 2009
Page 42
Page 42
Features two reviews. The first covers "Time in Antiquity" by Robert Hannah, a book on Greek and Roman timekeeping. The second reviews Denis Savoie’s "Sundials: Design, Construction, and Use," a modern, practical text on constructing various types of sundials, translated from the French original.
Book Reviews
March 2008
Page 17
Page 17
This section reviews 'Biographical Index of British Sundial Makers from the Seventh Century to 1920 (2nd Edition)' by Jill Wilson, praising its enhancements, new names, and comprehensive scope beyond simple indexing. It also reviews 'The Astrolabe' by James E. Morrison, highlighting it as a much-needed, comprehensive guide to astrolabe design, function, and construction.
Dials: Astrolabe, Book Reviews, Historical Dials
March 2008
Page 41
Page 41
This continuation of book reviews includes an extensive review of 'The Astrolabe' by James E. Morrison, praising its comprehensive coverage of astrolabe types, principles, uses, and construction methods.
Dials: Astrolabe, Book Reviews
June 2008
Page 82
Page 82
John Lester describes his extensive project to edit Mrs Crowley's Sundial Sketchbooks of Devon and Cornwall, which involved visiting and photographing all 216 recorded dials. He details the challenges of surveying in the West Country and his efforts to uncover facts about Mrs Crowley's life and methods, resulting in a published edition.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
June 2008
Page 83
Page 83
This is a review of 'Mrs Crowley’s Sundial Sketchbooks of Devon and Cornwall', edited by John Lester. It praises Lester's detailed commentaries, photographs, and wit, highlighting its value as a contribution to dialling history and a companion for West Country trips. The book compiles Mrs Crowley's pencil sketches and Lester's updated records of 216 dials.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
December 2008
Page 168
Page 168
Reviews two books: Les Méridiennes du Monde et Leur Histoire by Andrée Gotteland (2 volumes, 850 meridians in 24 countries, including midday canons and industrial meridians) and Mass Dials On Yorkshire Churches by Alan Cook (monograph on 83 churches with mass dials, discussing variations and survival rates, well-illustrated).
Book Reviews
March 2007
Page 11
Page 11
This contribution presents an excerpt from G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown story, 'The strange crime of John Boulnois'. The excerpt provides a vivid description of a garden sundial set on a mound, where a man's figure is seen clinging to it for a moment before falling.
Dials: Horizontal, Book Reviews
March 2007
Page 45
Page 45
Patrick Powers reviews the 'Catalogue of the Fixed Dials of Austria – 2006 (3rd edition),' edited by Karl Schwazinger. The review highlights the catalogue's comprehensive coverage of over 3500 dials, its German language, and the included CD-ROM version with HTML-based content and PDF explanations.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, The BSS and Members
June 2007
Page 96
Page 96
This entry presents a page from Nellie Stearns Goodloe's 1893 Sun-Dial Notes calendar, featuring a sundial from Kells, Co Meath, Ireland. It notes the calendar is correct for 2007 and mentions a fuller note on the book will appear later.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
September 2007
Page 122
Page 122
This review covers Designing Sundials: The Graphic Method by Margo Anne King, aimed at mathematically unsophisticated readers. It praises the comprehensive graphical instructions but criticises the lack of inspirational examples and tedious cross-referencing. A significant error in the vertical declining dials section required an errata sheet, impacting its utility for beginners.
Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout
December 2007
Page 189
Page 189
This is a review of 'Catalogue of Sun-dials, Nocturnals and Related Instruments in the Instituto e Museo di Storia Della Scienza, Firenze' by Anthony J Turner. The catalogue details Florence's collection of sundials, nocturnals, and other instruments, categorized using Higgins' classification. The reviewer praises the initiative but criticizes the illustration presentation, including identification, placement, size, and photographic angles.
Book Reviews, Dials: Multi Faced, Historical Dials, Dials: Nocturnals
February 2006
Page 5
Page 5
This review praises Sundials of the British Isles. a comprehensive hardback featuring over 500 high-quality colour photographs. Written by 30 authors across 12 regional chapters, it covers diverse topics like regional dial styles, early British dials, stained-glass examples, and portable sundials, serving as a valuable travel guide and resource for enthusiasts.
Book Reviews
September 2006
Page 138
Page 138
The discovery of a previously unknown early Italian manuscript (1477-1505) at Lund University, Sweden, is announced. Predating works by Oronce Finé and Nicholaus Kratzer, this anonymous manuscript contains significant sections on astronomy, mathematics, and sundials, featuring various dial types, including a horizontal scaphe sundial.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Dials: Scaphe
June 2005
Page 51
Page 51
Review of the 1633 Spanish carpentry manual ‘Carpinteria de lo Blanco’, which includes four chapters on sundial construction using graphical methods, plus a supplement on moon dials and latitude tables.
Book Reviews
June 2005
Page 65
Page 65
Review excerpt from the Dutch Sundial Society journal praising Mike Cowham’s ‘A Dial in Your Poke’ for unique insights into portable sundials, calendars, replicas, and restoration methods.
Book Reviews
September 2005
Page 130
Page 130
This article discusses a 1918 play that centres on some domestic conflict arising from a man championing a self-made sundial replacing and burying all the clocks in their house, considering it 'honest time'. The play includes accurate detail about sundials and the equation of time.
Book Reviews
September 2005
Page 132
Page 132
A review of the book 'Relojes de Piedra en Galicia (Stone Sundials of Galicia)' by José Luis Basanta, published in 2003. It identifies many sundials in Galicia and other regions of Spain, with many illustrations.
Book Reviews
December 2005
Page 159
Page 159
This review covers Tony Moss's PowerPoint CD-ROM "Sundial Presentations," which includes "Concepts for Students of Sundialling" and "Using and Understanding Sundials." It praises the CD for its clear, animated slides explaining basic sundial concepts, theory, alignment of gnomons, differences between clock and sun time, and the analemma, making it useful for beginners and lecturers.
Book Reviews, How Sundials Work, Mathematics of Dialling, Sundial Design & Layout
March 2004
Page 31
Page 31
This editorial note covers various topics including an upcoming seminar on "Venus Observed," apologies for errors in the previous December Bulletin, and an announcement about a new booklet on "Guernsey Sundials" by David and Dorothy LeConte. It also mentions the accessibility of this booklet at the BSS Annual Conference.
Book Reviews, The BSS and Members
March 2004
Page 32
Page 32
This is a review of the booklet "Time" by Silke Ackerman and Paul Buck. It praises the booklet's clear and concise presentation of time measurement, including sundials, stars, sand-glasses, water-clocks, and watches. The review highlights its appeal to young readers, inclusion of cut-out models for equatorial sundials and nocturnals, and the provided compass for orientation.
Book Reviews, DIY Sundial Projects
June 2004
Page 84
Page 84
Reviews of GUERNSEY SUNDIALS by David and Dorothy Le Conte and BSS SUNDIAL GLOSSARY, SECOND EDITION, editor John Davies.
Book Reviews
September 2004
Page 116
Page 116
Review of C.St.J.H. Daniel: Sundials: scope, illustration quality, intended audience and strengths/weaknesses for both newcomers and diallists.
Book Reviews
December 2004
Page 170
Page 170
Review of a A Dial in your Poke: a book of portable sundials by Mike Cowham: evaluates scope, scholarship, illustrations and usefulness to collectors and researchers; identifies strengths and limitations and recommends suitable audiences.
Book Reviews
March 2003
Page 14
Page 14
Review of 'Time Lord: Sir Sandford Fleming and the Creation of Standard Time', examining the historical development of global standard time.
Book Reviews, Equation of Time
June 2003
Page 74
Page 74
Two review of a book published by the British Sundial Society: 'Biographical Index of British Sundial Makers from the Seventh Century to 1920' by Jill Wilson.
Book Reviews
June 2002
Page 61
Page 61
Review of cardboard sundial kits by SunWatch Verlag, assessing their educational value and design.
Book Reviews
September 2002
Page 121
Page 121
Short reviews of recently published books on sundials, including portable dials and historical studies. Cornish Church Sundials by Len Burge An Introduction to the history of timekeeping - The Leicester Time-trail by Allan Mills Sundials at Greenwich edited by Hester Higton
Book Reviews
December 2002
Page 137
Page 137
Review of 'Time in Rutland', a comprehensive survey of bells, clocks, scratch dials, and sundials in Rutland, with illustrations and gazetteer entries.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials
March 2001
Page 25
Page 25
March 2001
Page 25
Page 25
A. F. Baigent's piece reflects on the "BSS SUNDIAL GLOSSARY," having 'tested' the glossary on six guinea pig subjects for their understanding of 20 words from the glossary. He suggests improvements such as additional tables for equation of time and sun declination, plus more diagrams. The author acknowledges John Davis's hard work on the glossary.
Book Reviews
September 2001
Page 111
Page 111
A review of "The Universe Unveiled. Instruments and Images through History", based on the Adler Planetarium"s collection. The book showcases historical astronomical instruments and illustrations, explaining how they contributed to understanding celestial movements. The reviewer praises the book's stunning visuals and engaging narrative, recommending it as an introduction to the history of post-Copernican astronomy.
Dials: Astrolabe, Book Reviews, Historical Dials
September 2001
Page 114
Page 114
The third part of a series on the Gatty family, focusing on the children of Mrs. Gatty, author of "Book of Sun-dials." It highlights their literary talents, particularly Juliana Horatia Ewing, an eminent children's writer. The article also discusses other authors influenced by Mrs. Gatty's seminal work, detailing various historical sundial books and mottoes.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Mottoes
December 2001
Page 158
Page 158
This section reviews two books. The first, a reprint of T.W. Cole's 'Origin and Use of Church Scratch-Dials,' covers mass dials and their history. The second reviews Hester Higton's 'Sundials: An Illustrated History of Portable Dials,' praised for its lavish illustrations and historical context of various portable dial types. While generally well-received, factual errors regarding dial functionality and minor layout issues are noted in Higton's work.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials, Dials: Portable, Historical Dials
February 2000
Page 39
Page 39
Reviews of recently published works relevant to sundial enthusiasts: CADRANS SOLAIRE EN SAVOIE, SUNCLOCKS: PAPER SUNDIALS TO MAKE AND USE, and FROM SAILS TO SATELLITES: THE ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT OF NAVIGATIONAL SCIENCE
Book Reviews
February 2000
Page 41
Page 41
June 2000
Page 88
Page 88
Review of John Heilbron's book detailing cathedral meridian lines and the Catholic Church's role in astronomy.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
October 2000
Page 149
Page 149
Continues the historical account of Mrs. Gatty and her influential sundial book, examining its impact and reception.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
February 1999
Page 14
Page 14
This review discusses two papers on conical sundials, a less familiar type compared to the hemicyclium. It focuses on a conical dial found at Abu Mina, Egypt, dating from the 1st to 3rd century A.D., analyzing its construction, accuracy, and challenging previous interpretations of its markings.
Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout, Historical Dials, Dials: Scaphe
February 1999
Page 46
Page 46
Frank Coe compares sundial references in Arthur Mee's 1947 "King's England" volume for Northamptonshire with the 1996 BSS Register. He identifies eleven Mee-listed sundials present in the Register, nine others that are now lost or uncatalogued, and 28 'mass' or 'scratch' dials, mostly on churches.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials, Dials: Mass Dials
February 1999
Page 47
Page 47
This review covers two issues of *Compendium*, the NASS journal. It highlights articles on a 'Witch's Sundial', various sundial designs (conical gnomon, Ptolemaic coordinates, cycloid gnomon, split analemma), and 'Sightings' features on notable dials, concluding with a report on the NASS Fourth Annual Conference.
Dials: Equatorial, Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout, Equation of Time
October 1999
Page 120
Page 120
This review critiques 'The Inequalities of Sundial Time' by Dr. Eilon Saroka, describing it as peculiar and unique. It covers the book's extensive detail on astronomical deviations from perfect constancy, but notes that all the factors examined are irrelevant for sundial accuracy, except for atmospheric refraction. The reviewer criticizes the lack of index and modern references, suggesting the work be split into two monographs on Earth's motion inequalities and the Equation of Time/analemma.
Book Reviews, Equation of Time, Mathematics of Dialling
October 1999
Page 121
Page 121
This review covers two issues of NASS's *Compendium* (Vol.6 No.1 and No.2). It highlights articles on a stone cube dial from Ross-on-Wye, the Capuchin and Apian dials, and a monolith memorial sundial in Charleston, S.C. The second issue features horizontal garden dials and an ingenious 'sundot polar dial' design for a hollow cylinder. It also notes reader queries on wood types for sundials and finding wall declination.
Book Reviews
February 1998
Page 16
Page 16
February 1998
Page 18
Page 18
Round-up of recent articles and notes on sundials and gnomonics from a range of journals and proceedings, with concise comments to guide readers to useful sources.
Book Reviews
June 1998
Page 44
Page 44
This article reviews an issue of the journal 'Compendium,' published by the North American Sundial Society (NASS). It discusses a large sundial at a Disney office in Florida and an archaeological find of a stone disc sundial in Israel.
Book Reviews
June 1998
Page 44
Page 44
This article reviews recent issues of Compendium, the journal of the North American Sundial Society (NASS). It covers diverse topics including a large architectural sundial for Disney, an archaeological stone disc from Qumram, a sundial exhibition by sculptor Robert Adzema, and an equatorial dial in Founders' Park, Illinois.
Book Reviews
June 1998
Page 44
Page 44
This review examines 'Making a clock-accurate Sundial customized to your location (for the Northern Hemisphere)' by Sam Muller. Aimed at educators and hobbyists, the booklet provides practical instructions for constructing simple sundials and explains basic concepts, although the reviewers note its lack of theoretical content and a bibliography.
Book Reviews
October 1998
Page 38
Page 38
This section reviews three offprints: Dr. Wall's study of Anglo-Saxon sundials in Ryedale, detailing octaval day divisions; Finn Magnusen's monograph on ancient Scandinavian time divisions and 'daymarks'; and Dr. Milutin Tadic's paper on old sundials in Serbian lands, covering Roman, medieval, and 19th-century examples, noting their scarcity due to Turkish rule.
Book Reviews, Historical Dials
October 1998
Page 40
Page 40
This article reviews *Compendium*, the journal of NASS, featuring J.M. Bores' new conical sundial design, measuring Babylonian and Italian hours, and an article by Robert L. Kellogg on Bede's cosmological and geographical works, including his observations on day-length variations. It also mentions a regular "Sightings" feature on notable dials.
Book Reviews, Dials: Unusual, Sundial Design & Layout
October 1998
Page 41
Page 41
Examines Stephen Jay Gould's "Questioning the Millennium," which humorously discusses the historical and logical inconsistencies of millennium transitions. It delves into Dennis the Short's chronology, the concept of zero, and calendrics, making it relevant for diallists and those interested in the measurement of time; and "A Dozen Dials" by Peter Ransom
Book Reviews
January 1997
Page 48
Page 48
Reviews of recent sundial-related publications, summarising content, scope, and usefulness for diallists.
Book Reviews
April 1997
Page 6
Page 6
A review of 'Il Conchi Collo, L'antico Orologio di Ravenna' by Mario Arnaldi, covering the history, reconstruction, and mathematics of a historic hemispherical sundial, with commentary on the book’s content and presentation.
Book Reviews
April 1997
Page 56
Page 56
A review of 'Vade-Mecum du Gnomoniste', summarising its contents, purpose, and value as a reference for diallists.
Book Reviews
April 1997
Page 56
Page 56
A short review of an additional publication relevant to sundial enthusiasts, noting key themes and merits.
Book Reviews
July 1997
Page 22
Page 22
A review of a cut-out book titled 'Sundials and Timedials' that allows readers to create their own card sundials. The author recommends it as a simple and unusual introduction to sundial construction.
Book Reviews, Construction Projects
July 1997
Page 35
Page 35
July 1997
Page 36
Page 36
October 1997
Page 22
Page 22
This section reviews *Appunti per uno studio delle Meridiane Islamiche* (Islamic sundials) and *A Roman Cylinder Dial; Witness to a Forgotten Tradition* (an ancient Roman portable cylinder dial).
Book Reviews
October 1997
Page 23
Page 23
This section reviews journals from various sundial societies, including *ZONNETUDINGEN* (Belgian), *DE ZONNEWUZERKRING* (Netherlands), *COMPENDIUM* (NASS), and *LA BUSCA DE PAPER* (Catalan).
Book Reviews
February 1996
Page 44
Page 44
June 1996
Page 46
Page 46
Review of a dialling-related publication, offering a brief critique and highlighting its value to readers and researchers.
Book Reviews
October 1996
Page 49
Page 49
A review of a recently published sundial-related book, assessing its contribution to the literature and its appeal to Society members.
Book Reviews
February 1995
Page 28
Page 28
A presentation of historic printed title pages and illustrations from early dialling books, with commentary on their artistic and educational value in the history of sundial literature.
Book Reviews
February 1995
Page 48
Page 48
Reviews of recent publications: 'A Celebration of Cornish Sun Dials', 'Sundials – A Beginner’s Guide', and 'Maltese Sundials', discussing their scope, strengths, and relevance to BSS members.
Book Reviews
June 1995
Page 50
Page 50
Reviews of new sundial publications: 'Time Tellers' and 'Sundials Australia', offering assessments of their relevance, scope, and contribution to the field.
Book Reviews
February 1994
Page 41
Page 41
February 1994
Page 47
Page 47
June 1994
Page 21
Page 21
A succinct review of a recently published book on practical astronomy, aimed at amateur enthusiasts, followed by a poetic reflection titled 'The Course of Time,' which muses on the human perception of time and its representation in sundials.
Book Reviews
October 1994
Page 43
Page 43
This section reviews Issue No. 3 of the "Journal of the North American Sundial Society" (NASS) from August 1994. It highlights key articles within the NASS journal, including "A Choice of Sundial Books" by Ross McCluney, a condensed article on transparent window dials, and a piece on the "Fuzziness of Solar Shadows." It also mentions an article on the William and Mary sundial, greetings from NASS to BSS, and news of a reprint of Margaret Gatty's "The Book of Sun-Dials." The review concludes by detailing NASS membership costs and contact information, emphasizing the journal's value as a "treasury of dialling information."
Book Reviews
October 1994
Page 46
Page 46
This section presents two book reviews. The first, "Geometry in Motion" by H. Stephen Stewart, analyses Christ Church in Weems, Virginia, as a comprehensive solar dial incorporating astronomical and calendrical information into its architecture, showcasing the designer's meticulous integration of solar principles. The second, "Oxford Sundials" by Margaret Stanier, provides an outline of sundials in Oxford, categorising them by access and geographical groups. It covers types, the difference between Oxford solar and clock time, and notes the significant collection of stained glass sundials. Both reviews offer insights into historical and architectural dialling, though the latter points out some photographic and mapping shortcomings.
Book Reviews
October 1994
Page 49
Page 49
This entry is essentially a brief notice about the "Compendium" journal, which is the Bulletin of the North American Sundial Society (NASS). It reiterates contact and membership information (also found in the Compendium 3 review on page 43), noting that it is a new publication welcomed by the BSS Editor. The description suggests that this publication is expected to become a valuable "treasury of dialling information and computer techniques," making it an essential resource for those interested in sundials.
Book Reviews
June 1993
Page 38
Page 38
This section contains reviews of three publications: Manuscritos Relojeros by Jose Luis Basanta Campos, detailing 45 historical dialling manuscripts; Se Ne Va il Tempo Come L'Ombra by Gianmarco Rebaudengo et al., a pictorial record of sundials in Asti, Italy; and Ivory Diptych Sundials 1570-1750 by Steven A. Lloyd, cataloguing Harvard University's collection with historical introductions.
Book Reviews
October 1993
Page 41
Page 41
This section reviews "Cardrans Solaires des Alpes" by Pierre Putelat and Paul Gagnaire, illustrating 116 vertical sundials, and "Oronce Fine's Second Book of Solar Horology" by Peter I. Drinkwater, covering portable instruments like quadrants and astrolabe-based dials, offering insight into 16th-century timekeeping.
Book Reviews
February 1992
Page 28
Page 28
Charles K. Aked discusses the vast and under-catalogued field of dialling literature. He notes the absence of a comprehensive bibliography and shares his own ambitious, ongoing project to compile one, which has already uncovered thousands of entries. The lecture covers the historical evolution of dialling texts, the challenges of translation and accuracy, and the value of modern works over older, often complex and specialized treatises.
Book Reviews
June 1992
Page 37
Page 37
This article describes the development of the 'Make a Sundial' educational book by a British Sundial Society group, initiated in response to the National Curriculum requiring primary children to understand and construct sundials. The book, produced using desktop publishing, offers projects for constructing sundials from common materials, suitable for various educational levels.
How Sundials Work, Book Reviews, DIY Sundial Projects, The BSS and Members
June 1992
Page 41
Page 41
This review evaluates Lawrence N. Price's book on scratch dials in North West Somerset. It criticises the book for adding few new insights to the subject, instead relying on previous works by Horne and Green. The reviewer argues that scratch dials are merely event markers, not precise timekeepers, and stresses the importance of their identification and recording due to modern atmospheric damage.
Book Reviews, Dials: Mass Dials, Historical Dials
February 1991
Page 14
Page 14
A dialogue from a 1675 book discussing the apparent inequality between clock time and sundial time. The discussion reflects the historical debate among clockmakers regarding the sun's seemingly irregular motion. Notes accompanying the excerpt explain that the author, John Smith, was working from an older understanding of the cosmos, and the true reasons for the variation were clarified later.
Book Reviews
July 1991
Page 1
Page 1
This section compiles news and updates from various sundial societies. It covers new bulletin issues from De Zonnewijzerkring (Dutch) and La Busca de Paper (Catalan), including mathematical dialling, celestial mechanics, and specific sundial descriptions. It also announces the founding of an Austrian Sundial Society and details a rare sun chronometer in Baden, Vienna, designed by Gibbs.
Book Reviews, Dialling Tools, Dials: Heliochronometer, The BSS and Members
July 1991
Page 25
Page 25
This section features reviews of three books. 'Bizkaiko Eguzski-Erlojuak' is a bilingual catalogue of Biscayan sundials. 'Georg Hartmann of Eggolsheim' studies a Franconian mathematician and instrument-maker. 'Sundials' by Mayall and Mayall, reviewed by Gordon E. Taylor, notes updates but also highlights production errors and a persistent 'howler' regarding moon dial observation, emphasizing revision importance.
Book Reviews
July 1991
Page 30
Page 30
This article provides specific corrections and clarifications for Albert E. Waugh's book 'Sundials, Their Theory and Construction.' It addresses errors in rules, footnotes, hour line diagrams (particularly for gnomon placement and shadow radiation), table values, and potential confusions in figure labelling, aiming to improve the accuracy and usability of the gnomonic text.
Book Reviews
July 1991
Page 37
Page 37
This brief item announces a newly published catalogue of Austrian sundials, compiled by Karl Schwarzinger, Chairman of the 'Arbeitsgruppe Sonnenuhren.' The comprehensive catalogue features approximately 1,940 fixed sundials with locations, important features, and historical context. It includes basic gnomonic details to aid usability, along with photographic illustrations, and provides information for advance purchase and group membership.
Book Reviews
October 1991
Page 26
Page 26
This section reviews several books related to sundials. "Orologi Solari - Trattato Completo di Gnomonica" by Girolamo Fantoni is praised for its comprehensive mathematical treatment. "Cadrans Solaires, Artissime, Nyons" is a French publicity booklet for replica dials. "The Gift of Shadows" by W.A. Hutchinson is an unusual book with blue-tinted illustrations. "Cambridge Sundials" by Alexis Brookes and Margaret Stanier is a pleasant, illustrated guide to Cambridge dials. "The Earth in Space" is a leaflet for children published as National Maritime Museum Educational Series Information Leaflet No 3.
Book Reviews
February 1990
Page 14
Page 14
Easy to Make Wooden Sundials - Instructions and Plans for 5 projects This review covers Milton Stoneman's booklet, which offers step-by-step instructions and templates for constructing various types of sundials, including horizontal, vertical, and equatorial models. It is presented as an accessible introduction to gnomonics, primarily for readers in the United States, and contains sections on sundial history, dial correction, equation of time, longitude, magnetic variation, hour angles, and a list of sundial mottoes. Clockmaking in Oxfordshire 1400-1850 This review discusses Dr. C.F.C. Beeson's book, which, despite its title, includes a small section detailing sundials in Oxfordshire (pages 76-80). It notes that many of these sundials have since vanished but were documented through Beeson's patient research. The review highlights the book's improved indexing and outlines the historical relationship between sundials and mechanical clocks, noting that their partnership ended with the advent of electrical communications
Book Reviews
February 1990
Page 15
Page 15
This article examines Leonard Digges' work, A Prognostication, first published in 1553, which details methods for telling time by the sun and stars using instruments and tables. The accompanying comments describe Digges' instrument as basically a form of equatorial dial with a polar gnomon, which indicates time using a "peculiar Kalendar" for calculations
Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout
June 1990
Page 26
Page 26
This entry reviews two publications: L'Ombra e il Tempo by Trinchero, Moglia, and Pavanello, and Catalogue de l'horologerie et instruments de precision by Chapiro, Meslin-Perrier, and Turner. It provides detailed commentary on their content, presentation, and utility for diallists.
Book Reviews
June 1990
Page 28
Page 28
This section lists various publications relevant to dialling, including a 19-page index to Antiquarian Horology, a booklet on The Sundials of Oxford Colleges, and an English translation of Oronce Fine's De Solaribus Horologiis. It also mentions The Ancient Sundials of Scotland and an article on Making Sundials.
Book Reviews
June 1990
Page 31
Page 31
This discussion, referencing Wood's 1866 book, delves into the historical terminology of time-measuring instruments, the etymology of clock and early mentions of sundials in the Bible. It also includes Shakespearean references to dials and descriptions of antique watches incorporating sundials.
Book Reviews
October 1990
Page 1
Page 1
This section reviews articles in "Antique Clocks" including "The Sundial Page" by Christopher Daniel, discussing the Greenwich Sundial and declination furniture, and a heliochronometer. It also mentions a Hungarian journal's article on a 1462 astrolabe and a German publication on dialling. Some computer programs are advertised as available. An exhibition in Amsterdam "Images of Time" is mentioned and a video by Hans Behrendt "Glass Window DIals".
Book Reviews
October 1990
Page 25
Page 25
Reviews cover "Cadrans Solaires de Precision - Notions theoriques et realisation a I'aide de I'informatique" by Yves Opizzo and "The Ancient Sundials of Scotland" by Dr. Andrew R. Somerville;
Book Reviews
November 1989
Page 5
Page 5
The construction of sundials is discussed, with references to available books on the subject. Several books on sundial construction are mentioned including works by Winthrop W. Dolan, Christopher St. J. H. Daniel, and Peter I. Drinkwater. Delves into practical considerations such as selecting dial types based on site orientation and potential obstructions, which can significantly limit the hours indicated. It describes methods for finding the true meridian and determining latitude, as well as calculating local solar time differences and applying the Equation of Time for accuracy. Tips on personalising dials with mottoes are given, alongside advice on design elements like borders and additional indications, with a caution that too many details can make a dial confusing. The importance of using durable materials that can withstand the climate is emphasised, contrasting permanent materials like bronze with less resilient ones
Book Reviews, Sundial Design & Layout