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Longcase Clocks by Joanna Greenlaw 5 3/4 x 8 1/4 inches - 40 pages - 36 Black & White, 43 Color,
illustrations. Published in 1999 by Shire Publications, Ltd., Cromwell House, Church St., Princes Risborough,
Buckinghamshire HP27 9AA, UK.£3.95 <http://www.shirebooks.co.uk>
REVIEW
This nicely illustrated pamphlet provides an excellent introduction to British longcase (grandfather)
clocks. It will be of interest to clock owners and enthusiasts worldwide, not just in Great Britain. Much
of its attractiveness comes from the many full-length and close-up color illustrations of these clocks.
The accompanying text covers the evolution and history of these clocks, and their principles of operation
and care. Additional diverse and interesting illustrations include the announcement of the 1797 Act of
Parliament establishing a duty on clocks and watches, and the coat of arms of the Worshipful Company of
Clockmakers. The history of dials, case styles and materials is especially well done. A minor error: the
depicted water clock vessel slowly fills rather than empties as stated.
This book is recommended to those wishing a good, yet inexpensive, introduction to longcase clocks and
to timekeeping in general. The author has provided much interesting information in a small forty-page
pamphlet.
UBR, Inc.
AUTHOR
Joanna Greenlaw's interest in antiquarian horology began in the late 1950s when she acquired her first
grandfather clock. An early member of the Antiquarian Horological Society, Joanna is a chartered engineer
and spent twelve years in the Merchant Navy. Later she progressed through various shore appointments with
the marine company that employed her to become a Senior Divisional Manager. Since retiring in 1984 she
has devoted her time to antiquarian horology and her other interests, which include writing, painting
and extensive foreign travel. In her comprehensively equipped workshops Joanna restores clocks, including
their cases, and also restores dials. In March 1997 she was invited to Orlando, Florida, to lecture on
South Wales clockmakers, and since then she has frequently lectured in the area around Swansea, where
she lives.
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