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Clocks and Culture

206 pages, 2003

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Description

Clocks and Culture is a brief history of the changes wrought by and on Europe over four hundred years due to technological advances in timekeeping, the rise of a time-aware culture, from the fifteenth-century invention of the mechanical clock through the Industrial Revolution. 

The book was first published in 1967, with an introduction by Anthony Grafton, Henry Putnam University Professor of History at Princeton University.

The Impact of Clocks on Society

In Clocks and Culture, Carlo M. Cipolla explores how the invention of clocks revolutionized society. He shows how these timekeeping devices transformed everything from business and politics to social interactions and cultural norms. It's a fascinating look into how a simple invention can have such a profound impact.

The Evolution of Timekeeping

Cipolla takes us on a journey through time, tracing the evolution of clocks from their primitive beginnings to the sophisticated devices we use today. He shows how each advancement in timekeeping technology brought about significant changes in society. It's a great read if you're interested in history and technology.

The Role of Clocks in the Industrial Revolution

One of the key points Cipolla makes in Clocks and Culture is the crucial role clocks played in the Industrial Revolution. He argues that without accurate timekeeping, the precision and efficiency required in factories would not have been possible. This book will make you see the Industrial Revolution in a whole new light.

The Cultural Significance of Clocks

Cipolla doesn't just focus on the technical aspects of clocks. He also delves into their cultural significance, exploring how they've influenced art, literature, and even our perception of time itself. If you're interested in cultural studies, you'll find plenty to dig into here.

The Interplay of Technology and Society

Clocks and Culture is not just about clocks. It's also a thought-provoking exploration of the interplay between technology and society. Cipolla shows how technological advancements can shape society, and vice versa. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the relationship between technology and culture.

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