Time and Its Measurement

James Arthur’s lifelong fascination with clocks and watches comes alive in this richly illustrated survey of humanity’s quest to measure time. Drawing on his world‑class collection of over fifteen hundred timepieces, the book guides listeners through sundials of ancient Herculaneum, the ingenious “time‑boy” of India, Chinese clepsydras, and the intricate escapements that powered early mechanical clocks. Along the way, vivid descriptions of each device reveal how different cultures visualized the passage of day and night.

Beyond the hardware, the work delves into the philosophical puzzle of time itself—how we define a minute, why we link motion to measurement, and what it means to seek uniformity in an inherently elusive concept. Arthur balances historical anecdotes with clear explanations of the science behind pendulums, gear trains, and modern standards, making the material approachable for anyone curious about the clocks on our walls and the ideas that keep them ticking.