Lavishly illustrated, The Beauty of Time contains a selection of nearly two hundred wonders? from mechanical and pendulum clocks to pocket and wristwatches. The timepieces are annotated by an expert horology historian and accompanied by a text that elucidates the cultural and artistic contexts in which they were created. As a counterpoint to the timepieces, extensive reproductions of artistic masterpieces provide perspective regarding the technical advances of each period and demonstrate the evolution of aesthetic tastes over time. This unique book, an homage to a single instrument?so often conceived as a work of art? is intended as much for horology enthusiasts as for art and decorative-arts aficionados, history lovers, and collectors.