Automata and Mechanical Toys

by Rodney Peppe

Overview

Automata and mechanical toys delight children and adults alike with the beauty of their design and the excitement of their movement. This book explains how the mechanisms work and celebrates many leading makers. Topics covered include: *History of automata & mechanical toys including the early inventors from Hero of Alexandria, through the mechanical marvels of the eighteenth & nineteenth centuries, to contemporary automata. *Advice on how to get started; tools and materials required and techniques explained. *Step-by-step instructions with clear colour photographs.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781861265104
Publisher:	Crowood Press, The
Publication date:	08/30/2002
Pages:	160
Product dimensions:	8.83(w) x 10.49(h) x 0.59(d)

Table of Contents

	Acknowledgements	4
	Credits and Permissions	4
	List of Contributors	5
	Preface	7
	Introduction	8
Chapter 1	A Brief History of Automata and Mechanical Toys	10
Chapter 2	The Origins of Contemporary Automata	29
Chapter 3	Tools and Materials	49
Chapter 4	Techniques	63
Chapter 5	Making Automata Mechanisms	77
Chapter 6	Theme Projects	126
Chapter 7	Design	141
Chapter 8	Painting and Finishing	154
	Bibliography	157
	Index	158

Editorial Reviews

The automaton, a mechanical figure that moves seemingly under its own power, dates back to ancient Egypt. Because of their complexity, automata are generally toys for adults. Their makers, like the legendary Dr. Coppelius, have been considered to be wizards. Mainly a reference book of the work of Peppe (Rodney Peppe's Moving Toys) and other contemporary toy makers, this book has one chapter of instructions for constructing mechanisms. The photographs of the artists' finished constructions are delightful. An excellent selection for specialized decorative arts collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.

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