DIAL BOOKS

SIGNIFICANT BOOKS ABOUT DIALS

THE BOOK OF SUN-DIALS

MDCCC

ORIGINALLY COMPILED BY THE LATE MRS ALFRED GATTY
NOW ENLARGED AND RE-EDITED BY H. K. F. EDEN AND ELEANOR LLOYD

THE BOOK OF SUN-DIALS

MRS ALFRED GATTY

A paperback edition of the original compilation, before it was enlarged and revised into the tome above.

YE SUNDIAL BOOKE

1914

T. GEOFFREY & W. HENSLOW MA

T. W. COLE: THE ESSENTIAL PAMPHLETS

The first of these includes lists of (then) known scratch / mass dials in all counties. Though not now entirely accurate (there are omissions and, for example, inclusion of the dial in Bridport that is no longer visible), it is a very useful list for anyone visiting an area new to them.

SUNDIALS: INCISED DIALS or MASS-CLOCKS

1926

ARTHUR ROBERT GREEN

The original book was published in 1926 by SPCK. The first group of images is from my copy. ARG‘s research is of great interest for his analysis of the technicalities of medieval sundials; and his various theories arising from his researches. Some maintain that a few of these have not stood the test of time, but then ARG was very early in modern research of medieval dials. The pioneer DEH was active a mere 10 years before. There were few of the resources and conveniences available to later dial investigators.

Perhaps the greatest value of the book is that it does for Hampshire what DEH did for Somerset, and GLP for Dorset. These 3 counties have the huge advantage of having almost complete records of the dials in their respective counties, with locations, details of findings, drawings, photographs, and so forth.

A paperback version was eventually published in 1978 with an unmissable yellow cover. This version is quite readily obtainable online for a reasonable price or, as with mine, quite cheaply because of the condition (it’s a field guide, after all).