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Time Restored: The Harrison Timekeepers and R.T. Gould, the Man Who Knew (Almost) Everything,Used
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This is the story of Rupert T. Gould (18901948), the polymath and horologist. A remarkable man, Lt Cmdr Gould made important contributions in an extraordinary range of subject areas throughout his relatively short and dramatically troubled life. From antique clocks to scientific mysteries, from typewriters to the first systematic study of the Loch Ness Monster, Gould studied and published on them all. With the title The Stargazer, Gould was an early broadcaster on the BBC's Children's Hour when, with his encyclopaedic knowledge, he became known as The Man Who Knew Everything. Not surprisingly, he was also part of that elite group on BBC radio who formed The Brains Trust, giving onthespot answers to all manner of wide ranging and difficult questions. With his wide learning and photographic memory, Gould awed a national audience, becoming one of the era's radio celebrities.During the 1920s Gould restored the complex and highly significant marine timekeepers constructed by John Harrison (16931776), and wrote the unsurpassed classic, The Marine Chronometer, its History and Development. Today he is virtually unknown, his horological contributions scarcely mentioned in Dava Sobel's bestseller Longitude. The TV version of Longitude, in which Jeremy Irons played Rupert Gould, did at least introduce Gould's name to a wider public.Gould suffered terrible bouts of depression, resulting in a number of nervous breakdowns. These, coupled with his obsessive and pedantic nature, led to a scandalouslyreported separation from his wife and cost him his family, his home, his job, and his closest friends.In this firstever biography of Rupert Gould, Jonathan Betts, the Royal Observatory Greenwich's Senior Horologist, has given us a compelling account of a talented but flawed individual. Using hitherto unknown personal journals, the family's extensive collection of photographs, and the polymath's surviving records and notes, Betts tells the story of how Gould's early life, his naval career, and his celebrity status came together as this talented Englishman restored part of Britain'sand the world'smost important technical heritage: John Harrison's marine timekeepers.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: How many pages does the book have? A: The book has four hundred eighty-four pages. This provides an in-depth exploration of Rupert T. Gould's life and contributions.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is hardcover bound. This durable binding ensures longevity and protection for the pages inside.
- Q: What are the dimensions of the book? A: The book measures eight point five inches in height, eight point five inches in length, and one point two five inches in width. These dimensions make it a convenient size for reading.
- Q: Is this book suitable for all ages? A: Yes, this book is suitable for a general audience. However, it contains themes that may be more engaging for adults and older teens interested in history and horology.
- Q: How do I read this book? A: You simply open the book and start from the beginning. The narrative is structured to follow the life and achievements of Rupert T. Gould.
- Q: What themes are explored in this biography? A: The biography explores themes of genius, obsession, and the struggles of mental health. It provides insights into Gould's life as a horologist and broadcaster.
- Q: How do I keep this book in good condition? A: To keep the book in good condition, store it upright on a shelf and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Dust it regularly and handle it with clean hands.
- Q: Is this book safe for children? A: Yes, the book is safe for children. However, it is recommended for older readers due to its complex themes.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, contact the seller for a return or exchange. Most sellers offer a guarantee for damaged items.
- Q: Is there a warranty on this book? A: No, there is typically no warranty for books. However, you can check with the seller regarding their return policy.
- Q: Can this book be used for research? A: Yes, this book can be used for research. It includes extensive historical context and references relevant to horology and Rupert T. Gould.
- Q: What makes this biography unique? A: This biography is unique because it uses previously unpublished personal journals and photographs of Rupert T. Gould. It provides a comprehensive look at his life.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of the book is Jonathan Betts. He is the Senior Horologist at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.
- Q: Does the book contain illustrations? A: Yes, the book contains fifty-nine black and white halftones and eighteen color photo plates. These visuals enhance the narrative.
- Q: What is the genre of this book? A: The genre of this book is biography. It focuses on the life and accomplishments of a notable historical figure.
- Q: Is this book part of a series? A: No, this book is not part of a series. It is a standalone biography focused on Rupert T. Gould.