Price reduced due to slight damages to the cover of the book!MAYET MORBIER COMTOISE: Birth and Life of a Legendary Clock – A Comprehensive Guide to the Comtoise Clock’s History and Development
Author: Leonard van Veldhoven
Publisher: Self-published, 2022
ISBN: 978-90-819954-2-9
Format: Hardcover, 23.5 x 27 x 2.7 cm (9.3” x 10.6” x 1.1”)
Pages: 352, Full Color
Illustrations: Approximately 1500 images, including 3D drawings
Language: English
Weight: 1.8 kg (4 lbs)
Sample
Product Overview
Mayet Morbier Comtoise: Birth and Life of a Legendary Clock by Leonard van Veldhoven is a thorough exploration of the origins, evolution, and cultural significance of the French Comtoise-Morbier clock. Spanning 352 pages and featuring around 1500 vivid images, this volume offers a detailed look at the unique craftsmanship, history, and sociocultural factors that gave rise to this iconic timepiece from the Haut-Jura region. Van Veldhoven, an expert in historical clocks, combines technical analysis with a passionate narrative, presenting a vivid, immersive experience for horology enthusiasts and historians alike.
Content and Structure of the Book
The book is meticulously structured to take readers on a journey through the Comtoise clock’s roots, focusing on how social, economic, and environmental factors shaped its design and functionality. Each section highlights different facets of the clock's history, from its intricate mechanical structure to the rich traditions that influenced its production in 18th and 19th century France.
Key Sections and Featured Topics
Origins of the Comtoise Clock in the Haut-Jura Region
Leonard van Veldhoven delves into the heart of the Haut-Jura, exploring the unique regional influences that contributed to the Comtoise clock’s creation. This section examines the landscape, local traditions, and historical context of Morbier, Les Foncine, Morez, and other neighboring villages, providing a foundation for understanding why this clock became a symbol of French heritage.
Technical Evolution and Craftsmanship
This part covers the technical innovations that distinguish Comtoise clocks, including mechanical enhancements, material choices, and regional styles. Illustrated with high-quality images and 3D drawings, the section provides detailed insight into the assembly, maintenance, and artistry behind these clocks.
Social and Economic Influences on Clockmaking
Van Veldhoven situates the Comtoise clock within the broader context of 18th and 19th-century France, explaining how socioeconomic shifts and climatic conditions affected the clockmaking industry. This chapter brings to light how local artisans adapted to changes in demand, resources, and political influences, making the clock a timeless reflection of resilience and innovation.
Legacy and Cultural Impact of the Comtoise Clock
The book explores how the Comtoise clock transcended its original purpose, becoming a cherished family heirloom and symbol of regional pride. Van Veldhoven’s research uncovers how the clock's legacy lives on in both its continued production and its influence on modern horological designs.
Photographic Documentation and 3D Visualizations
This section is a visual treat, featuring approximately 1500 full-color images, including 3D renderings, diagrams, and close-up shots of clock components. Van Veldhoven’s attention to detail allows readers to appreciate the intricate designs, craftsmanship, and functionality that make each Comtoise clock unique.
Unique Features and Scholarly Insight
Van Veldhoven’s Mayet Morbier Comtoise is more than just a history; it is a comprehensive technical guide and cultural study of one of France’s most iconic clocks. With detailed visual aids and an extensive 133,000-word text, the book serves as an essential reference for both horologists and historians.
- Extensive Visual Documentation: The book’s impressive collection of photographs, coupled with clear, insightful captions, makes it easy to understand the structural and decorative elements of each clock.
- In-Depth Technical Analysis: Each chapter provides intricate technical explanations, giving collectors, restorers, and craftsmen valuable information on maintaining and appreciating these unique clocks.
- Historical and Cultural Context: Van Veldhoven’s narrative ties the Comtoise clock to the broader history of French craftsmanship, situating it within the socioeconomic and political shifts of its time.
Target Audience
Mayet Morbier Comtoise is a must-have for:
- Horology Collectors and Enthusiasts: This book offers unparalleled detail on the technical and artistic aspects of the Comtoise clock, making it a valuable resource for anyone passionate about historic clocks.
- Historians and Cultural Researchers: The book’s contextual approach provides historians with a rich source of information on regional craftsmanship and cultural heritage in France.
- Clockmakers and Restorers: The detailed technical descriptions and images serve as a practical guide for those involved in the restoration and conservation of Comtoise clocks.
Design and Technical Specifications
The book’s large hardcover format (23.5 x 27 cm) provides a stable base for its 1.8 kg weight, making it ideal for reference and display. The high-quality, full-color printing on thick pages ensures that the images remain vivid and clear, enhancing the overall experience for readers.
Conclusion
Leonard van Veldhoven’s Mayet Morbier Comtoise: Birth and Life of a Legendary Clock is an essential reference for anyone interested in the art and history of French clockmaking. With its combination of technical analysis, historical insight, and breathtaking visual documentation, the book offers an immersive look into the world of Comtoise clocks, capturing the essence of French craftsmanship and heritage. This work is not only a tribute to the ingenuity of past artisans but also a practical guide for contemporary collectors and restorers, solidifying its place as a timeless addition to any horology collection.
