A Beautiful Book, Documenting a Magnificent Collection of
Black Forest Clocks

Schwarzwalduhren: Sammeln, Restaurieren, Bewahren.  (Black Forest
Clocks: Collect, Restore, Preserve) By Heinrich Engelmann.  Published
by the author in 2012.  350 pages, 12 x 8.5 inches, hardbound, printed
glossy cover, 617 color photographs, glossary of terms, bibliography.

The book is available directly from the author for 65 euros plus
shipping.  An optional DVD, which compliments the book, is available
for an additional 10 euros.  Email to
Heinrich_Engelmann@t-online.de.geentroep [delete ".geentroep" to reply]

This beautiful book on Black Forest clocks was recently released at
the 2012 Furtwangen Clock Fair.  Although the book is in German, the
extensive use of large color photos throughout, with minimal text,
makes an understanding of the German language unnecessary to enjoy
this book.  The sheer volume of rare Black Forest clocks shown is
impressive.  Impressive becomes astounding, with the knowledge that
every clock in the book is in the author's private collection.
Nearly all the clocks shown have never been published previously.

The book is divided into 10 chapters.  [ Snip -- see the full
description at http://www.blackforestclocks.org/ ]

Chapter eight is titled "Black Forest Musical Clocks."  The volume and
variety of early musical Black Forest clocks shown in this section is
extensive.  It is the reviewer's opinion, that the author's collection
of musical Black Forest clocks must be one of the most comprehensive,
if not _the_ most comprehensive, both public and private.  Although the
other chapters of the book are well done, and provide value, this chapter
alone would make this book an important addition to any horological
library.  There are 53 different musical clocks showcased in detail,
each one is an absolute museum quality piece.

As mentioned above the book can also be ordered with a DVD for an extra
10 euros.  The DVD is over an hour in length, and gives an unnarrated
overview of selected clocks in the author's collection.  The most time
is spent on the musical clocks in the author's collection, where many
examples can be seen and heard producing music on flutes, bells,
strings, and trumpets.  The reviewer recommends ordering the DVD with
the book, as it really allows for a full appreciation of the musical
and automata clocks in the collection.

In short, Heinrich Englelmann has produced a beautiful book,
documenting his magnificent collection of Black Forest clocks.  This
book will not just be an interest to those interested in horology, but
also those with an interest in automata, and mechanical music.  I have
been told that the book was printed in very low numbers, so those who
are interested should place their order sooner then later.  This is
definitely a book that will sell out and the prices will undoubtedly be
more expensive on the antiquarian book trade.

A few sample images from the book can be seen on our web site.

Justin J. Miller
http://www.blackforestclocks.org/