After noting the wide variety of sources necessary to gain an elementary understanding of timekeeping, Philip Balcomb set out to write an introductory book that would allow one to learn the basics and hopefully identify more specific areas of interest to research further. In The Clock Book he brings together the history of timekeeping with a guide to the basics of clock collecting. Clear line drawings illustrate the rudimentary details of clock mechanisms and the evolution of their cases. Balcomb has created an essential text for any developing horologist or casual enthusiast.