VERSES AND SUNDIAL SKETCHES.
SUNDIAL ON CHARTRES CATHEDRAL, FRANCE.
Date 1573.
Lord of light and dark we pray,
Guide us to the end of day,
And when hours of light are run,
Guard us till the hours of sun.
About This Book
This work compiles historical discussion, practical guidance, and artistic renderings related to sundials. It opens with a popular history considering origins and varieties of dials, follows with technical notes on placement and gnomonics, and includes photographs and faithful sketches of surviving examples. A large poetic section offers hundreds of short verses, mottoes, and themed poems accompanied by sketches intended to fit the age of each dial. Additional material lists names and locations of extant sundials, an index to sketches and verses, and examples of garden and architectural sundials from makers. The tone blends antiquarian curiosity, practical instruction, and creative celebration of timekeeping.