Automata and Mechanical Toys

No other craft so brilliantly captures the magic of turning a handle, þicking a switch, or pulling a lever to see the unexpected come to life. Automata and Mechanical Toys is a book for anyone drawn to simple, entertaining mechanics. The book features 21 leading makers, each with a distinctive style. With 160 color photos and 100 delightful examples of the craft, the book is a feast for collectors and enthusiasts. A substantial section of the book is devoted to making automata mechanisms, ideal for novices or those wishing to learn new techniques. Illustrated, step-by-step instructions explain how to make a bearings box, which separately houses all the main mechanisms used in automata. The box can then be converted to any mechanism you choose. Rodney Peppé is a winner of the British Toymakers’ Guild Toy of the Year Award; he has had exhibitions of his work at the Victoria & Albert Museum of Childhood. He is also the author of Rodney Peppé’s Moving Toys.

A lavish guide to the ingenious design and beauty of automata and mechanical toys, including their history, an explanation of their mechanisms, a survey of the leading makers, step–by–step instructions for making mechanisms, and 160 color photos.

Library Journal

The automaton, a mechanical figure that moves seemingly under its own power, dates back to ancient Egypt. Because of their complexity, automata are generally toys for adults. Their makers, like the legendary Dr. Coppelius, have been considered to be wizards. Mainly a reference book of the work of Peppe (Rodney Peppe's Moving Toys) and other contemporary toy makers, this book has one chapter of instructions for constructing mechanisms. The photographs of the artists' finished constructions are delightful. An excellent selection for specialized decorative arts collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.