Locks And Keys Throughout The Ages

Locks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history and development of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the famous and extensive Lips' Collection. It was written in 1957 by Vincent J.M. Eras, the director of one of the most respected and important lock manufacturing companies in the world at that time, the Lips' Safe and Lock Manufacturing Company (now part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, along with Yale, Chubb, and many other once independent manufacturers). The author was not only a master locksmith who held several important patents, but he was also an avid collector and was passionate about the history and development of locking mechanisms. His extensive knowledge of the field comes across on every page. In fact, Eras had been in the lock manufacturing business for 58 years before he wrote this book. In the preface he states: "I consider it a gratifying task to place on record my experiences and through this book save them from oblivion. At the same time an excellent opportunity is presented to show the reader my collection of antique and modern locks - the tangible result of more than 50 years travelling, searching and study in many countries". In over 280 black-and-white photos and drawings Vincent Eras brings us on a grand tour of the development of locks from prehistoric to modern times and also explains to us, in words and illustrations, how their mechanisms work. This is a high-quality hardcover reprint of the 1957 edition of the book done by special arrangement with ASSA ABLOY. The typeface has been completely re-done and the photographs have been corrected using the latest digital correction technology. The quality is equal to and, in many cases, better than the original 1957 edition. A reprint of this book was done in the UK in the 1970s but the quality was poor. Artisan Ideas is very glad to be able to make this fascinating book available to the public again. Hardcover, 184 pages, 284 black-and-white photos and designs.

Describes the development and uses of different kinds of locks, relates stories about important locks in history, and discusses the meanings that the words "lock" and "key" have taken on in our language.

High-Security Mechanical Locks comprehensively surveys and explains the highly technical area of high security locks in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. Well over 100 different locks are presented, organized into 6 basic types. Each chapter introduces the necessary concepts in a historical perspective and further categorizes the locks. This is followed by detailed 'how it works' descriptions with many pictures, diagrams and references. The descriptions are based on actual dissections of the real locks. The scope is limited to key operated mechanical locks, thus keyless combination locks and digital locks are not covered. The book does not deal with routine locksmithing topics such as installation and servicing of locks. The sensitive area of picking and bypassing of locks is dealt with only at a high level without giving detailed information that would be unacceptable in the wrong hands. * Comprehensive coverage of over 100 different types of 19th and 20th century key-operated locks, unified in a simple classification scheme * Detailed operating principles - clear 'how it works' descriptions * Manipulation resistance rating for each lock on a scale of 1 to 5

Designed to protect America's riches from every threat, these beautiful devices represent the evolution of lock technology during the nineteenth century, its most creative period. Many of the hand-crafted masterpieces are decorated with beautiful engraving and casting, despite the fact that their mechanical interiors would rarely be seen. They reflect the great pride in creative workmanship and the mechanical genius that characterized America at the time. Here for the first time is a comprehensive compendium of these marvels of complexity and their the fascinating history. Stunning photographs by Anne Day and learned text by the authors illuminates a remarkable but little-known chapter in American technological achievement. Over 400 color photographs.

Whether you want to learn lockpicking or locksmithing, or choose locks that are virtually impossible to defeat, this classic will meet your needs. The top reference in the field since 1976, this book is perfect for everyone from beginners who want to master techniques step by illustrated step, to pros who need an up-to-date, comprehensive shop manual. The Sixth Edition features: •Complete, illustrated coverage from a master locksmith. •Techniques and tips for lockpicking and fixing. •Safe opening and servicing techniques. •Coverage of electronic and high-security mechanical locks. •Auto lock opening and servicing how-tos. •An all-new Registered Locksmith test. •How to conduct a home security survey •How to start and run a locksmithing business, or get hired as a locksmith.

For over 25 years the author, Ulf Weissenberger, has been collecting and restoring antique locks and keys. This magnificent book is based on his experience and his extensive and impressive collection. This is the largest, most detailed and most beautiful book on antique locks we have ever seen. From the Roman period and even earlier, up through the nineteenth century, the author explores, with great attention to detail, a wide variety of locks and their keys which were used for various types of chests, doors, cabinets, and more. Readers will greatly appreciate that the internal mechanisms for most of the locks are shown in crisp, high resolution photos. The measurements of each lock are provided as are their (sometimes estimated) dates of manufacture, and their provenance when known. This book will be treasured by lock collectors, locksmiths, metal-artists, art historians, and those interested in the mechanical workings of antique locks. Hardcover, 300 pages, 850 full color photos, 12-1/4" x 9-1/4".

A New York Times bestseller Unlock your heart and the rest will follow. Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now that she’s living with her sister, she’s got her own room, she’s going to a good school, and her future looks bright. Plus there’s the adorable boy next door. Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in? “All the Dessen trademarks here” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Also by Sarah Dessen: Along for the Ride Dreamland Just Listen Keeping the Moon The Moon and More Someone Like You That Summer This Lullaby The Truth About Forever What Happened to Goodbye

Obscure Locks offers a detailed annotation of Samuel Beckett's most enigmatic novel, Watt. It provides a page by page account of the demented details (literary, philosophical, theological, biographical and other) that went into the making of this encyclop

'Haunting, vivid and urgent' Stacey Halls 'Absorbing, beautifully written' Rosie Andrews 'An ingenious page turner' The Times -------------- Inside lies a secret that won't stay hidden . . . The Great War is ending, but it has taken Ivy's son. Ivy is consumed by discovering what happened to her boy out there in the trenches, while her husband only wants to forget. Then a man comes back into Ivy's life who can help her find out. A man who once stole Ivy's heart. A man who also lost his son to a tragedy. A man whose name she hasn't spoken in thirty years. As Ivy questions her part in the fire at Polneath House, she unlocks a secret that's been burning ever since. But will the truth destroy her - or set her free? -------------- 'It will recruit fans of Du Maurier and Waters' Patrick Gale 'A story of smouldering secrets, lingering guilt and hidden love' Daily Express 'The perfect gothic novel' Stuart Turton 'This is a novel of true elegance, deftly and satisfyingly plotted' Imogen Hermes Gowar 'Atmospheric and rich with evocative detail' Harriet Tyce 'An intriguing, elegantly constructed gothic mystery' Sunday Times 'A smouldering gothic mystery that slowly envelopes you' Joseph Knox