There’s not a huge amount of innovation that can be brought to the simple clock, but I do love the idea of the ‘Author Clock’. This displays a quote for every minute of the day. With over 2000 quotes, from across six centuries of literature, the clock is not only telling the time but is telling a story too. The clock has a little e-reader screen, showing the quote and the literary work from which it comes. It reminds you that you are running late, reminds you of books you really should get around to reading, and it reminds you of the amazing variety to be found in literature. It transforms checking the time into a whimsical event. Evidently the quotes are constantly being changed and updated, so you can update your own clock after purchase.
The idea for this literary gadget came from the movie The Clock, a film by New York artist Christian Marclay, which runs for 24 hours and uses more than 12,000 clips from movies which include either an image of a clock in the background, or a character mentioning the time of day.
These clocks only came on the market this year. A good friend has one, which I admired on a recent visit. I am very tempted to acquire one for myself as I do love the idea of combining literature with the simple and necessary process of finding out what the time is.
Have you seen one of these clocks? If so, how long did you spend staring at it reading the quotes? Tell me your thoughts by leaving a comment.
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Marilyn
Just a copy of the old desk diary that had a leaflet for each day with a different quote
Showing my age ?
Susannah Fullerton
Well, I do invariably prefer actual paper to anything electronic, so I do understand!
Peter
I got one too. Love it. It also has nice pictures in the background
Susannah Fullerton
Enjoy!
Louise
I would love one. Maybe they could make a Jane Austen one. That would be a challenge!
Susannah Fullerton
Now that I would buy immediately, but I do doubt they could find enough time references in JA to ever make one. Great idea though!
Lynda
I think reliable clocks were rare around 1810
Long case clocks (grandfather style) included.
Trying to think of watches or clocks or specific times in the JA novels.
Susannah Fullerton
I have a lovely grandfather’s clock dating from JA’s life-time – made in Scotland. It keeps excellent time.
I think there are very few exact times mentioned in JA’s novels, but you’ve got me wondering now, so I’ll have to go away and check.
Megan Pierson
I think I would love one of these!!!
Susannah Fullerton
Me too!