English Clocks for the Eastern Markets. English clockmakers trading in China and the Ottoman Empire, 1580-1815

Notes:

Deals with sales of clocks and watches to China and the Ottoman Empire from late 16th to early 19th century. This substantial trade peaked in the second half of the 18th century. Focuses especially on the clocks and watches involved but also explores 'the economics of international trade, the mechanics of finance, and the role of time in Chinese and Ottoman societies'. James Cox, c1723-1800, figures prominently, and George Clarke and George Prior to a lesser extent. Chapters include: 'Chinese and Ottoman time'; 'Anglo-Chinese trade'; 'Anglo Ottoman trade; 'Luxury, money and bankruptcy'; 'The life of James Cox'; 'James Cox - the market and the money'; 'James Cox's amazing clocks'; 'Ottoman market clocks'; 'Design artistry - the Chinese market'; 'Decline'. Extensive appendices include 'English clock and watchmakers trading with the Chinese or Ottoman markets' [pp337-51] being profiles of clockmakers, some very extensive eg of George Clarke of London; Warwick Markham; Daniel St Leu