American Genius: Nineteenth Century Bank Locks and Time Locks

by David Erroll, John Erroll, Anne Day (Photographer)

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.

368 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2006

Reviews

[Roberta · Rating 5 out of 5]

John Erroll, curator of the John Mossman Lock Collection, has produced a book on locks and lockmakers fabulous enough to leave out on my coffee table with bookmarks in it so that my guests don't miss the best parts. Few people realize the technology and craftsmanship that went into these locks because most people have never even seen them since they have all been installed behind closed (and securely locked) doors. Some of the locks illustrated here look like fine jewelry. Breathtaking photos printed on fine quality paper with a swoonworthy steampunk dustjacket. Overall, a spectacular book.

There are a couple of errors in the text but only a few insiders in the lock community will notice. [For example, Linus Yale, Jr., died in 1868, not 1883.] Additionally, I wonder why the author damns Linus Yale, Sr., with the faint praise of being "among the pantheon of great American lock designers" and by attributing Linus Yale, Jr.'s success at lock picking to "sufficient time and patience."