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Spring Forward: The Annual Madness of Daylight Saving Time
Michael Downing is obsessed with Daylight Saving, a loopy idea that became the most persistent political controversy in American history. Almost one hundred years ago, lawmakers across the country first debated, ridiculed, and then passionately embraced the possibility of saving an hour of daylight. To this day, no one can say for sure why we are required by law to change our clocks twice a year. Who first proposed the scheme?
Downing unravels the worldwide confusion occasioned by decades of clock manipulation. He sifts through a century of Congressional hearings and contemporary newspaper reporting to offer a portrait of public policy in the 20th century, a perennially boiling stew of unsubstantiated science, profiteering masked as piety, and mysteriously shifting time-zone boundaries. It is a true-to-life social comedy with Congress in the leading role, surrounded by a supporting cast of opportunistic ministers, movie moguls, stockbrokers, labor leaders, educators, sports fanatics, and farmers. This dizzyingly hilarious debate seems destined to continue for as long as we ask one another, “What time is it?”
Downing unravels the worldwide confusion occasioned by decades of clock manipulation. He sifts through a century of Congressional hearings and contemporary newspaper reporting to offer a portrait of public policy in the 20th century, a perennially boiling stew of unsubstantiated science, profiteering masked as piety, and mysteriously shifting time-zone boundaries. It is a true-to-life social comedy with Congress in the leading role, surrounded by a supporting cast of opportunistic ministers, movie moguls, stockbrokers, labor leaders, educators, sports fanatics, and farmers. This dizzyingly hilarious debate seems destined to continue for as long as we ask one another, “What time is it?”
224 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2005
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 31, 2013
I really enjoyed this informative, very readable little book about the history and ongoing controversy surrounding Daylight Saving Time. I, apparently like many people, have always thought it initially had something to do with farming, but it turns out this was in no way the case. It was more a matter of energy conservation, at least in theory. I had never stopped to think about whether or not DST is observed in other parts of the world, so the global perspective this book provided was interesting. Definitely worth a read!
September 10, 2012
Update two months later: I have read the other DST book published in 2005, Seize the Daylight by David Prerau. I think it is superior to this one. Now, on to my original review...
I've been a Daylight Saving Time skeptic for as long as I remember. Why? Because I'm skeptical of anything that doesn't appear to make sense. And DST most certainly doesn't make immediate sense.
The first thing I learned in Spring Forward is that Daylight Saving Time does not have a second 's' as in Savings. It's not Daylight Savings Time! I've said that wrong all of my life and I've never known anyone to say it correctly. I think the fact that we don't know how to even say the thing is a completely accurate assessment of how well most of us understand DST.
The second thing I learned were the actual arguments put forth by proponents for DST. Some of them I knew. Many I did not.
Quick pop quiz: how does DST benefit society? Do you have an answer? Does it involve wartime energy conservation or farmers? Would you be surprised to find that farmers almost universally opposed DST? Or would you also be surprised that there is no evidence that DST has or ever will save energy costs? I'd like to say that these facts surprised me, but they didn't. Because at this point, I assume anything involving government mandates is the furthest thing from rational.
In fact, the only 'benefit' of DST likely to be demonstrably real is that it provides more time for sports and recreation on summer afternoons. Apparently nobody likes to do these activities in the morning instead?
Spring Forward does not contain the most exciting narrative ever written. But it seems to be well researched. It contains hundreds of quotes and facts surrounding the various DST debates in the United States and around the world from contemporary newspaper reports and government records. It does get a little repetitive, but to be fair, the history itself is highly repetitive.
The book contains some really amusing quotes, many of which skewer the concept of DST. But Downing himself seems loathe to editorialize and I feel he keeps a good balance of pro and con voices.
However, because of that, I don't think anyone with a preexisting opinion of DST is going to change their minds while reading this book. If you already think DST's a great idea, you are probably going to leave with that opinion. For myself, someone who is opposed to DST (until convinced otherwise), I certainly found plenty of ammunition with which to keep my opinion. I certainly didn't find the pro-DST arguments convincing. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I did, however, form a completely new opinion I'd not yet considered at all: that the very concept of time zones would best be abolished altogether. If you look at all the lunacy states and countries have gone through over the years to attempt to position themselves differently along timezone boundaries, you begin to question the very nature of zone-divided time altogether (and let's not even mention the International Date Line 'problem').
Instead, it seems exceedingly clear to me that the only logical thing to do is have the entire globe function on the same time. Existing GMT/UTC is already ready to perform this function. Yes, that would mean that I would eat lunch at...let's see...21:00, which is a time that sounds like nighttime. And a new day would begin as I was sitting down to eat dinner. But honestly, I'm completely okay with that. Especially if that means more of us can align our days with the actual rising and setting of the sun - not with arbitrary 15-degree time zone lines. It just makes sense in our Internet-connected world: when someone posts something at 06:00, it's everybody's 06:00. No more guessing. When someone on another coast wants to have a teleconference at 13:00, it's everybody's 13:00. No more math mistakes. Doing this would also kill off DST once and for all since it would become apparent how silly it is to change the clock to influence behavior!
Amazingly, Spring Forward was published the same year as another DST book, Seize the Daylight. I bought the both of them and will be reading that one next after my current fiction book (inserting fiction into my non-fiction stack keeps me somewhat well-adjusted and sociable). I'll be very interested to find out what additional material I learn from that book and whether or not that book addresses my skepticism and challenges my current opinion.
I've been a Daylight Saving Time skeptic for as long as I remember. Why? Because I'm skeptical of anything that doesn't appear to make sense. And DST most certainly doesn't make immediate sense.
The first thing I learned in Spring Forward is that Daylight Saving Time does not have a second 's' as in Savings. It's not Daylight Savings Time! I've said that wrong all of my life and I've never known anyone to say it correctly. I think the fact that we don't know how to even say the thing is a completely accurate assessment of how well most of us understand DST.
The second thing I learned were the actual arguments put forth by proponents for DST. Some of them I knew. Many I did not.
Quick pop quiz: how does DST benefit society? Do you have an answer? Does it involve wartime energy conservation or farmers? Would you be surprised to find that farmers almost universally opposed DST? Or would you also be surprised that there is no evidence that DST has or ever will save energy costs? I'd like to say that these facts surprised me, but they didn't. Because at this point, I assume anything involving government mandates is the furthest thing from rational.
In fact, the only 'benefit' of DST likely to be demonstrably real is that it provides more time for sports and recreation on summer afternoons. Apparently nobody likes to do these activities in the morning instead?
Spring Forward does not contain the most exciting narrative ever written. But it seems to be well researched. It contains hundreds of quotes and facts surrounding the various DST debates in the United States and around the world from contemporary newspaper reports and government records. It does get a little repetitive, but to be fair, the history itself is highly repetitive.
The book contains some really amusing quotes, many of which skewer the concept of DST. But Downing himself seems loathe to editorialize and I feel he keeps a good balance of pro and con voices.
However, because of that, I don't think anyone with a preexisting opinion of DST is going to change their minds while reading this book. If you already think DST's a great idea, you are probably going to leave with that opinion. For myself, someone who is opposed to DST (until convinced otherwise), I certainly found plenty of ammunition with which to keep my opinion. I certainly didn't find the pro-DST arguments convincing. Quite the opposite, in fact.
I did, however, form a completely new opinion I'd not yet considered at all: that the very concept of time zones would best be abolished altogether. If you look at all the lunacy states and countries have gone through over the years to attempt to position themselves differently along timezone boundaries, you begin to question the very nature of zone-divided time altogether (and let's not even mention the International Date Line 'problem').
Instead, it seems exceedingly clear to me that the only logical thing to do is have the entire globe function on the same time. Existing GMT/UTC is already ready to perform this function. Yes, that would mean that I would eat lunch at...let's see...21:00, which is a time that sounds like nighttime. And a new day would begin as I was sitting down to eat dinner. But honestly, I'm completely okay with that. Especially if that means more of us can align our days with the actual rising and setting of the sun - not with arbitrary 15-degree time zone lines. It just makes sense in our Internet-connected world: when someone posts something at 06:00, it's everybody's 06:00. No more guessing. When someone on another coast wants to have a teleconference at 13:00, it's everybody's 13:00. No more math mistakes. Doing this would also kill off DST once and for all since it would become apparent how silly it is to change the clock to influence behavior!
Amazingly, Spring Forward was published the same year as another DST book, Seize the Daylight. I bought the both of them and will be reading that one next after my current fiction book (inserting fiction into my non-fiction stack keeps me somewhat well-adjusted and sociable). I'll be very interested to find out what additional material I learn from that book and whether or not that book addresses my skepticism and challenges my current opinion.
August 2, 2011
Very delightful book on madness of Daylight Savings
January 16, 2013
I am totally a Daylight Saving Time hater. I'll admit, though, that my hate is due mainly to just one week or so in the spring. For most of my working life (and I think even much of my school life, as I had to get up and bus across town to get there), I've had to get up and leave for work/school between 5 & 7. And right in the middle of there is the sucky spot. Toward the later end of that and beyond doesn't really bother me, and toward the beginning and earlier, well, it's so freaking early at that point that DST doesn't have much noticeable effect. But right in the middle of that period is when it's full dark for much of the winter, and that kinda sucks, but it happens gradually, and you deal. But as the year progresses, it starts to get lighter at that time. And just when you start to really notice the fact that the sun is actually up before you've left your house, which, if you're me at least, puts a little spring in your step, and the earliness doesn't feel so bad. But then, just as this is happening, DST hits, and BAM! You're slammed back into darkness for that hour. Sure, the sun still seems to rise sooner once you are out, and sure this new darkness at that hour only lasts for a week or so before the sun is, once again, getting up before you are, but that week or so? Just about kills me every year. I'm more tired, I'm depressed, I just feel all lethargic and miserable... Ugh. I just hate it.
Oops, that got a bit ranty. Anyway, though, that's why I picked up this book in the first place. And this book did explain at least a little bit of the logic behind this annual back-and-forth shuffle of the clocks — although the logic at times appeared to be largely a pissing contest, if this book is to be believed. I also learned just how recent an invention even standardized time at all is. Apparently it's only within the last 200 years that this happened, and I can't even begin to imagine trying to function in the chaos that existed before that, which was actually made somewhat worse in the early stages of standardized time adoption, I think. It sounded insane, in any case, and then to throw in this twice annual extra shift? Yowza. I have to admit that I'd kind of been under the impression that these things had been settled long ago, and that the occasional flutters you hear about trying to repeal DST legislation were just that — little flutters. But I gather from this book that those flutters happen in at least one somewhere every time the clocks shift, and that, really, they're just the same debate, still not over. The other fascinating thing I learned is that China, as massive as it is, operates under just one time zone, which means that the poor suckers in the western part of the country don't see sunrise until close to noon for much of the year. How crazy is that? Oh, and one final note: you know how everyone always blames the farmers for Daylight Saving? Don't. The farming communities have been opposed to it from the beginning, and were basically forced into it by, guess who? Big business.
Oops, that got a bit ranty. Anyway, though, that's why I picked up this book in the first place. And this book did explain at least a little bit of the logic behind this annual back-and-forth shuffle of the clocks — although the logic at times appeared to be largely a pissing contest, if this book is to be believed. I also learned just how recent an invention even standardized time at all is. Apparently it's only within the last 200 years that this happened, and I can't even begin to imagine trying to function in the chaos that existed before that, which was actually made somewhat worse in the early stages of standardized time adoption, I think. It sounded insane, in any case, and then to throw in this twice annual extra shift? Yowza. I have to admit that I'd kind of been under the impression that these things had been settled long ago, and that the occasional flutters you hear about trying to repeal DST legislation were just that — little flutters. But I gather from this book that those flutters happen in at least one somewhere every time the clocks shift, and that, really, they're just the same debate, still not over. The other fascinating thing I learned is that China, as massive as it is, operates under just one time zone, which means that the poor suckers in the western part of the country don't see sunrise until close to noon for much of the year. How crazy is that? Oh, and one final note: you know how everyone always blames the farmers for Daylight Saving? Don't. The farming communities have been opposed to it from the beginning, and were basically forced into it by, guess who? Big business.
April 3, 2021
This is a lighthearted meander through daylight saving time - it raises some interesting questions and provides some interesting perspective and history of daylight saving time. There are also puns and jokes throughout - some funny, some eye roll worthy. If you're looking for a serious study of daylight saving time, this is probably not your book; on the other hand, if you're up for a light, whimsical read on the topic, this may be your book.
November 12, 2019
I read this book so I could better understand daylight saving time, but I'm more confused after finishing it. Not that I'm totally disappointed. I learned some interesting trivia. But clearly the issue of time is one that every jurisdiction and age constantly tinkers with and for a variety of reasons. If you simply look at your own time zone the matter is less complex, but when every spot on the globe is considered it becomes dizzying. And this book looks everywhere -- but primarily the States -- and in exhaustive detail, as if the writer had to share every scrap of material he gleaned from newspapers and government subcommittee minutes. I wish there had been a chapter devoted to boiling it all down. Does it save fuel? Is it worthwhile? I know that the various sides make claims, but can we not nail anything down after all this time? Perhaps the author feels the answers are obvious, but I got tired out by so much detail and no obvious conclusion. Maybe I missed it.
September 24, 2017
I never knew there was so much controversy with Daylight Savings! Wow! What a wild history it has had. I always thought it was to help school children not to be waiting for buses in the morning in the dark (I was born in the 70s so my thinking makes sense after reading the book!). It's only an hour! How crazy - nothing really changes too much! Just a little more light where it might be nice. How crazy with so many time zones and different cities have so many different times. I'm glad things are smoother now!
September 24, 2009
"A child gets up in the morning under daylight time and cries because he has just lost an hour of sleep," Mr. Vail asserted. "A parent has to whip him to get him to go to school. Maybe he has had breakfast and maybe not. He whines all day. When he comes home, his parents give him an aspirin. We are living in a drug age. The schoolchildren are so busted that they have to have drugs. Then when Communism comes along, what are we going to do?"
August 6, 2009
Often funny, this book taught me so much about the chaotic history of Daylight Saving Time, as well as all uniform time legislation in general. Incredibly fascinating, extremely well-written, and insightfully amusing, Spring Forward is a truly a wonderful book. Downing weaves a very well researched story with tidbits of light sarcasm and laugh-out-loud humor. It's near the top of the list of favorite books I've read in the past year.
October 14, 2011
I looked forward to reading this book, because I felt it might make sense of Daylight Saving Time. It contains many interesting factoids, but alas, I am as confused about Daylight Saving as ever. Reasons for it are actually reasons against it. It's patchwork application is more like a crazy quilt in it's yearly years of implementation. More questions than answers. Does it save energy? Does it make it safer for school children? Was it a wartime necessity?
March 21, 2012
A fun, exhaustively researched foray into the madness that is Daylight Saving Time. Crammed with detail of every kind, from government documents to anecdotal tales. A bit abrupt of an ending, and it certainly could have extrapolated more than a little in various places and themes (the whole work is only around 200 pages). Worth your time if you have questions about the myths and facts surrounding "Spring forward, Fall back"!
March 27, 2009
Ever wonder why we do that funky dance, one step forward, one step back, lather, rinse, repeat unto eternity? This book tells all. Railroads, governmental wrangling, candy lobbies and numerous other parties all want their say. Where is the actual beginning point on earth to start the day? What about accidents? Farmers? Argh! No wonder DST is such a mess!
A little dry, but interesting.
A little dry, but interesting.
February 15, 2016
For years I thought DST was something foisted on us by farmers. Turns out not to be true. This is a very funny book and by the time you are done reading the book you know more than you ever wanted to know about this subject. But you will still not really understand why we spring forward and fall back.
Currently reading
March 27, 2008I've just started it and I can only read it in doses because it makes me all riled up about how much I oppose Daylight Saving Time. Also it makes my brain hurt a little trying to kee time and when the sun is up. The only thing this book could use is a diagram or 2.
April 22, 2012
This book traces the confusing history of Daylight Saving Time. I have always been interested in the story of why we spring forward and fall back and I found much of the information in this book interesting although I found his writing style less interesting than I had hoped.
July 25, 2012
Oh, I wish the madness of Daylight Saving Time would end -- or at least we should choose one or the other and stick with it. My internal clock is sensitive and I suffer so much each change. It's the pits.
September 8, 2013
I appreciate the insight this slim book offers into the ridiculous evolution of a widespread and arbitrary convention. Entertaining and informative work with many passages that compel one to read aloud to those nearby.
March 18, 2015
I bought this book 10 years ago and finally got around to reading it. It's an interesting read. I never knew time was so complicated. (I do believe, however, that it is time to stop messing with the clocks. ugh.)
January 31, 2008
If you're interested in daylight saving time this is one of the two games in town. It was good enough-- wonderfully researched and nicely written, but I would have liked a bit more personality.
March 1, 2008
Would have made a great magazine article.
July 14, 2008
I know WAY more about DST than I thought I'd ever want to know, and I had a TON of fun learning about it. Basically, I'm sticking with DST. It's good science, and it's good sense.
January 13, 2013
Amusing account of the disjointed history of Daylight Saving time, with a focus on US policy, but also covering the rest of the world. If nothing else, a chronicle of human folly.
March 6, 2014
I am now more confused about Daylight Saving that I was before I read this book.
January 25, 2016
This book answered all my questions about Daylight Saving. It is interesting and eye-opening, but a bit dry.
March 30, 2016
Daylight Saving is more convoluted than quantum mechanics.
January 26, 2024
So, yeah, if you were writing a book about daylight savings time, and you thought the whole concept was madness, you’d probably end up with this rollicking, pretty hilarious book about the supreme stupidity of this concept, and the disingenuousness with which is was sold and continues to be sold. Even when it happened, no one could quite agree on why it made sense and who it was good for — and today, all of those things remain true, only more so. Read the book itself if you want to understand the content — you’ll have fun and you’ll probably end up by wondering why the hell we have this annual madness. At least I did!
Grade: A
Grade: A
August 10, 2025
DST was an ill conceived political idea developed before the constant of time was understood. reinforced my belief that DST has no place in modern society. No electricity is saved!!!!
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March 28, 2023Not my favorite because there is no definitives or firm data or decision- the whole point of the annual madness!!
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