Books in Signs of the Times Series series

The "Signs of the Times" series explores the development of systems of recording and measuring, from the first forms of writing and the earliest calendars, to the latest in calculators and quartz clocks. Innovators, inventions and facts are highlighted in text boxes, and there are suggestions for related activities. This volume traces the development of writing and printing from early-Sumerian pictograms to modern methods of printing.

This is part of a series which explores the development of systems of recording and measuring, from the first forms of writing and the earliest calendars, to the latest in calculators and quartz clocks. Innovators, inventions and amazing facts are highlighted in text boxes, and there are suggestions for related activities. This book reveals the first methods of keeping tally, the first numerals and the invention of "zero". The book also looks at the achievements of some of the early mathematicians and traces the development of computers and calculators which have helped modern scientists to develop new mathematical theories, and simplified life at home and at work.

This information filled volume examines the basic elements of maps (scale, grid lines, contour) and how we use them. It gives a concise survey of the history of cartography and has sections on specialized maps (sea charts, star maps, military maps, weather maps), compasses and lighthouses, modern navigation (satellites, radar, GIS), surveying, and an overview of great journeys in world history.

The Story of Weights and Measures describes the history of measurement systems ranging from the earliest methods of measuring, using parts of the body such as palms and digits, to the latest high-tech systems used to quantify atoms and stars. The reader learns about how we evaluate temperature and the weather, about maps and map scales, light years, gravity, and modern balances and scales. Organized chronologically from ancient history to the present, the volume is illustrated throughout with colorful photographs and drawings of artifacts and objects. Along with boxes which highlight inventions, personalities, and amazing facts, The Story of Weights and Measures supplies the reader with a timeline, a glossary and an index. The Signs of the Times series presents the history of basic systems of communication and calculation for children aged eight to ten.

The Story of Time and Clocks explores the development of systems of recording and measuring time from the earliest calendars to the latest in quartz watches. The reader learns about natural clocks (stars, sun, moon, and weather cycles), the advent of calendars around the world, the history of clock making, how we measure time zones, and why we get jet lag. Organized chronologically from ancient history to the present, the volume is illustrated throughout with colorful photographs and drawings of artifacts and objects. Along with boxes which highlight inventions, personalities, and amazing facts, The Story of Time and Clocks supplies the reader with a timeline, a glossary and an index. The Signs of the Times series presents the history of basic systems of communication and calculation for children aged eight to ten.

Early methods of long-distance communication (such as fire signal, flashing mirrors, semaphore, and African drums), the development of the spoken word, letter writing, telegraph and Morse code, telephone, radio, television, satellites and computers (including the Internet), and possibilities for the future are all considered in this latest volume in the Signs of the Times series.