Locks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history and development of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the famous and extensive Lips' Collection. It was written in 1957 by Vincent J.M. Eras, the director of one of the most respected and important lock manufacturing companies in the world at that time, the Lips' Safe and Lock Manufacturing Company (now part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, along with Yale, Chubb, and many other once independent manufacturers). The author was not only a master locksmith who held several important patents, but he was also an avid collector and was passionate about the history and development of locking mechanisms. His extensive knowledge of the field comes across on every page. In fact, Eras had been in the lock manufacturing business for 58 years before he wrote this book. In the preface he states: "I consider it a gratifying task to place on record my experiences and through this book save them from oblivion. At the same time an excellent opportunity is presented to show the reader my collection of antique and modern locks - the tangible result of more than 50 years travelling, searching and study in many countries". In over 280 black-and-white photos and drawings Vincent Eras brings us on a grand tour of the development of locks from prehistoric to modern times and also explains to us, in words and illustrations, how their mechanisms work. This is a high-quality hardcover reprint of the 1957 edition of the book done by special arrangement with ASSA ABLOY. The typeface has been completely re-done and the photographs have been corrected using the latest digital correction technology. The quality is equal to and, in many cases, better than the original 1957 edition. A reprint of this book was done in the UK in the 1970s but the quality was poor. Artisan Ideas is very glad to be able to make this fascinating book available to the public again. Hardcover, 184 pages, 284 black-and-white photos and designs.

Describes the development and uses of different kinds of locks, relates stories about important locks in history, and discusses the meanings that the words "lock" and "key" have taken on in our language.

High-Security Mechanical Locks comprehensively surveys and explains the highly technical area of high security locks in a way that is accessible to a wide audience. Well over 100 different locks are presented, organized into 6 basic types. Each chapter introduces the necessary concepts in a historical perspective and further categorizes the locks. This is followed by detailed 'how it works' descriptions with many pictures, diagrams and references. The descriptions are based on actual dissections of the real locks.The scope is limited to key operated mechanical locks, thus keyless combination locks and digital locks are not covered. The book does not deal with routine locksmithing topics such as installation and servicing of locks. The sensitive area of picking and bypassing of locks is dealt with only at a high level without giving detailed information that would be unacceptable in the wrong hands.* Comprehensive coverage of over 100 different types of 19th and 20th century key-operated locks, unified in a simple classification scheme* Detailed operating principles - clear 'how it works' descriptions* Manipulation resistance rating for each lock on a scale of 1 to 5

A New York Times bestseller Unlock your heart and the rest will follow. Ruby is used to taking care of herself. But now that she’s living with her sister, she’s got her own room, she’s going to a good school, and her future looks bright. Plus there’s the adorable boy next door. Can Ruby learn to open her heart and let him in? “All the Dessen trademarks here” —Publishers Weekly, starred review Also by Sarah Dessen: Along for the Ride Dreamland Just Listen Keeping the Moon The Moon and More Someone Like You That Summer This Lullaby The Truth About Forever What Happened to Goodbye

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.

Six doors can be unlocked (with a real key!) to reveal fanciful cakes at the bakery, colorful toys at the toy store, and more hidden treasures. In addition to enhancing fine motor skills, the book teaches vocabulary, colors, and counting—in the most delightful way. SIX DOORS CAN be unlocked (with a real key!) to reveal fanciful cakes at the bakery, colorful toys at the toy store, and more hidden treasures. In addition to enhancing fine motor skills, the book teaches vocabulary, colors, and counting—in the most delightful way. This follow-up to the successful Turn the Key, also a collaboration between Julie Merberg and Lucinda McQueen, offers more fun for tiny fingers and curious minds.

The Hudson River Valley, 1769: A man mysteriously disappears without a trace, abandoning his wife and children on their farm at the foot of the Catskill Mountains. At first many believe that his wife, who has the reputation of being a scold, has driven her husband away, but as the strange circumstances of his disappearance circulate, a darker story unfolds. And as the lines between myth and reality fade in the wilderness, and an American nation struggles to emerge, the lost man’s wife embarks on a desperate journey to find the means to ensure her family’s survival . . .