SKU: 72417267939

Locks and Keys throughout the Ages

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Description

Locks and Keys throughout the AgesLocks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the 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

Locks and Keys throughout the Ages is widely considered the best book ever written on the history of locks. It is illustrated throughout with photos from the 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 YaleChubb, and many others).

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 of the photos is equal to and, in many cases, better than the original 1957 edition. 

The author was not only a master locksmith who developed 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 pre-historic to modern times and he also explains to us, in words and illustrations, how their mechanisms work.

Artisan Ideas is very glad to be able to make this exceptional book available to the public again.

Vincent Eras
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SKU: 72417267939

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4.8 ★★★★★
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Freddie
Draper, US
★★★★★ 5
High quality!
I am not a seasoned programmer, so I cannot compare this to other resources available. Regarding the book itself, though, it is very high quality. The book itself is a hard cover with very high production values. Everything is illustrated and easy to understand. Like I said, I cannot vouch for the nitty-gritty that an expert might be able to, but from my perspective, this is a great place to start as a beginner.
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Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2024
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EMILY
Chelsea, US
★★★★★ 5
Works for me
Im still reading this. I am finding it informative....as it should be.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2025
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Jed Rothwell
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Witty introduction. Not detailed, but technically accurate
Format: Kindle
I loved this book! I am a programmer and I have read several books about AI. This is an introduction for the general public. It does not have many technical details, but it is technically accurate. The writing is clear and understandable. It is also hilarious, with cute illustrations. I think it has more technical details and more interesting, on-point examples than some reviewers appreciate. They see the jokes and illustrations, and they don't notice how much technical information comes along with them. For example, she describes some fascinating parallels with biological evolution and AI systems discovering method of locomotion on their own, such as making yourself into a tower and then toppling over in the direction you want to go. The author points out this is how some species of grass propagate their seeds, one stem-length, each growing season. This is a short technical book. I like that! It reminds me of the classic "How to Lie With Statistics," by Darrell Huff, 1954, 142 pages. Everyone who wants to understand statistics should read this. It is also hilarious, it also has cute illustrations, and it is also one of the best introductions to the subject ever written.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 20, 2019
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M Arneson
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Funny and scary, but with a bit of reassurance
Format: Kindle
Reassuring and disturbing at the same time, this book exposes the flaws and risks of AI, while pointing out the weaknesses that make it incapable of taking over the world. The examples of AI foolishness entertain and startle. AI's missteps and errors and the real harm they cause provide a warning that is easier to absorb when leavened with the humor. So what happens if I end this review with a bit of AI-generated predictive texting? Here goes: This is a story out of India and I am not sure if I can make it to the wrong email address. Please let me know if you have any questions. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2019
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Randy Hayes
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Hilarious and Informative
Format: Kindle
This book was a major hit with me - it had me in hysterics at several points while teaching me a lot about machine learning and neural networks on a deep level.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 5, 2026

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