Secrets of Automata

Nowhere else is so much clearly described mechanical information specific to automata to be found. If you are a practising automatist, a beginner new to the field, or just someone with an interest in automata and other mechanical things, this book is a must-have. – Marc Horovitz, Automata Magazine * Automata Magazine *The appearance of this book is extremely attractive with a seductive layout, large print and hundreds of colour photographs, the captions to many of which give further explanation of how the subject ‘works’. It is so gorgeous that you will want this for your coffee table - but don’t leave it there. Read it and enjoy, and be prepared to be amazed. – Alison Biden, The Music Box * The Music Box *

Michael Start is a trained horologist who specialises in automata and mechanical singing bird restoration. Michael also runs The House of Automata in Forres, Scotland, a workshop, showroom and exhibition featuring a large number of rare automata. Once dubbed a ‘clockwork guru’ by the newspapers, he gives talks on and demonstrations of automata, provides consultancy and hire services to film and media, including Scorsese’s Hugo and Hammer Films’ The Woman in Black. He has also advised on and supplied automata to many major museums and collections around the world. Alongside his wife Maria, they feature their automata restoration skills on Quest TV in the series Salvage Hunters - The Restorers. The House of Automata has a significant social media presence promoting good restoration practice with knowledge and enjoyment of all things automata-related.