# World Clock

> creative work by Nick Montfort

**Wikidata**: [Q132203695](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q132203695)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/world-clock-q132203695

## Summary  
*World Clock* is a creative work and application developed by Nick Montfort in 2013. It is written in Python and represents an example of generative literature, distributed in printed form. The piece programmatically generates textual outputs that reflect time-based narratives.

## Key Facts  
- Created by: Nick Montfort  
- Published in: 2013  
- Instance of: Creative work, Application  
- Genre: Generative literature  
- Programming Language: Python  
- Distribution Format: Printed matter  
- Language of Work: English  
- Identifier: ELMCIP ID 9848  

## FAQs  
### Q: What is World Clock?  
A: *World Clock* is a generative literary work created by Nick Montfort. It uses code to produce text-based representations of global time, exploring temporal themes through computational creativity.

### Q: Who made World Clock?  
A: *World Clock* was authored by Nick Montfort, a digital media artist and scholar known for his contributions to electronic literature and generative art.

### Q: In what programming language was World Clock written?  
A: *World Clock* was written in Python, a high-level general-purpose programming language first released in February 1991.

## Why It Matters  
*World Clock* plays a significant role in the field of electronic literature as an example of how computation can be used to explore abstract concepts like time and geography. As part of the broader movement of generative literature, it demonstrates how algorithms can serve as tools for artistic expression rather than mere automation. By presenting time across global locations through procedural writing, Montfort’s work invites readers to reconsider their relationship with both technology and temporality. Its distribution in print also highlights the intersection between digital creation and traditional publishing formats, challenging assumptions about where and how digital artworks are experienced.

## Notable For  
- Being a notable example of generative literature  
- Combining algorithmic processes with poetic exploration of time  
- Bridging digital art and physical print media  
- Authored by Nick Montfort, a recognized figure in electronic literature  
- Written entirely in Python, showcasing accessible yet expressive coding practices  

## Body  

### Overview  
*World Clock* is a creative work published in 2013 by Nick Montfort. Classified under both “creative work” and “application,” it functions as a software-based artwork that produces textual output related to global time zones.

### Technical Details  
The project is implemented using Python, which was originally conceived and developed by Guido van Rossum and first released in February 1991. This choice reflects Montfort's engagement with accessible, widely-used programming languages to create literary experiences.

### Publication & Distribution  
Unlike many digital artworks confined to screen interaction, *World Clock* was distributed in printed format. This decision situates the work within conversations around permanence, tangibility, and accessibility in digital culture.

### Contextual Significance  
As part of the Electronic Literature Collection (identified via ELMCIP ID 9848), *World Clock* contributes to a curated archive of works that demonstrate innovation in form, process, and reader engagement. Its categorization as generative literature underscores its dynamic nature—each reading potentially offering new textual configurations based on coded logic.

### Author Background  
Nick Montfort is a prominent figure in digital humanities and computational creativity. His body of work includes numerous explorations into interactive fiction, poetry generators, and other forms of algorithmic storytelling, positioning him as a central voice in contemporary electronic literature.