Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time - Softcover

Sobel, Dava

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0140258795 ISBN 13: 9780140258790

Publisher: Penguin, 1996

Synopsis

An award-winning science journalist traces the development of the marine chronometer by an obscure, uneducated clock maker--an invention that revolutionized sailing by allowing navigators to determine their ship's longitude. Reprint. Tour.

About this title

Review:

The thorniest scientific problem of the eighteenth century was how to determine longitude. Many thousands of lives had been lost at sea over the centuries due to the inability to determine an east-west position. This is the engrossing story of the clockmaker, John "Longitude" Harrison, who solved the problem that Newton and Galileo had failed to conquer, yet claimed only half the promised rich reward.

Review:

‘Perhaps the most famous book about getting lost since “The Odyssey”.’ Sunday Telegraph

‘An extraordinary tale of political intrigue and academic back-biting, of intellectual brilliance, and mechanical genius, of heroic endeavours and downright dishonesty ... a superb achievement.’ Spectator

‘A true life thriller, jam-packed with political intrigue, international warfare, personal feuds and financial skullduggery.’ Daily Mail

‘Rarely have I enjoyed a book as much as Dava Sobel's “Longitude”. She has an extraordinary gift of making difficult ideas clear.’ Daily Telegraph

‘This brief history of time is a fine tribute to a man who changed the world.’ Irish Times

‘Dava Sobel has written a gem of a book ... one of the best reads for the non-scientific to come along for many a moon.’ Financial Times

About this edition

• Publisher: Penguin
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 0140258795
• ISBN 13: 9780140258790
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 192