Longitude by Dava Sobel
This book delves into the historical quest for a reliable method to determine longitude at sea, a critical challenge that perplexed sailors and explorers for centuries. It focuses on the story of John Harrison, an 18th-century English clockmaker, who dedicated his life to solving this problem. Harrison invented the marine chronometer, a revolutionary timepiece that enabled navigators to accurately calculate their longitude, fundamentally changing sea travel. The narrative not only highlights Harrison's inventive genius and persistence against the skepticism of the scientific establishment of his time but also explores the broader impact of his work on navigation, maritime trade, and the expansion of the British Empire.
The 6066th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1995
- Nationality
- American
- Type
- Fiction
- Pages
- 180-220
- Words
- Unknown
- Original Language
- English
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This book is on the following lists:
- 1,000 Books to Read Before You Die: A Life-Changing List (1,000 Books to Read Before You Die(Book))
- 10 of the Best Popular Science Books as Chosen by Authors and Writers (NewScientist )