This popular book tells the story of John Harrison, an 18th century Englishman who invented the marine chronometer, a timekeeping device that solved the problem of accurately determining longitude at sea.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for those who are interested in the history of the marine chronometer and how it impacted navigation during the 18th century.
Pros :
- The book is interesting and well-written.
- It tells the story of a little-known historical figure who made a significant contribution to science.
- The subject matter is accessible to readers with no prior knowledge of computers or technology.
Cons :
- The author does not go into a lot of detail about how John Harrison’s chronometer works.
- The book is quite long and may be boring for some people.
- Some readers may find the story of an Englishman from centuries ago difficult to follow.
Learn more about the author
Dava Sobel is a science journalist and author of popular books about mathematics, astronomy, and physics.
Reader Reviews
“Dava Sobel tells the story of Harrison and his chronometers with clarity and charm. She also provides a fascinating history of maritime navigation.”
“Dava Sobel tells the story of John Harrison, an 18th century Englishman who invented the marine chronometer- a timekeeping device that solved the problem of accurately determining longitude at sea. She writes in an engaging and easily accessible style, making what could be a dry technical subject interesting to general readers. This well-researched book is based on extensive interviews with surviving relatives and contemporaries of Harrison as well as archival research.”
“Dava Sobel has a rare gift for taking complex scientific concepts and making them both clear and engaging. In Longitude, she tells the story of John Harrison, an 18th century Englishman who invented the marine chronometer-a timekeeping device that solved the problem of accurately determining longitude at sea. With her trademark combination of meticulous research and lucid prose, Sobel brings to life the characters involved in this epic drama: brilliant scientists like Isaac Newton and Edmond Halley; hardscrabble craftsmen like Harrison himself; as well as political leaders intent on preserving Britain’s maritime supremacy.”
“Dava Sobel’s Longitude is a gorgeously written and compelling tale of the quest for an accurate way to measure longitude at sea. Filled with colorful characters and rich historical detail, it brings John Harrison’s story to life in a fashion that is both informative and entertaining.”
