Betts, Jonathan
John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude
- ISBN 13:
- 9781906367992
- author:
- Betts, Jonathan
- format:
- Hardback
- publisher:
- Royal Museums Greenwich
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2023
- Pages:
- 128
- Dimensions:
- 1.5 x 14.6 x 14.6 centimetres (0
- Genre:
- Science, Time, ,
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 10 working days
Description
John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude tells the story of a man driven by the need to solve one of the greatest practical problems of his time. In 1714, a prize was offered to provide a solution to determining longitudinal position at sea, and John Harrison, a skilled carpenter, set out to develop portable clocks that would rival even the most precise watches of the time.
His famous 'H' timepieces went on to revolutionise sea travel and save many thousands of lives. Beautifully illustrated with images that showcase the intricate detail and mechanisms of these remarkable timepieces, this book brings to life the story of a man who overcame seemingly insurmountable challenges to achieve greatness.
Now housed in the collection of Royal Observatory Greenwich, John Harrison's clocks are milestones in clock-making history. This revised and updated edition of his biography sheds new light on the life and achievements of this remarkable individual, and is a fascinating account of innovation and perseverance.