Dava Sobel
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
- ISBN 13:
- 9780802715296
- author:
- Dava Sobel
- format:
- Paperback
- publisher:
- Walker & Company
- language:
- English
- Publication Year:
- 2007
- Pages:
- 184
- Dimensions:
- 187mm / 118mm
- Genre:
- Earth Sciences / Geography
- Condition:
- New
- Availability:
- Item usually sent within 5 working days
Description
The longitude problem was a scientific dilemma that had puzzled sailors and astronomers for centuries. Thousands of lives and the fortunes of nations hung in the balance as a solution was sought. One man, John Harrison, dared to challenge the scientific community with a bold idea: a mechanical clock that could keep precise time at sea. His quest, spanning forty years, would take him to the heart of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking. Harrison's story is a testament to human ingenuity and perseverance. His pursuit of building the perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer, was marked by heroism and chicanery. This book offers a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in scientific history, revealing the intricate details of Harrison's journey and the world he inhabited. Through Harrison's story, Longitude opens a new window on our understanding of the world and the people who shaped it.