Longitude
Dava Sobel
Length: 175
Genre:
History
In a
nutshell:
Today, it’s relatively simple to determine one’s longitude: all you need is a simple wristwatch and the
ability to do simple calculations.
However, during the heyday of naval exploration, the “Longitude Problem”
was one of the biggest scientific hurdles of the time, as clocks were not able
to maintain time under the harsh conditions at sea. In this account, Sobel relates the conditions
surrounding the problem, as well as the personal stories, triumphs, and
disappointments that went into solving this issue. She deftly ties all the threads together into
a story that is as informative as it is entertaining and suspenseful, one that
is grounded in history but full of intrigue.
Longitude is a quick and fun
read that left me thinking long after I finished the final page.
Recommended
to:
anyone who’s a fan of history, astronomy, navigation and exploration,
clock making, or tales of human ambition
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