Longitude
The True Story of a Lone Genius who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
By: Dava Sobel
About This Book
The tenth anniversary edition of the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest: the search for the solution of how to calculate longitude and the unlikely triumph of an English genius. With a new Foreword by the celebrated astronaut Neil Armstrong. 'Sobel has done the impossible and made horology sexy - no mean feat' New Scientist Anyone alive in the 18th century would have known that 'the longitude problem' was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day - and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives, and the increasing fortunes of nations, hung on a resolution. The quest for a solution had occupied scientists and their patrons for the better part of two centuries when, in 1714, Parliament upped the ante by offering a king's ransom (£20,000) to anyone whose method or device proved successful. Countless quacks weighed in with preposterous suggestions. The scientific establishment throughout Europe - from Galileo to Sir Isaac Newton - had mapped the heavens in both hemispheres in its certain pursuit of a celestial answer. In stark contrast, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution. Full of heroism and chicanery, brilliance and the absurd, LONGITUDE is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation and clockmaking.
AI Overview
Book Overview: "Longitude" by Dava Sobel
Plot Summary: "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" by Dava Sobel is a historical narrative that delves into the life of John Harrison, an English clockmaker who dedicated his life to solving the longitude problem. The book chronicles Harrison's journey from a self-trained carpenter and clockmaker to a renowned figure in the scientific community. The "longitude problem" was a significant challenge in navigation during the 18th century, as sailors lacked a reliable method to determine their east-west position at sea. This problem led to numerous shipwrecks and navigational errors, making it a critical issue for maritime exploration and trade.
Harrison's obsession with building an accurate timekeeper began in the early 1700s. He faced significant opposition from the scientific establishment, which doubted the feasibility of his project. Despite these challenges, Harrison persevered, driven by a £20,000 reward offered by Parliament to anyone who could solve the longitude problem. His journey involves years of trial and error, including the development of his famous marine chronometers, which were capable of keeping accurate time despite the harsh conditions at sea.
The book also explores the broader historical context of navigation and astronomy during the 18th century, highlighting the importance of accurate timekeeping in solving the longitude problem. It details the interactions between Harrison and the Board of Longitude, which was established by Parliament to oversee the development of solutions to the longitude problem.
Key Themes:
- Perseverance and Innovation: The book showcases John Harrison's unwavering dedication to solving the longitude problem despite the skepticism and opposition he faced.
- Scientific Discovery: It highlights the scientific advancements and challenges of the 18th century, particularly in the fields of navigation and horology.
- Human Drama: The narrative is woven with personal stories, including Harrison's family life and his struggles against the establishment.
- Historical Context: The book provides a detailed historical backdrop, explaining the significance of the longitude problem and its impact on maritime exploration and trade.
Critical Reception: "Longitude" has received widespread acclaim for its engaging narrative and historical accuracy. Here are some key points from critical reviews:
- Engaging Narrative: Reviewers praise the book for its concise and riveting storytelling, making complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience.
- Historical Accuracy: The book is commended for its meticulous research and accurate portrayal of historical events and figures.
- Popular Science: Dava Sobel is recognized for her ability to write about scientific topics in an engaging and accessible manner, making "Longitude" a popular science book that appeals to both historians and general readers.
Overall, "Longitude" is a compelling historical narrative that not only tells the story of John Harrison's remarkable achievement but also provides a rich historical context that highlights the significance of his contribution to navigation and science.