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Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel
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(MM - U-BIO). Hardcover with jacket. Minimal wear to jacket. Pages like new!
- Buy It NowLongitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius by Dava Sorbel HCDJ 1995
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About this product
Product Identifiers
PublisherWalker & Company
ISBN-100802713122
ISBN-139780802713124
eBay Product ID (ePID)82904
Product Key Features
LanguageEnglish
TopicNavigation, Earth Sciences / Geography, Clocks & Watches, Time, Science & Technology, Transportation, Science, Biography & Autobiography, Antiques & Collectibles
AuthorDava Sobel
Dimensions
Item Length7.7 In.
Item Height0.9 In.
Item Weight10.8 Oz
Item Width4.8 In.
Additional Product Features
LCCN95-017402
Book TitleLongitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Dewey Decimal681.1/18/092
Intended AudienceTrade
SynopsisAnyone alive in the eighteenth 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 scientific establishment of 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--a clock that would keep precise time at sea, something no clock had ever been able to do on land. Longitude is the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest, and of Harrison's forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer. Full of heroism and chicanery, it is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clockmaking, and opens a new window on our world.
Publication Year1995
Dewey Edition21
FormatHardcover
LC Classification NumberQB225.S64 1995
Number of Pages224 pages
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Ratings and Reviews
Most relevant reviews
- Aug 15, 2016
An Interesting part of history
The measure of longitudes and the ability to know one's location with longitude was impossible until the 1700's. This book presents the struggle and difficulties in establishing an accurate way to have this measure. Dava Sobel presents an excellent and interesting story of the longitude quest. Her book is quite readable and hard to set down. It's not a long book, which made it a great interlude. I've lent it to friends who find it equally fascinating, one read it in 2 days!Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- Mar 28, 2024
Amazing Story and Well Written by a Wonderful and Talented Author!
This is an amazing story and so well written by Dava Sobel. I was immersed in the details very quickly and could hardly put it down to sleep. I've already read Galileo's Daughter too and it was also a must read. Now, I buy anything this author writes.Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- Nov 23, 2024
Great book about an important but little known figure
Great story in a small package.Verified purchase: Yes
- Nov 10, 2020
Longitude
yes my husband like it.Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
- Jun 10, 2024
Interesting reading
Interesting readingVerified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned
