During the great age of exploration, the "longitude problem" was the gravest of scientific challenges. Without the ability to determine longitude, sailors and their ships were lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. In 1714, desperate for a solution, England's Parliament offered 20,000 pounds (the equivalent of millions of dollars today) to anyone who could solve the problem. With all the skill and storytelling ability of a great novelist, Dava Sobel captures the dramatic story at the heart of this epic scientific ...
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During the great age of exploration, the "longitude problem" was the gravest of scientific challenges. Without the ability to determine longitude, sailors and their ships were lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. In 1714, desperate for a solution, England's Parliament offered 20,000 pounds (the equivalent of millions of dollars today) to anyone who could solve the problem. With all the skill and storytelling ability of a great novelist, Dava Sobel captures the dramatic story at the heart of this epic scientific quest.
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. The book is perfectly readable and fit for use, although it shows signs of previous ownership. The spine is likely creased and the cover scuffed or slightly torn. Textbooks will typically have an amount of underlining and/or highlighting, as well as notes. If this book is over 5 years old, then please expect the pages to be yellowing or to have age spots. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. All orders are dispatched within 1 working day from our UK warehouse. Established in 2004, we are dedicated to recycling unwanted books on behalf of a number of UK charities who benefit from added revenue through the sale of their books plus huge savings in waste disposal. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied.
I was just introduced to author Dava Sobel, and this is the first of her books that I have read. She populates a fascinating historical event with believable characters. A wonderful job.
egeezer
Aug 16, 2007
How it really happened....
This is an account of the development of a navigational tool we've all taken for granted for years. We all assume this capability has been around for centuries. No so, and this author makes the inventor's story a real page-turner. This little gem should be required reading for everyone!!!
delmarva
Apr 20, 2007
An untold story of intrigue.
A quick scan of the cover does not begin to describe the contents of this little gem. On the surface, it appears to be just an another historical trek down science lane but once you begin reading Sobel's tale you realize she is spinning a very real story of intrigue. Just discovering the background of John Harrison alone makes you marvel at how he could had solved such a complex problem. Then add in the fact that the most learned astronomical thinkers of the time were in competition with him is where the intrigue of this tale begins. Sobel keeps the technical aspects of this story simple to read and understand and concentrates on the historical facts and the struggle Harrison waged to prove himself.