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"Longitude" by Dava Sobel is a captivating non-fiction book that recounts the dramatic story of the invention of the marine chronometer and its significant impact on navigation and global exploration.
The book "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" is a non-fiction historical narrative written by Dava Sobel. It was first published in 1995 and has since become a popular work in the field of maritime history.
"Longitude" tells the captivating story of John Harrison, an English clockmaker who devoted his life to solving the problem of determining longitude at sea. In the 18th century, accurately measuring longitude was crucial for navigation, as it allowed sailors to determine their exact position on the globe. However, the lack of a reliable method to measure longitude led to numerous shipwrecks and loss of lives.
Sobel's book sheds light on Harrison's struggle against skepticism, bureaucratic obstacles, and rival scientists who supported alternative methods. Harrison ultimately invented the marine chronometer, a highly accurate timepiece that revolutionized maritime navigation.
"Longitude" not only provides a fascinating account of one man's perseverance and ingenuity but also explores the broader historical context of the quest for accurate navigation. Sobel effectively combines scientific explanations with engaging storytelling, making the book accessible to both general readers and those interested in the history of science and exploration.
"Longitude" by Dava Sobel is generally considered a fascinating and well-written book. It tells the captivating story of John Harrison, an 18th-century clockmaker who revolutionized navigation by solving the problem of determining longitude at sea. The book explores the historical context, scientific advancements, and human drama surrounding this achievement. If you have an interest in history, science, or the intersection of technology and exploration, "Longitude" can be definitely worth reading.
In the captivating book "Longitude," author Dava Sobel delves into the fascinating history behind humankind's relentless pursuit of accurate navigation at sea. This gripping account unravels the challenges faced by navigators throughout centuries and reveals the groundbreaking solution that forever changed marine exploration: the invention of an accurate method to determine longitude. Join us on a journey through time as we explore the extraordinary stories and scientific advancements surrounding the quest for precision at sea.
Dava Sobel is an American author known for her popular science books. She was born on June 15, 1947, in the Bronx, New York City. Sobel initially worked as a science journalist before transitioning to writing books.
One of Sobel's most famous works is "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" (1995). This book tells the story of John Harrison, an 18th-century clockmaker who invented a highly accurate marine chronometer, solving the problem of determining longitude at sea.
Sobel is praised for her ability to make complex scientific topics accessible to a wide audience. In addition to "Longitude," she has written other notable books, including "Galileo's Daughter: A Historical Memoir of Science, Faith, and Love" (1999), which explores the relationship between Galileo Galilei and his daughter, and "The Planets" (2005), a comprehensive exploration of our solar system.
Her writing style combines historical research with storytelling, making her books engaging and informative. Dava Sobel's contributions have helped popularize scientific knowledge and bring it closer to the general public.
"Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" is a non-fiction book written by Dava Sobel. It tells the captivating story of John Harrison, an 18th-century English clockmaker who developed an accurate marine chronometer to determine longitude at sea.
During that era, accurately determining a ship's longitude while on long voyages was a significant challenge for sailors and explorers. The lack of reliable methods caused countless maritime disasters and lost lives. The quest to solve this problem became a matter of great importance for governments, navigators, and scientists.
The book highlights John Harrison's extraordinary journey as he tackled the scientific problem head-on. With his determination and ingenuity, Harrison dedicated years of his life to constructing a precise timepiece that could withstand the harsh conditions of the sea and provide accurate longitude measurements.
Sobel's work provides historical context, shedding light on the competitive environment between different approaches to solving the longitude problem. She also explores the obstacles faced by Harrison, including skepticism from the scientific community and resistance from the established authority.
"Longitude" showcases how Harrison's breakthrough invention revolutionized navigation, transforming the world of maritime exploration and trade. Through this book, readers gain insights into the fascinating life of a forgotten genius who made a significant contribution to science and navigation, ultimately shaping our modern understanding of longitude.
The theme of "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" revolves around perseverance, ingenuity, and the pursuit of knowledge. The book chronicles the remarkable journey of John Harrison, an English clockmaker who embarked on a quest to solve the centuries-old problem of determining longitude at sea.
One of the main themes is perseverance, as Harrison overcomes numerous obstacles and setbacks throughout his life in pursuit of his goal. Despite facing skepticism from the scientific community and various challenges, he remains determined to prove the accuracy and reliability of his timekeeping devices.
Ingenuity is another key theme in the book. Harrison's innovative thinking and ability to challenge traditional ideas lead him to develop a series of groundbreaking marine timekeepers. He revolutionizes the field of horology by inventing the chronometer, a highly accurate portable clock that can withstand the harsh conditions of sea voyages.
The pursuit of knowledge is a central theme as well. Both Harrison and other scientists of his time strive to understand and solve the problem of longitude, realizing its immense practical implications for navigation and maritime travel. The book highlights the importance of intellectual curiosity, scientific inquiry, and the sharing of knowledge to push the boundaries of human understanding.
Overall, "Longitude" explores the triumph of individual determination, human innovation, and the significance of solving complex scientific problems that have far-reaching consequences for society.
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Here are a few notable quotes from Dava Sobel's book "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time":
These quotes highlight the significance of measuring longitude, the challenges faced by sailors, the importance of accurate timekeeping, and the remarkable achievement of John Harrison in solving the problem of determining longitude at sea.
If you enjoyed reading "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" by Dava Sobel, you might find these books interesting as well:
These books share common themes of scientific discovery, innovation, and the impact of such advancements on society. They might appeal to readers who enjoyed "Longitude" and are interested in exploring similar narratives.
