Search - Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time

Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Longitude The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Author: Dava Sobel
During the great ages of exploration, "the longitude problem" was the gravest of all scientific challenges. Lacking the ability to determine their longitude, sailors were literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Ships ran aground on rocky shores; those traveling well-known routes were easy prey to pirates. — In 1714, England's Pa...  more »
ISBN-13: 9780140258790
ISBN-10: 0140258795
Publication Date: 10/1/1996
Pages: 192
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 110

3.9 stars, based on 110 ratings
Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
Book Type: Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover, Audio Cassette, Audio CD
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  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on
6 member(s) found this review helpful.
Excellent story about John Harrison's mechanical solution on how to measure longitude so the ships would not get lost at sea. Reads like a novel but has all the facts about the scientific challenge. The book really held my interest.
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on + 57 more book reviews
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
An amazing story of the rivalries, politics and stubborness of so called educated men vs. those of talent and great skill. Clearly told, captivating.
  • Currently 0/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on + 372 more book reviews
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
I couldn't get into this...it reads too much like a college textbook for my style.

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  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on + 10 more book reviews
Excellent story - well told. A tale of intrigue as it is of science. A must for anyone who wondered "how did that happen".
  • Currently 5/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on + 22 more book reviews
This is a great story about a very important invention. The struggle that this man, John Harrison, experienced most of his life to achieve his goal is daunting and most of us would have given up.
  • Currently 4.5/5 Stars.
reviewed Longitude : The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time on + 207 more book reviews
Dava Sobel writes with a passion for the subject that makes this book a fascinating read. She explains the technical subject matter in layman's terms, without over simplifying, and breathes life into the characters involved. I loved this little book!


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