Title: Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Author: Dava Sobel
First published October 19, 1995
184 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780802714626 (ISBN10: 0802714625)
Rating: 3.97
Overview
“Longitude” is an inspiring tale of one man’s pursuit of scientific excellence. In the eighteenth century, the “longitude problem” posed a significant challenge to sailors who were lost at sea without the ability to measure longitude.
This engaging historical account by Dava Sobel delves deep into the intricate world of astronomy, navigation, and horology, all revolving around the life and work of John Harrison. A self-taught Yorkshire clockmaker, Harrison spent four decades of his life building the perfect timekeeper, setting himself at odds with the establishment.
Despite the obstacles, Harrison remained steadfast in his pursuit of a solution and the reward of £20,000 offered by Parliament. “Longitude” is an enthralling narrative of a lone genius who solved the greatest scientific problem of his time.
About the Author
Dava Sobel is a talented writer who specializes in explaining complex scientific concepts in a way that’s easy for the average person to understand. She graduated from the Bronx High School of Science in 1964, and went on to attend Antioch College, the City College of New York, and the State University of New York at Binghamton, where she earned her bachelor of arts degree in 1969.
Her contributions to science writing have been recognized with honorary doctor of letters degrees from the University of Bath in England and Middlebury College in Vermont, both of which were awarded in 2002.
Throughout her career as a science journalist, which spans more than 40 years, Sobel has written for numerous publications, including , , and . She has also served as a contributing editor for and , and has co-authored five books, one of which was written with astronomer Frank Drake.
However, she is perhaps best known for her book .
In recognition of her accomplishments, there is now an asteroid named after her – 30935 Davasobel.
Editoral Review
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel is a non-fiction book that was first published on October 19, 1995. The book recounts the story of John Harrison, a self-taught English clockmaker, who solved the centuries-old problem of accurately measuring longitude at sea.
This book is written by Dava Sobel, an American writer popular for her scientific books and articles. Longitude belongs to the non-fiction genre, focusing on history and science.
The book is a fascinating account of the development of the marine chronometer and its impact on navigation. Sobel has a unique writing style that makes scientific concepts accessible to readers who are not experts in the field.
The book’s central theme is the perseverance of an individual in the face of enormous challenges and obstacles. The book is structured into four parts that chronicle the life of John Harrison and his decades-long struggle to build an accurate marine chronometer.
The book takes the reader on a journey back in time to the 18th century, a time when sea voyages were perilous, and accurately measuring longitude was vital to avoid shipwreck. Sobel uses captivating language to describe the maritime world that John Harrison and his contemporary scientists inhabited.
The book’s main characters are John Harrison and his rival scientists who doubted Harrison’s claims of building a timepiece that could accurately measure longitude. The reader is also introduced to King George III, who offered a handsome reward for a solution to the longitude problem, and members of the scientific community that helped or hindered Harrison in his quest.
Sobel’s writing conveys a deep understanding of the scientific developments of the time, and her historical research is impressive. The book also highlights the gender and class hierarchies that existed during Harrison’s lifetime.
Women, in particular, were not allowed to participate in scientific inquiry, which resulted in talented female astronomers and mathematicians being overlooked. One of the book’s strengths is the extensive research that Sobel undertook in writing Longitude.
Sobel’s research is evident in the historical background provided on the longitude problem and the navigational difficulties faced in the 18th century. Conversely, one flaw of the book is that it tends to drag in some parts, especially when Sobel focuses on technical details.
However, this should not deter readers who are interested in the history of science, technology, and navigation. In conclusion, Longitude is an excellent read for anyone who enjoys history, science, or biography.
Sobel’s beautiful writing, coupled with her impressive research, creates an engaging and informative book. The book’s relevance to contemporary issues of technological innovation and scientific inquiry makes it an excellent recommendation for anyone interested in these subjects.
Longitude receives a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating.
