
Longitude: the true story of a lone genius
"Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius" by Dava Sobel is a fascinating non-fiction book that tells the story of John Harrison, an 18th-century English clockmaker who invented the marine chronometer. This device revolutionized navigation by accurately measuring longitude at sea, a challenge that had confounded sailors and scientists for centuries. Sobel skillfully weaves together history, science, and biography to bring Harrison's remarkable achievements to life, highlighting his perseverance and ingenuity in the face of skepticism and adversity. Through Harrison's story, readers gain insight into the importance of precision timekeeping in solving one of the greatest navigational problems of the time. "Longitude" is a compelling and accessible narrative that celebrates the power of human innovation and determination.
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