Longitude: the True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of the Time, Dava Sobel (4.0)
While latitude was understood and measured relatively easily, who knew how challenging longitude would be and how long (no pun intended) it took to find a sure-fire way to measure it? While that is quite interesting, the history is even more dramatic as the best solution eventually comes from a commoner, a self-taught watchmaker named John Harrison. Even though reputed sea captains of the time raved about Harrison’s invention, he/it is unfairly tested over many years. Ms Sobel has written a fast-paced history lesson with villains and heroes that should be read by all.
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