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In Longitude, Dava Sobel chronicles the world's quest to tame time. In 1714, the English Parliament passed the longitude act. It established the Board of Longitude and offered a prize of 20,000 pounds to anyone who could find a simple and practical method for the precise determination of a ship's longitude. In particular Sobel highlights John Harrison's pursuit of the prize. She traces the arc of his career, and details the innovations of each of his subsequent entries (H1-H5) Unfortunately, even though his Chronometers repeatedly proved their worth in Sea trial after sea trial, and the watch quickly gained adherents among sea captains, Harrison was thwarted at every turn in his attempt to claim the prize. Jealous rivals on the board used their influence to change the rules of the contest multiple times. His relations with the board became so acrimonious that eventually his friends went over the board's head and appealed directly to the King himself. George III asked that a special act of Parliament be passed and Harrison finally received his prize.
Despite it's brevity, Longitude is an incredibly engaging and educational book. Sobel writes in a way that makes the science and math accessible to the general reader.
If you're interested in this subject I'd also recommend the 2000 A&E movie, which was based on this book.
Despite it's brevity, Longitude is an incredibly engaging and educational book. Sobel writes in a way that makes the science and math accessible to the general reader.
If you're interested in this subject I'd also recommend the 2000 A&E movie, which was based on this book.
