'Longitude' By Dava Sobel

Dava Sobel's "Longitude" is a non-fiction book that tells the story of John Harrison, an English clockmaker who created a marine chronometer in the 18th century. The book explores the challenges that sailors faced when trying to navigate the seas and how Harrison's invention revolutionized navigation.Sobel begins the book by describing the problem that sailors faced at the time. Navigators relied on the position of the stars to determine their location, but this method was imprecise and unreliable. Sailors needed an accurate method to measure longitude, which could only be done by comparing the time at two different locations. However, clocks at the time were not accurate enough to keep time at sea, where the constant motion of the ship affected their accuracy.Harrison was a self-taught clockmaker who became obsessed with solving the problem of measuring longitude at sea. He spent years designing and building marine chronometers, clocks that could keep accurate time at sea. The book details Harrison's struggles to get his invention recognized and funded by the British government, which had offered a substantial reward for a solution to the longitude problem.Sobel also explores the politics and intrigue that surrounded the search for a solution to the longitude problem. The book describes the efforts of other scientists and inventors, who were also competing for the prize money, and the factions within the British government that supported different solutions.Through her vivid descriptions of the challenges faced by sailors and the technical details of Harrison's invention, Sobel brings to life the excitement and drama of the race to solve the longitude problem. She also provides insight into the social and cultural context of the time, including the role of the British navy and the importance of navigation to trade and empire-building.One of the themes that emerges in the book is the tension between tradition and innovation. The traditional methods of navigation, which relied on the stars, had been used for centuries and were deeply ingrained in nautical culture. Harrison's invention challenged these traditions and was met with skepticism and resistance from many in the establishment.Another theme is the importance of persistence and determination in the face of obstacles. Harrison faced numerous setbacks and rejections in his quest to build a marine chronometer, but he never gave up. His perseverance and dedication ultimately paid off, and his invention revolutionized navigation and helped make possible the global exploration and trade of the 19th century.Sobel's writing is clear and engaging, and she manages to make technical details accessible to a lay audience. She also incorporates historical anecdotes and colorful characters, such as the infamous pirate William Kidd and the eccentric clockmaker Thomas Mudge, who add depth and interest to the narrative.In conclusion, "Longitude" is a fascinating account of one man's quest to solve a technical problem that had far-reaching consequences for the world. Sobel's meticulous research and vivid storytelling make for an entertaining and informative read, while also providing insight into the social and cultural context of the time. The book is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the importance of persistence in the face of adversity.