Massively overrated
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This is an absurdly overrated book. Dava Sobel has found an interesting story that she is simply incapable of doing justice to. Anybody with any background knowledge (or in fact a scientific background) will be unsatisfied by this.
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You wont read a better book
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This is one of the most competently told stories I have ever read. And itis a truly inspiring story. Really, make time to read it. I am a trainedastro-navigator, but until I read this book I never really fullyapreciated the impoortance of my cheap plastic wristwatch. In the days ofGPS it is easy to forget what went before.
Brilliant.
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What a great little book!
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Just to prove that the most wonderful stories can be produced from true life, this science book for the layman tells the irresistable tale of John Harrison, winner of the English Parliament's prize for the determination of longitude in 1770. This is a tiny book in the paperback version, and makes for a rapid but extremely satisfying read. Political intrigue, fascinating science and excellent incidental anecdotes abound. (My favourite occurs right at the beginning - the tale of a haughty admiral who has an uppity sailor hanged for daring to question his navigation, and who receives his comeuppance in the most deliciously ironic way.... and it's all true!) Most of all, it brings into focus the concept of a "life's work" - John Harrison's dogged faithfulness to producing the world's most accurate chronograph in a practical, portable package. The sheer thought of spending 19 years perfecting just one variation of it is inconceivable; that he spent over 40 years refining his concept to the eventual prizewinning piece just boggles the mind. This is a delightful read.
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The real time machine
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There are many lessons that can be learnt from reading Dava Sobel's wonderful novel, and they aren't all to do with the science of clocks. For many writers of science and history, the temptation to overwhelm the reader with an abundance of words seems a compulsion. In the case of Longitude, Sobel has dispensed with the weighty doorstop approach and instead provides us with one of the most dashing, informative and highly enjoyable strolls into the world of genius ever. Written with a flare for the dramatic, Longitude expounds not only the incredible quest undertaken by John Harrison, but also serves to tell of a period of history generally assumed to be without a value in Hollywood. The intrigue, backstabbing, deadlines and clock construction take place slowly, but not without sizzling across the page. As Harrison seeks to claim the £20,000, forces behind the scenes conspire against him. But the true hero here is the storyteller. The only disappointment is that your search for another non-fiction book of such brilliance will be so frustrating.
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there's a lot the average person does not realise....
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...about how the modern world came to be and how men were persecuted for trying to advance our understanding. Dava Sobel has educated me not just about history (I am essentially ignorant) but also about human nature - how easily we refuse to move forward. I suggest if you read this and feel the same, try reading "Galileo's Daughter" and "To Father".
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