One Sentence Summary:
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel is a captivating book that tells the remarkable story of how John Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, solved the centuries-old problem of measuring longitude at sea.
Book Genre:
Non-fiction, History, Biography
Main Topic of the Book:
The book explores the long-standing problem of determining a ship’s longitude while at sea and the life of John Harrison, an ingenious clockmaker who invented a timepiece that revolutionized navigation.
Key Ideas:
- The invention of a timepiece that could accurately measure longitude at sea was a vital problem that needed to be solved for safe and efficient global exploration.
- The primary focus of the book is the extraordinary life of John Harrison, who dedicated his life to finding a solution to the problem of longitude.
- Through meticulous research and experimentation, Harrison achieved what was deemed impossible and forever changed maritime travel.
- The book also delves into the political and social hurdles faced by Harrison in his quest to gain recognition for his invention.
Main Parts of the Book and Short Summary:
- Part One: The Problem – This section provides background information on the problem of finding longitude at sea and the impact it had on maritime travel. It also introduces John Harrison and his determination to solve the problem.
- Part Two: The Solution – This section details Harrison’s journey of designing and building his groundbreaking timepieces, including the H1, H2, and H3. It also highlights important events that propelled him towards his ultimate goal.
- Part Three: The Clockmaker – This section focuses on Harrison’s struggle to gain recognition and financial support for his invention. It also sheds light on the controversy surrounding the official award for solving the problem of longitude.
- Part Four: The Prize – The final section reveals the lasting impact of Harrison’s invention and how accurate timekeeping revolutionized navigation and exploration at sea. It also reflects on his legacy and the controversy that surrounded his achievements.
Key Takeaways:
- The problem of finding longitude at sea was a significant issue that affected maritime travel for centuries.
- John Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, dedicated his life to finding a solution to the problem and eventually revolutionized navigation with his invention.
- The book also highlights the political and social challenges that Harrison faced in gaining recognition for his achievements.
- The impact of accurate timekeeping on navigation and exploration is still relevant today, and it is due to the perseverance and innovative thinking of John Harrison.
Author’s Background and Qualifications:
Dava Sobel is an accomplished American science writer and historian. She has a degree in English literature and has taught writing and science at various universities. She has written several other bestselling books, including “Galileo’s Daughter” and “The Glass Universe,” both of which have received critical acclaim.
Target Audience:
The book is suitable for readers interested in history, navigation, and biographies. It is also a fascinating read for those interested in scientific breakthroughs and the individuals behind them. Additionally, the book appeals to a wide range of audiences, from casual readers to history buffs.
Publisher and First Publication Date:
The book was published by HarperCollins in 1995 and has since been reprinted and translated into numerous languages. The latest edition was released in 2011 and includes a foreword by the author, providing updates on the story and new insights into John Harrison’s life and legacy.