The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World
by Aczel, Amir D
- Used
- Condition
- Used - Very Good
- ISBN 10
- 0156007533
- ISBN 13
- 9780156007535
- Seller
-
Frederick, Maryland, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Synopsis
Sometimes it pays to be in the right place at the right time. Certainly the mariners in Amalfi in the twelfth century were. Here the compass was first invented and used in navigation, eventually helping to make Italians the world's greatest sailors. But the story of the compass is shrouded in mystery and myth. It begins in ancient China around the birth of Christ. A mysterious lodestone whose powers affected metal was known to the Emperor. This piece of metal suspended in water always pointed north and was put to excellent use in feng shui, the Chinese art of finding the right location. However, it was the Italians who unleashed the compass's formidable powers on ships at sea. Throughout the ancient world, sailors navigated by wind, and stars, and the routes of migrating birds, but bad weather and winter storms impeded their travels. When the compass migrated to Italy, the modern world began: Venice, trade with the East, the Age of Discovery. The compass made it all possible, and this is its fascinating story.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Wonder Book (US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- O11D-02375
- Title
- The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World
- Author
- Aczel, Amir D
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Binding
- Paperback
- ISBN 10
- 0156007533
- ISBN 13
- 9780156007535
- Publisher
- Mariner Books
- Place of Publication
- San Diego, Ca
- This edition first published
- May 2, 2002
Terms of Sale
Wonder Book
RETURNS are cheerfully accepted up to 30 days. We ship out within 1-2 business days and U.S. Standard Shipments usually arrive within 6-9 business days, Priority 3-6.
About the Seller
Wonder Book
About Wonder Book
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....