Longitude by Dava Sobel

The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time.“No novelist could improve on the elements of Dava Sobel’s Longitude. . . a book as intricate and elegant as one of [Harrison’s] own magnificent timepieces” – Newsweek“[Ms Sobel] has a remarkable ability to tell a story with clarity and perfect pacing. . . This is a gem of a book.” – Christopher Lehmantn-Haupt, The New York Times“She offers us nothing, in short, but measured, nearly perfect story, and extraordinary book” – Washington Post Book World“Anyone with an interest in history or inthings maritime should consider Longitude. This fascinating volume. . . brings alive the 18th century.” – USA Today

Sobel presents the dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and of John Harrison's 40-year obsession with building the perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer.