Longitude by Dava Sobel
Like most people I'm often asked what my favourite book is and it's a question I never hesitate to answer. Longitude by Dava Sobel may not be the answer people expect to hear and, often, they are somewhat perplexed by my answer. I soon persuade them to give it a try and, while not everyone agrees it's the best book ever, I've yet to hear a negative appraisal?
This is the story of Yorkshire carpenter, John Harrison, and his quest to claim the prize of £20,000 offered by Parliament in 1714 for solving the longitude problem.
In today's age of GPS satellite navigation and routine air travel it is difficult to appreciate that there was a time when finding one's way at sea depended as much upon luck as skill and the occurrence of ships being lost at sea was all too common.
The problem of determining one's position at sea was one that puzzled many of the leading scientists of the age.
The quandary being considered such a challenge that it forced Parliament to take unprecedented action by offering, what was in its day, a King's ransom to anyone who could demonstrate a practicable and useful method of determining longitude at sea?
To John Harrison the answer to the problem was a simple one. He knew that the Earth takes 24 hours to rotate 360 degrees and that one hour marked one 24th of a spin, or 15 degrees. If a sailor knew the exact time of a fixed place on the globe and also knew the exact time on ship then a simple calculation would determine his longitudinal position. All Harrison had to do was to create a portable timepiece which could be guaranteed to be accurate even after weeks or months at sea.
A keen amateur clock maker, Harrison had mastered the craft of producing accurate timepieces and he was certain that he could produce a clock which would stand the rigours of a life at sea and still remain accurate enough to be able to calculate the ship's longitude reliably.
Harrison was a simple man, intelligent but without formal education, his idea was challenged by some of the most prominent and celebrated members of the scientific community.
Harrison was, however, determined to prove his theory and claim the prize. Despite constant set backs Harrison persevered and eventually, after some 40 years he was finally awarded the prize he so richly deserved.
The story is one of self belief, determination and a refusal to give up. We owe much to John Harrison; yes, the problem would have been solved eventually but, given that it took him [Harrison] the best part of his life, one can only wonder how many more men would have perished at sea for want of a simple timepiece which we, today, take for granted?
The story is told well by Sobel - what could be a tedious and uninspiring subject is explained with perfect clarity and inter-twined with Harrison's story makes a very good read. The book is not a long one, at less than 200 pages it's a quick read and considering the complexities involved this is a testament to Sobel's skill as a writer. I've read the book several times and always enjoy it; I suggest you give it a try?
Longitude is now available in digital format as an e-book title. Electronic book readers are changing the way we read and enjoy the written word. Get yours now at eBook Readers