Longitude: The Extraordinary Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time

Quotes of Longitude book

  1. "The sea is everything. It covers seven-tenths of the terrestrial globe... The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the 'Living Infinite,' as one of your poets has said." - John Harrison
  2. "In science as in love, too much concentration on technique can often lead to impotence." - Dava Sobel
  3. "Every challenge that comes our way provides the opportunity for growth, and with every new challenge we are building strength and endurance" - Matthew Fontaine Maury
  4. "In a world where longitude is needed, being a clockmaker suddenly becomes a key position." - Dava Sobel
  5. "We all profit by making sure our work is as skilled as it can be, not for our own sake only, but out of respect for the general good." - John Harrison
  6. "In our time, when technology can make so much of what we have dreamed about as a nation come true, it seems foolish to limit the choices we offer schoolchildren." - Dava Sobel
  7. "Never forget that when we are dealing with any pleasure in its healthy and normal and satisfying form, we are, in a sense, on the Enemy's ground." - Robert Hooke
  8. "We must now depend upon the less optimistic but instructive testimony of bewildered mariners and desperate British imperialists who longed to bring light to the planet's wilder shores." - Dava Sobel
  9. "A fixed physical location is far more important to the society of information than to the economy of things." - Dava Sobel
  10. "We were not conquerors, but strangers in a strange land, seeking only the knowledge our age demanded." - John Harrison

Books like Longitude book

  1. "The Wright Brothers" by David McCullough: This book tells the story of the Wright brothers and their journey to invent and fly the world's first successful airplane. Like "Longitude," it explores the determination and ingenuity of individuals pushing the boundaries of science and technology.
  2. "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot: This book delves into the true story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were unknowingly taken and used for scientific research without her consent. It uncovers the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the impact on individuals and their families.
  3. "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly: This book tells the untold story of the African American women mathematicians who played a crucial role in the early years of the US space program. Like "Longitude," it sheds light on historical figures whose contributions were often overlooked or forgotten.
  4. "The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett: Although a work of historical fiction, this epic novel centers around the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages and the many challenges faced by those involved. Similar to "Longitude," it explores the intersection of science, engineering, and the human spirit.
  5. "The Gene: An Intimate History" by Siddhartha Mukherjee: This book provides a comprehensive exploration of the history and impact of genetics on society and medicine. Like "Longitude," it combines scientific discovery with human stories to create a captivating narrative.

These books contain elements of history, science, and human perseverance, making them comparable to "Longitude" in terms of their engagement and educational value.

Longitude book summary

"Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" is a book written by Dava Sobel. The book tells the captivating true story of John Harrison, an 18th-century English clockmaker who revolutionized the world of navigation by developing an accurate method to determine longitude at sea.

The book begins by highlighting the difficulties faced by sailors in the 18th century, who relied on the position of the stars and planets to estimate their longitude, but often made catastrophic navigational errors. The British government even offered a huge monetary prize to anyone who could devise a solution to this problem.

John Harrison, a self-taught clockmaker, dedicated his entire life to find a way to accurately measure longitude. He invented a series of groundbreaking timepieces known as marine chronometers, which were designed to keep accurate time on long sea voyages. These clocks were resistant to the harsh conditions of the ocean and allowed sailors to determine their longitude by comparing the time onboard with the time at a known location.

Sobel skillfully narrates Harrison's struggles and setbacks as he faced skepticism and opposition from the scientific community. She also describes his relentless determination and ingenuity, as he faced numerous technical challenges in order to create highly accurate and reliable marine chronometers.

Eventually, after years of perseverance and the support of influential figures such as King George III, Harrison's chronometers were recognized and adopted by the British Royal Navy. This breakthrough revolutionized navigation and greatly improved the safety and accuracy of sea travel.

"Longitude" not only provides a detailed account of Harrison's life and achievements but also explores the broader historical and scientific context of the time. The book sheds light on the importance of longitude measurement, the exploration of the world's oceans, and the impact of technological advancements in navigation.

Overall, "Longitude" is a captivating and inspiring tale of one man's quest to solve a great scientific problem and his enduring legacy, which revolutionized navigation and changed the course of history.