The Quest for Longitude

by William J.H. Andrewes

The Quest for Longitude is described by Dava Sobel, author of Longitude, as "the definitive work on the history of finding longitude at sea." This wonderfully illustrated volume, which includes the work of twenty experts including Alistair Cooke, relates this remarkable story within the context of several disciplines, including astronomy, cartography, mathematics, navigation, science, and time.

Genres: History, Science

437 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 1996

Reviews

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Quest for Longutude. 1993. For centuries the greatest minds in science focused on the problem of oceanic navigation. After numerous false starts and scores of dead ends the solution becomes more and more obvious. The key to determining longitude lies in developing a highly accurate time piece. A daunting task considering the harsh environment of a rolling ship on the high seas. Twenty essays from twenty different authors approach the subject from different perspectives with surprising little redundancy. 'The Quest" is a fairly technical book, yet very capable of holding the interest of even the most casual of readers.

[John Schwabacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great background info for people who enjoyed Longitude.
Good photos and descriptions of the timepieces mentioned in that book as well as other amazing and/or idiotic proposals for determining longitude.