Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
by Dava Sobel, Neil Armstrong
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time by Dava Sobel, Neil Armstrong holds a well received rating of 3.95 out of 5, based on 38.2K reader ratings. First published in 1995. The book spans 192 pages.
About Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Anyone alive in the eighteenth century would have known that "the longitude problem" was the thorniest scientific dilemma of the day—and had been for centuries. Lacking the ability to measure their longitude, sailors throughout the great ages of exploration had been literally lost at sea as soon as they lost sight of land. Thousands of lives, and the increasing fortunes of nations, hung on a resolution.The scientific establishment of Europe—from Galileo to Sir Issac Newton—had mapped the heavens in both hemispheres in its certain pursuit of a celestial answer. In stark contrast, one man, John Harrison, dared to imagine a mechanical solution—a clock that would keep precise time at sea, something no clock had ever been able to do on land. Longitude is a dramatic human story of an epic scientific quest and Harrison's forty-year obsession with building his perfect timekeeper, known today as the chronometer. Full of heroism and chicanery, it is also a fascinating brief history of astronomy, navigation, and clock-making, and opens a new window on our world.On its 10th anniversary, a gift edition of this classic book, with a forward by one of history's greatest explorers, and eight pages of color illustrations.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Dava Sobel, Neil Armstrong |
| Published | 1995 |
| Pages | 192 |
| Kindle Price | $9.45 |
| Genres | History, Non-Fiction, Science, Biography & Memoir, Travel |
| Average Rating | 3.95 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 38,151 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time?
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time is categorized as History, Non-Fiction, Science, Biography & Memoir. Its primary genre classification is Biography & Memoir.
Is Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time worth reading?
Based on 38.2K reader ratings, Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time has an average score of 3.95 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time?
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time has 192 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time?
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time was written by Dava Sobel, Neil Armstrong. It was first published in 1995.
What is the ISBN for Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time?
The ISBN-13 for Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time is 9780802714630.0.
How much does Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time cost on Kindle?
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time is available on Kindle for $9.45. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
