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Longitude

the True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time
Aug 27, 2015wyenotgo rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
This is the fascinating story of John Harrison, the man who single-handedly and without the benefit of high education, technical antecedents, social standing or public or private patronage, solved the age-old problem of determining longitude -- knowing one's precise position in the East-West direction. His solution was blingingly simple but almost impossibly difficult to execute: designing and constructing a highly accurate seagoing clock. As has been so often the case, a true genius and original thinker, far from being honored and rewarded for his achievements and contribution to mankind (in this case, sailors in particular) he is beset by jealous enemies and abused by the authorities of his day almost to the end of his life. Despite every possible obstacle placed in his way, he succeeds in the end.