"Longitude" tells the fascinating story of John Harrison, an 18th-century clockmaker who dedicated his life to solving the problem of finding longitude at sea. At that time, sailors were often unable to accurately determine their east-west positions, leading to shipwrecks and lost voyages. The British government offered a substantial reward for a reliable solution, which spurred numerous scientists and inventors to seek answers through various methods, including astronomical calculations.
The book highlights not only Harrison's genius but also the challenges he faced, including personal struggles and the bureaucratic hurdles of his time. "Longitude" serves as an inspiring narrative about one man's quest for truth and demonstrates how determination and creativity can overcome even the most daunting obstacles in the pursuit of knowledge.
