What is *Longitude* by Dava Sobel about?

*Longitude* chronicles John Harrison’s 40-year quest to solve the 18th-century “longitude problem”—determining a ship’s east-west position at sea. Through his invention of the marine chronometer, Harrison revolutionized navigation, saving countless lives. Dava Sobel blends science, history, and biography to highlight themes of perseverance, innovation, and the clash between individual genius and institutional resistance.

Who should read *Longitude* by Dava Sobel?

History enthusiasts, STEM readers, and fans of narrative nonfiction will appreciate this book. It appeals to those interested in maritime history, horology, or stories of underdog innovators. Educators and students exploring scientific discovery’s societal impact will also find it valuable.

Is *Longitude* by Dava Sobel worth reading?

Yes—it’s a concise, award-winning account praised for making complex science accessible. Sobel’s engaging storytelling and Harrison’s gripping struggle against bureaucratic opposition make it a compelling read. Ideal for readers seeking a blend of adventure, history, and innovation.

What was the longitude problem in the 18th century?

Sailors could measure latitude easily but struggled to calculate longitude (east-west position), leading to shipwrecks and lost cargo. The British Parliament’s 1714 Longitude Act offered £20,000 (millions today) for a solution. Harrison’s chronometer eventually solved it by tracking time differences between a ship’s location and a reference point like Greenwich.

How did John Harrison solve the longitude problem?

Harrison built precision marine chronometers (H-1 to H-4) that maintained accurate time at sea. By comparing local noon with the chronometer’s time (set to a home port), sailors calculated longitude. Despite decades of skepticism from astronomers favoring celestial methods, his H-4 won partial recognition and paved the way for modern navigation.

What obstacles did John Harrison face?

Harrison battled the scientific establishment, particularly the Board of Longitude, which favored astronomical solutions like lunar distance methods. Class bias and bureaucratic delays stalled his recognition, though King George III eventually intervened. His story underscores challenges faced by outsiders in innovation.

How does *Longitude* explore themes of innovation vs. tradition?

Sobel contrasts Harrison’s practical engineering with astronomers’ theoretical approaches, illustrating how entrenched institutions often resist disruptive ideas. The book underscores the tension between incremental progress and groundbreaking invention—a theme relevant to modern tech debates.

What is the significance of the marine chronometer today?

Harrison’s work laid the foundation for precise timekeeping, influencing modern GPS and global navigation systems. The chronometer’s principles remain embedded in technologies coordinating travel, telecommunications, and space exploration.

Longitude Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Longitude

Dava Sobel

3.99 (75312 Reviews)

Science History Adventure

概要

主なポイント

著者

よくある質問

Before GPS, sailors died by the thousands. "Longitude" chronicles John Harrison's 40-year quest to solve navigation's deadliest puzzle, winning a king's ransom and changing history. Shortlisted for the Pulitzer Prize, this slim bestseller inspired a BBC series that captivated millions.

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー9分

著者の声を通じて本を感じる

深堀り42分

知識を魅力的で例が豊富な洞察に変換

フラッシュカード10件の洞察

キーアイデアを瞬時にキャプチャして素早く学習

エンタメ24分

楽しく魅力的な方法で本を楽しむ

「Longitude」のベストクォート

We suffer more in imagination than in reality.

あなたに合った学び方を探す

『Longitude』は単なる本ではありません—Scienceのマスタークラスです。あなたに最適な方法でレッスンを吸収できるよう、5つのユニークな学習モードを用意しています。深く考える人も、素早く学ぶ人も、物語が好きな人も、あなたのスタイルに合ったモードがあります。

クイックサマリー

『Longitude』を9分で要約

『Longitude』の核心的なアイデアを分かりやすいポイントに分解し、革新的なチームがどのように創造、協力、成長するかを理解します。

00:00

フラッシュカード

『Longitude』から厳選した10の洞察

『Longitude』を素早い記憶のヒントに凝縮し、率直さ、チームワーク、創造的な回復力の主要原則を強調します。

エンタメ

『Longitude』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

鮮やかなストーリーテリングを通じて『Longitude』を体験し、イノベーションのレッスンを記憶に残り、応用できる瞬間に変えます。

00:00

パーソナライズ

あなた自身の方法で『Longitude』を体験。

何でも質問し、声を選び、本当にあなたに響く洞察を一緒に作り出しましょう。

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"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

今すぐ学習の旅を始めよう

この要約をダウンロード

Longitudeの要約をPDFまたはEPUBで無料でダウンロード。印刷やオフラインでいつでもお読みいただけます。

Longitude

Dava Sobel

3.99 (75312 Reviews)

Science History Adventure

概要

主なポイント

著者

よくある質問

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー9分

著者の声を通じて本を感じる

深堀り42分

知識を魅力的で例が豊富な洞察に変換

フラッシュカード10件の洞察

キーアイデアを瞬時にキャプチャして素早く学習

エンタメ24分

楽しく魅力的な方法で本を楽しむ

「Longitude」のベストクォート

We suffer more in imagination than in reality.

重要なポイント

The Invisible Grid That Changed the World

00:00

Imagine being stranded in the middle of the vast ocean with no way to determine your exact position. This was the reality for sailors for centuries, leading to countless shipwrecks and lost lives. While determining latitude (north-south position) was relatively simple-sailors could measure the height of the sun or North Star-longitude (east-west position) presented an entirely different challenge. The world is wrapped in these invisible lines that converge at the poles like segments of an orange. Unlike latitude, longitude has no natural starting point, and is fundamentally linked to time. Since Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, each hour represents 15 degrees of longitude. To know your longitude at sea, you needed to know what time it was at a reference point while also knowing your local time. This seems simple enough today, but on rolling ships in the 18th century, pendulum clocks couldn't maintain accuracy amid the pitch and roll of ocean voyages. Without accurate time, sailors were literally lost at sea, relying on educated guesswork-"dead reckoning"-with often deadly consequences. What's remarkable is how long this problem persisted and how its solution would eventually come not from established scientists but from a humble, self-taught clockmaker.

Blood and Treasure: The Cost of Navigational Ignorance

The Race for a Solution

The Clockmaker Who Changed the World

H-1 to H-4: The Evolution of Precision

Triumph and Betrayal

A Legacy That Circles the Globe

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー

『Longitude』を9分で要約

『Longitude』の核心的なアイデアを分かりやすいポイントに分解し、革新的なチームがどのように創造、協力、成長するかを理解します。

00:00

フラッシュカード

『Longitude』から厳選した10の洞察

『Longitude』を素早い記憶のヒントに凝縮し、率直さ、チームワーク、創造的な回復力の主要原則を強調します。

エンタメ

『Longitude』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

鮮やかなストーリーテリングを通じて『Longitude』を体験し、イノベーションのレッスンを記憶に残り、応用できる瞬間に変えます。

00:00

パーソナライズ

あなた自身の方法で『Longitude』を体験。

何でも質問し、声を選び、本当にあなたに響く洞察を一緒に作り出しましょう。

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

今すぐ学習の旅を始めよう

この要約をダウンロード

Longitudeの要約をPDFまたはEPUBで無料でダウンロード。印刷やオフラインでいつでもお読みいただけます。

「Longitude」のベストクォート

「Longitude」のベストクォート

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

The Invisible Grid That Changed the World

Blood and Treasure: The Cost of Navigational Ignorance

The Race for a Solution

The Clockmaker Who Changed the World

H-1 to H-4: The Evolution of Precision

Triumph and Betrayal

A Legacy That Circles the Globe

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

The Invisible Grid That Changed the World

Blood and Treasure: The Cost of Navigational Ignorance

The Race for a Solution

The Clockmaker Who Changed the World

H-1 to H-4: The Evolution of Precision

Triumph and Betrayal

A Legacy That Circles the Globe

Longitude by Dava Sobel Summary

Overview of Longitude

Similar books to Longitude

「Longitude」のベストクォート

クイックサマリーモード - 『Longitude』の要約を9分で読む・聴く

フラッシュカードモード - 『Longitude』から厳選した10の洞察

エンタメモード - 『Longitude』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

パーソナライズモード - 『Longitude』の要約を0分で読む・聴く

LongitudeのPDFをダウンロード

LongitudeのEPUBをダウンロード

Longitude by Dava Sobel Summary

Overview of Longitude

Similar books to Longitude

「Longitude」のベストクォート

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

The Invisible Grid That Changed the World

Blood and Treasure: The Cost of Navigational Ignorance

The Race for a Solution

The Clockmaker Who Changed the World

H-1 to H-4: The Evolution of Precision

Triumph and Betrayal

A Legacy That Circles the Globe

クイックサマリーモード - 『Longitude』の要約を9分で読む・聴く

フラッシュカードモード - 『Longitude』から厳選した10の洞察

エンタメモード - 『Longitude』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

パーソナライズモード - 『Longitude』の要約を0分で読む・聴く

LongitudeのPDFをダウンロード

LongitudeのEPUBをダウンロード

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

The Invisible Grid That Changed the World

Blood and Treasure: The Cost of Navigational Ignorance

The Race for a Solution

The Clockmaker Who Changed the World

H-1 to H-4: The Evolution of Precision

Triumph and Betrayal

A Legacy That Circles the Globe