W. R. (NYbooks) reviewed on 7/31/2008 + 100 more book reviews

History. * * ½*. 1700s Europe. The constant loss of sailors and ships prompts the European government to offer prize money to the person who can invent a system for measuring LONGITUDE. Now the race is on as scientists and laymen concoct measuring systems and tools in search of the big prize.

Although not a page turner, it is an interesting book for the math and science geek in us because it also relates how this rush led to other inventions, measurements and traditions that continue today.

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