A new book co-written by a University historian tells the story of how the longitude problem for seafarers was finally solved in the eighteenth century.
Published to coincide with the centenary of the Longitude Act of 1714, Finding Longitude: How Clocks and Stars Helped Solve the Longitude Problem, was written by Dr Rebekah Higgitt, Lecturer in History of Science at the University’s School of History and Dr Richard Dunn, Senior Curator and Head of Science and Technology at Royal Museums Greenwich.
A fully illustrated hardback, it presents new research on what was one of the great technological challenges of the Georgian age – the quest to find longitude at sea.
Its illustrations include many specially commissioned images from the National Maritime Museum archive, showcasing Britain’s rich collection of historical maritime artefacts to help bring this tale of collaboration, conflict, technical creativity and scientific innovation to life.
The book is the official publication of the National Maritime Museum’s major new exhibition, Ships, Clocks & Stars: The Quest for Longitude.
For more information contact Martin Herrema.