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Summary: This is a very good book for anyone who likes time, etc.
Review: I enjoyed this book. It has a nice story to follow, but at the same time it has a sufficient amount of technical description to satisfy even an engineer (me). I would recommend reading it more than once because of the wealth of information contained in the text. After reading this book, you will definitely have a finer appreciation of the modern technology that allows us to locate ourselves anywhere in the world in a matter of seconds.
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Summary: Interesting but too limited in scope.
Review: Dava Sobel has written an very interesting account of a fairly obscure piece of British history. It is the story of the development of the first practical sea-going chronometers. The books strength is in the quality of the writing and the way in which the main characters from the events described are brought to life, particularly given the scant records available. The weaknesses of the book though are soon apparent if you try to delve deeper into the subject. Other than an enclosed bookmark in my copy there are no illustrations of any of the time pieces or any of the mechanisms mentioned in passing in the book. Neither is there any real indication of just what it was about them that set them apart from their contemporaries. We are told that Harrison solved several technical problems in the course of his work but the information on what the problems and solutions were are scanty to say the least. Overall, the book is a pleasant introduction to an interesting historical interlude but if you want to know anything about the clocks around which this book revolves you'll have to look elsewhere.
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Summary: Super work on a most interesting subject.
Review: As a collector of these fantastic intruments, I found this account to be very readable and enjoyable.
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Summary: An eloquent telling of an engaging tale
Review: The derisive commentary of a minority of readers notwithstanding, this book is of eminent appeal for the casual reader, i.e., those lacking exhaustive knowledge of horological minutiae. As such it was intended. And the substantive tale presented is perhaps the most moving chimera of politics, science, and triumph -- weighted with requisite tragedy -- that I have read.
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Summary: Worth borrowing
Review: This prettily produced book is short and easy to read, not least because of the almost complete absence of that awkwardly indigestible subject of technology (which happens to be a requirement for designing watches). The "human interest" story is appalling and worth retelling, and Sobel retells it readably--I am not qualified to judge her accuracy. Borrow this from a friend, read it--it will probably take only three hours or so--and return it. Then, when in Greenwich, take a long look at the chronometers themselves, and buy one or two of the relevant offprints from scholarly/horological journals. These, available at the National Maritime Museum shop, tell you a lot about Harrison and very, very much more than this book does about his watches. And even though their covers aren't so pretty, they're well illustrated with photographs and lovingly rendered diagrams . . . and cost less.
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Summary: An excellent example of great science writing!
Review: The PERFECT balance between science and human history and drama! As an scientist myself, I am constantly reading lots about science but rarely do I have the chance to read about the people behind the science. After all, science is a human endeavor, filled with all the quarks of human nature. And rarely do I pick up a book about science and find myself not able to put it down for even a moment! This book brings us back into the mindset of the time, showing us the problems affecting that society. It shows us the people involved in finding solutions and the difficulty they faced, as well as their passion. This is the type of book they could really inspire someone to enter the field of science or technology. In many ways, the book is very similar to the classic book by Paul de Kruif, "Microbe Hunters" which also tells the stories of the people involved in the art of discovery. My only complaint was that it ended. I wanted more! Keep it up Dava! I eagerly await your next title.
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Summary: The politics of science
Review: What a struggle between different scientists. The one in an establish position and the other a self taught inventor. Both who had great investments in their positions. This clearly shows the human side of science.
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Summary: I really liked it, was I wrong?
Review: I am not a clockmaker, horologist, or scientist, but I have always been interested in timekeeping. I really liked this book. The critical comments of other readers here actually suprise me, but I agree that this book may only wet the appetite for more detail. However, had it been filled with more technical detail, it may have limited its audience unfairly. A great story, a good introduction for some, a disappointment for those wanting more detail...maybe both. Still, for me, it was a book I really enjoyed!
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Summary: An interesting and fun read on the solution of a problem
Review: Most books on science are too dry and or rigorous for my taste. This one isn't either. This book is an easy read and enjoyable with a look into the psychological makeup of a group of men embroilded in the solution to problem that does not bother us today due our advance technology. It seems strange that the problem only existed a couple hundred years ago. The story seems so recent and accessible. It is a light and involving read that does not bog down in the details of science.
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Summary: So much potential...
Review: A readable but ultimately unsatisfying look at clockmaking and navigation. While the author explains the context well, it is unfortunately badly edited (describing one meeting twice in contradictory terms) and rather too basic (with charcters described in rather more detail than science). As an very basic introduction it is a good book - unfortunately it leaves many more questions unanswered than it should.
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