Longitude does not seem to be a topic that would set the reader's interest and imagination racing, but Dava Sobel manages to make what is a seemingly boring topic into a tale that is gripping, exciting and educational. She does this by the quality of her writing. She has the happy knack of being able to describe technical and often difficult topics with a grace and clarity that is enchanting. She makes the era come alive and gives the reader a real understanding of those times. By so doing she provokes sympathy in the reader for the times and the immense achievements of the clockmaker Ha…
