Cover of John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
Pages from John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
Pages from John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
Pages from John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
Pages from John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
Back cover of John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude.
John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude next to a pocket watch.

John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude

£12.99

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£12.99

John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude is a compelling account of one man driven by the need to solve one of the greatest practical problems of his time.

Discover our full range of Royal Museums Greenwich publications.

Following one of the most intriguing and fascinating stories linked to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the book centres on the life and achievements of John Harrison - designer and builder of the first accurate marine chronometers.

Inspired by the official prize offered in 1714 to anyone who could solve the problem of finding longitudinal positions at sea, Harrison produced his four famous 'H' timepieces. In doing so, he helped revolutionise navigation at sea, saving many thousands of lives.

This new edition contains beautiful technical drawings of the mechanisms of clocks and the technology involved in Harrison's creations, bringing to life this inspiring story.

Jonathan Betts is Curator Emeritus of Horology at Royal Museums Greenwich. He is the author of Marine Chronometers at Greenwich.
  • Author: Jonathan Betts
  • Publisher: Royal Observatory Greenwich
  • Publication Date: 16 March 2023
  • English 
  • Hardback
  • 128 pages
  • Fully revised and updated with detailed hand-coloured illustrations
  • Dimensions 14.99 x 1.52 x 21.08 cm

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John Harrison and the Quest for Longitude
£12.99

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