From the Bronze Age mariners of the Mediterranean to contemporary
sailors using satellite-based technologies, the history of
navigation at sea, the art of finding a position and setting a
course, is fascinating. The scientific and technological
developments that have enabled accurate measurements of position
were central to exploration, trade, and the opening up of new
continents, and the resulting journeys taken under their influence
have had a profound influence on world history. In this Very Short
Introduction Jim Bennett looks at the history of navigation,
starting with the distinctive cultures of navigation that are
defined geographically - the Mediterranean Sea, and the Pacific,
Indian, and Atlantic Oceans. He shows how the adoption of
mathematical methods, the use of instruments, the writing of
textbooks and the publication of charts all combined to create a
more standardised practice. Methods such as longitude-finding by
chronometer and lunar distance were complemented by the routine
business of recording courses and reckoning position 'by account'.
Bennett also introduces the incredible array of instruments relied
on by sailors, from astrolabes, sextants, and chronometers, to our
more modern radio receivers, electronic equipment, and charts, and
highlights the crucial role played by the individual qualities of
endeavour and resourcefulness from mathematicians, scientists, and
seamen in finding their way at sea. The story of navigation
combines the societal, the technical, and the human, and it was
vital for shaping the modern world. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very
Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains
hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized
books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly.
Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas,
and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly
readable.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
