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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation
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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation Paperback - 2005

by Alan Gurney

Gurney chronicles the misadventures of those who attempted to perfect the compass, an instrument so precious to sixteenth-century seamen that, by law, any man found tampering with it had his hand pinned to the mast with a dagger.


From the publisher

This is the rich history of the most important navigational device of all time, the magnetic compass, born of the need for a reliable means of negotiating treacherous sea routes around the globe. Compass chronicles the misadventures of those who attempted to perfect the instrument--so precious to sixteenth-century seamen that, by law, any man found tampering with one had his hand pinned to the mast with a dagger. Part history, part adventure, this book is a compelling tribute to human ingenuity--and the mysteries of the sea.

First line

The cry of''Breakers ahead!" was the first warning that the navigating officers had made a dreadful mistake in their dead reckoning, or, in the mordant Spanish equivalent, their navegacion de fantasia.

Details

  • Title Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation
  • Author Alan Gurney
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Reprint
  • Pages 322
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher W. W. Norton & Company, New York
  • Date 2005-08-17
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780393327137 / 0393327132
  • Weight 0.62 lbs (0.28 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.06 x 5.44 x 0.38 in (20.47 x 13.82 x 0.97 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: Modern
  • Dewey Decimal Code 912.028

Media reviews

Citations

  • Kliatt, 03/01/2006, Page 38
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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation
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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation

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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation
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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation

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Compass : A Story of Exploration and Innovation
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Compass : A Story of Exploration and Innovation

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Compass: A Story of Exploration and Innovation

by Alan Gurney

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