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Navigation Through the Ages : ELEANOR BRASCH - Donald Launer

Navigation Through the Ages

By: Donald Launer

Paperback | 1 April 2009

At a Glance

Paperback

RRP $48.99

$42.25

14%OFF

Aims to ship in 5 to 10 business days

Sailors have been navigating the seas for thousands of years, and navigational technology has progressed exponentially during that time. This concise yet comprehensive volume begins with the impressive developments in navigation made by early navigators and follows the art and science of navigation through the ages to their culmination in the huge advances made by our contemporaries. With a focus on the navigational tools invented by each age and civilization, Launer traces the evolution of humankind's navigational skills from the Kamal of the Arabs and the Lead-line first used by the Romans to the radio and satellite communication devices available to modern sailors. He pays homage to the Polynesians who, in the absence of a written language were able to pass down their navigational skills through generations, and to the adventurous Vikings, who managed to find their way from Scandinavia to England, Iceland, Greenland and beyond; but he also covers the practical applications of the complex technologies found on most boats today, such as GPS. Generous illustrations help readers envision the tools in use.Navigation Through the Ages will appeal to sailors and lay readers alike-anyone with an interest in the history of science and the exploration of our world.
Industry Reviews
(Navigation Through the Ages) is...perhaps the most concise and most readable abstract on the deluge of technological advances along with the translation of their mind-numbing acronyms of the electronic age that may be available. Indeed, it is in its review of navigation in the electronic age that this book achieves its highest score both as an historical reference and its usefulness to those navigating small craft today. * International Journal of Maritime History *
To navigate on long voyages, ancient sailors developed tools such as the kamal, leadline, astrolabe, quadrant, and cross-staff. The Polynesians, who lacked a written language, passed on their navigation skills by oral tradition. While most mariners could determine their latitude, none could find their longitude until John Harrison developed the marine chronometer in the 18th century. Author Donald Launer covers the history of navigation from the earliest navigation tools to modern devices like GPS. He explains terminology well and makes a difficult subject seem simple. This book should be required supplemental reading for piloting and navigation students, but anyone interested in the history of science would love it. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down. * The Ensign *
Well researched and written, with simple black and white illustrations, Navigation Through the Ages provides a timeline of the evolution of navigation, one that continues to expand and change. * Sailing *

You Can Find This Book In

Non-FictionEngineering & TechnologyTransport Technology & TradesShipbuilding TechnologyNavigation & SeamanshipSports & RecreationWater Sports & RecreationsBoatingSailingScienceScience in GeneralHistory of Science
HistoryGeneral & World HistoryTransportationShips & Boats in General

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