Description
Book SynopsisSailors have been navigating the seas for thousands of years, and navigational technology has progressed exponentially during that time. This concise yet comprehensive volume from popular Sheridan House author Donald Launer begins with the impressive developments in navigation undertaken by early seafarers, and follows the art and science of navigation through the ages to their culmination in the huge advances made by our contemporaries. Launer explores the navigational tools invented by each civilization, and includes generous illustrations to help readers envision the tools used. Written in an accessible, conversational style, with no unexplained jargon or terminology, Navigation Through the Ages will appeal especially to sailors and to anyone with an interest in the history of science and the exploration of our world.
Trade Review(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 Indeed, it is in its review of navigation in the electronic age that this book achieves its highest score both as an historical reference and its usefulness to those navigating small craft today.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 *
Table of ContentsForeword Preface 1. Ancient Navigation 2. Navigation in the Middle Ages 3. The Age of Discovery 4. The Electronic Age 5. Navigation and the Environment 6. Emergency Signaling Index
