This book investigates the historical and scientific challenge of determining longitude at sea, a problem that plagued navigators for centuries and necessitated a revolution in timekeeping. The authors, associated with the National Maritime Museum, utilize primary historical records and technical documentation to trace the competition between astronomical observation and mechanical chronometry. They present a detailed account of how the quest for a reliable solution transformed global exploration and scientific innovation.

The text provides a rigorous and accessible examination of the technical and social hurdles involved in solving one of the most significant scientific problems of the Enlightenment era. Its focus on the interplay between institutional support and individual ingenuity offers a comprehensive view of the history of navigation.