The riddle of the compass : the invention that changed the world / Amir D. Aczel.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Aczel, Amir D.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Compass.

Physical Description:

xvii, 178 pages : illustrations, maps ; 22 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Place of Publication:

New York : Harcourt, [2001]

Summary:

Amir D. Aczel, the distinguished science writer, turns detective as he uncovers the fascinating story of the invention of the compass. It's a fabulous tale of Chinese lodestones directing the building of palaces and ancient mariners following the flights of birds to reach their destinations.

The arrival of the compass in Europe and an understanding of its potential revolutionized trade in the Mediterranean and ushered in the great Age of Exploration. Tracking down the roots of the compass and telling the story of navigation through the ages, Aczel instructs and charms as never before.

Amir Aczel is known for his ability to write delightful books about hard topics in math and science. And this is the book he was born to write. Raised on ocean liners by his ship's captain father, the young Aczel stood at the helm and steered ships through the Mediterranean. His experience adds depth and resonance to the telling of this terrific story.

Contents:

1 Odyssey 1

2 Signs in the Sea and Sky 9

3 Dante 29

4 The Etruscan Chandelier 39

5 Amalfi 53

6 The Ghost of Flavio Gioia 63

7 Iron Fish, Lodestone Turtle 77

8 Venice 91

9 Marco Polo 111

10 Charting the Mediterranean 123

11 A Nautical Revolution 133.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 165-168) and index.

ISBN:

0151005060

OCLC:

45102891