Following one of the most inspiring and fascinating stories linked to the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, this book centers on the life and achievements of John Harrison – designer and builder of the first accurate marine timekeepers.
Inspired by the official prize offered in 1714 to anyone who could solve the problem of finding the longitudinal position at sea, Harrison – already a clockmaker – produced his four famous ‘H’ timekeepers. In doing so he helped revolutionize sea travel, saving many thousands of lives.