History book club to read book about a forgotten hero of history

Dava Sobel's "Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time" tells the story of a forgotten hero.

In the early days of sail, mariners had no accurate means of determining their position at sea.  Innumerable tragedies befell navies and traders until John Harrison, a self-educated clockmaker, solved the problem of longitude in the mid-eighteenth century and laid claim to the great Longitude Prize offered by Parliament.

Harrison, in complete opposition to the scientific community, dared to imagine a mechanical solution--a clock that would keep precise time at sea, something no clock had ever been able to do on land.

The Decorah History Book Club will read "Longitude" for its Thursday, July 16th meeting at 6:30 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the library.  Books are available for checkout at the front desk or may be purchased from a local bookseller.  The group is open to the public and newcomers are encouraged to attend.

Call 382-3717 for more information.