The Riddle of the Compass By Amir D. Aczel The compass is so commonplace that few of us are really aware of what a revolutionary instrument it actually was in the history of maritime trade. Most of us vaguely understand variation and deviation and know the difference between magnetic and true, but how many know the fascinating history of this tool that all sailors rely on? Most important, who would've thought it could be so interesting? Aczel's premise is that the rise of maritime commercialism in Europe during the 13th century, in places like Venice, Spain and Britain, was the…

 

The Barefoot Navigator is a cleverly written little book that combines the history of the ancient art of navigation with the practical application of those techniques today. Author Jack Lagan explores the achievements of the ancients - the Polynesians, Phoenicians, Arabs, Vikings and Chinese. He discusses methods they employed before even the most rudimentary technology was available. Lagan demonstrates how ancient navigators used wind, swell, sun and stars, along with birds and even marine mammals to estimate their position and hold course until they made safe landfall. The book is filled with entertaining quotes and historical snippets. In addition, it…