![The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World | [Amir D. Aczel]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51wDAa1J3rL._SL175_.jpg "The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World | [Amir D. Aczel]")
The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention that Changed the World
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- Regular Price :$19.93Special Offer: Learn how to get this for $7.49 !
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Average Customer Rating
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LENGTH3 hrs and 18 mins
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RELEASE DATE10-02-01
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AUDIO FORMATS
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Program TypeAudiobook
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PUBLISHER
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Publisher's Summary
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 though the Mediterranean. His experience adds depth and resonance to the telling of this terrific story.
Executive Producer: Jacob Bronstein
Producer: John Wager
Produced by arrangement with Harcourt, Inc.
Original Jacket Photographs by (top) Kim Westerskov/Stone and Barry Marcus/FPG International
Original Jacket Design by Claudine Guerguerian
Author photograph by Debra Gross Aczel
©2001 by Amir Aczel
(P)2001 Random House, Inc.
What the Critics Say
"Nimble writer that he is, Aczel keeps these and other topics in constant, fluid motion, like a master juggler. A compulsively readable investigation, as attracting as the magnetic north." - (Kirkus Reviews)
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What Members Say
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Andy Westport, CT, United States 02-15-03 Member Since 2002- HELPFUL VOTES
- 285
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 376
- 273
"so much folklore"
This book was a facinating account of how the compass "may have" been invented. The author clearly did a lot of research into, if not determining the absolute truth, perhaps a plausible explanation of the various developments that, building upon one another, resulted in the magnetic compass.
19 of 22 people found this review helpful -
Rickapolis Annapolis, Maryland, United States 08-06-12 Member Since 2010Rickapolis
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 42
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 148
- 30
"Don't pass this up"
Any additional comments?I found this to be a very enjoyable listen. A lot of the specific details of the invention of the compass can never be known, so Aczel tells what is known, then goes off on different entertaining tangents of the times and places that are relevant to the story. At the end what you really know is that too much is unknowable. But it is still worth the trip. Henry Leyva does a very nice job reading, never sounding overbearing. Give this one a try. Rick.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"book report material"
You will only finish this book if your kid has to write a book report. I rate it two stars because the narrator has the enthusiasm to make the Bronx Yellow Pages intriguing and because I respect the author's other works. This book will win you several rounds of Trivial Pursuit. It probably started out as an exceptional article in the New Yorker, and there it should have remained. If you so yearn for nautical knowledge, check it out at a library. If you spend money on it or use a credit, you will be disappointed. I was.
1 of 3 people found this review helpful