Stachurski, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, cartographer and author, documents the attempts of 19th century scientists to create a more accurate way to measure longitude in order to decrease the amount of shipwrecks along the coasts. The author uses maps and illustrations, as well as his own knowledge of mathematics and history, to explain how viable solutions to calculating longitude were eventually adopted. While technical discussions of observational astronomy to calculate longitudinal measurements may require some knowledge of the subject, the author tells his story in a surprisingly brisk and entertaining way that may appeal to general audiences. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)