Navigation Through The Ages

(Navigation Through the Ages) is…perhaps the most concise and most readable abstract on the deluge of technological advances along with the translation of their mind-numbing acronyms of the electronic age that may be available. Indeed, it is in its review of navigation in the electronic age that this book achieves its highest score both as an historical reference and its usefulness to those navigating small craft today. * International Journal of Maritime History *To navigate on long voyages, ancient sailors developed tools such as the kamal, leadline, astrolabe, quadrant, and cross-staff. The Polynesians, who lacked a written language, passed on their navigation skills by oral tradition. While most mariners could determine their latitude, none could find their longitude until John Harrison developed the marine chronometer in the 18th century. Author Donald Launer covers the history of navigation from the earliest navigation tools to modern devices like GPS. He explains terminology well and makes a difficult subject seem simple. This book should be required supplemental reading for piloting and navigation students, but anyone interested in the history of science would love it. Once I started reading, I couldn’t put it down. * The Ensign *Well researched and written, with simple black and white illustrations, Navigation Through the Ages provides a timeline of the evolution of navigation, one that continues to expand and change. * Sailing *

Donald Launer has held a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license for over 25 years. He was Field Editor for the yearly Waterway Guide and he is currently contributing editor for Good Old Boat. He has lectured on navigational history at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, as well as many boating organizations throughout the Northeast. He is the author of A Cruising Guide to New Jersey Waters, Dictionary of Nautical Acronyms and Abbreviations (Sheridan House), and Lessons from My Good Old Boat (Sheridan House).