The Riddle of the Compass: The Invention That Changed the World

by Amir D . Azcel (Author)

• Used

  Hardcover
  2001

  $3.40

  The story of the compass is shrouded in mystery but has its roots in ancient China around 2,000 years ago...A puzzling lodestone whose powers affected metal was know to the Chinese Emperor. Affected metal, suspended in water, always pointed north and was put to excellent use in the art of feng shui. However, it was the seafarers of the Amalfi Coast who first realised its full potential some twelve centuries later. It may have taken 1,200 years for the 'compass' to migrate to Medieval Italy, but it didn't take long for those mariners to kick-start the Age of Discovery. The compass made it all possible, and this is its fascinating story.