by P. Ifland & M. Vanvaerenbergh

As it is with most discoveries, it is almost inconceivable that it took so long to make them. How could seamen navigate for centuries, and not understand a celestial line of position? Understanding “why they did what they did”, is to takes one’s comfort with celestial navigation to a higher level.

Capt. Thomas Sumner’s line of position discovery, and later Marcq St. Hilaire’s intercept method are discussed and explained in the context of the conventional thinking of the time. A complete reprint of Sumner’s 1843 book, and a translation of St. Hilaire’s 1870 articles are included, and will make these landmark publications more broadly available. Finally, a brief review of the modifications to their methods bring the story up to date. We highly recommend this book for anyone interested in more than just the rudiments of celestial navigation. SC, 2003, 200 pages. SW 1 lb.

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