Like many good books, this one works on several levels. Its primary focus is the story of Seth Carlo Chandler, an amateur astronomer who discovered the variation of latitude now called the Chandler Wobble. In a larger sense, it explores how a group of American scientists attempted to raise American science up to the standards and practices of Europe. But what makes this an especially good read is that the authors make the scientists come alive. We learn not only what these scientists did, but also why. The authors penetrate the minds and motives of the scientists, creating a story that is both historical and imaginative

Although this book should appeal to a general audience, it is especially of interest to professionals who work in geodesy, surveying, astronomy, geophysics, and related disciplines requiring precise positioning. These readers will find a wealth of information about the foundation and structure of present scientific organizations, Today, the Global Positioning System and related technologies are capable of providing a precise positioning capability quickly and easily. But these technologies owe much to the work of Chandler and other scientists of the late nineteenth century. This vivid telling of Chandler's personal and professional life provides perceptive insight into a world that eventually brought America to the forefront of science and space exploration.

I bought this book after seeing the advertisement for it in Sky and Telescope. I'm an amature astronomer and enjoy reading about the history of science. I had never heard this story before, although I knew about many of the men (Newcomb, Gould, Airy, etc) who are included in it. I thought it was very easy to read and interesting. The authors (Father and Daughter, both scientists in this case!) clearly know a great deal about this subject and give plenty of detail. Nice pictures, plenty of good background material. I came away with a much deeper understanding of the problem of the variation of latitude as well as the problems faced by American scientists in the late 1800's.
A true inspiration to an "amature" like me to keep plugging away and looking for answers that the "professionals" may have missed.

Okay, I have read a few of the reviews about this book, and I am going to try and put them all together to paint a more complete picture of this book.

I read this book last night, and although impressed wouldn't be the word I would use, there was certainly something to his writing that drew me in. I have read a lot of good fantasy and a lot of bad fantasy, and this is far from the worst I have read; and I really feel with a little work and maturity on the part of the author, this could be part of the better fantasy out there.

I will qualify my opinion and say that I have read Goodkind, Jordan, Hobb, Feist, Haydon, Modessit, and many other notable fantasy authors. The main appeal to these books wasthe scope and grandeaur of worlds they created. Hobbs Buckeep comes alive during the reading, Haydons characters are so well developed they could be living next door to you, the vastness of Jordans world (politics, war, intrigue, history) are unmatchable, and on and on for each of these authors.

The main thing that I think Newcomb succeeded at was his creation of a unique fantasy "idea". Not often do authors these days come out with something new on the age old fantasy spin. (I personally think the last one was David Farlands Runelord idea with which I am really impressed); and I think that Newcomb should be congratulated for that. The idea of magic in his book was intersting, and kept me entertained, as well as the created of a dark history (as so many authors before him have used for effect: Jordan, Goodkind, Hobb, Feist, etc.)

Having said that, and complimenting Newcomb on these few promising story threads, i think he does need to do some work to make this book similar in caliber to the authors I have mentioned before. The plot falls short, sure, it is is entertaining and fast moving, but needs more substance and depth to it. (think politics)

The characters are abominable. (Although an interesting thing to note would be the almost complete role reversal from Jordans simpering males and femdom culture) The women are not developed well at all, and I immediately didn't agree with his description of "male and female, light and dark"; you can't do that; you will lose all of the women as your audience. The wizards are the same as they are in any book, stodgey, old, and know it alls. (I would like to see something different at some point). The main character (Tristan) develops through th book, and I don't have a lot of issue with that.

So in summation, I think this book was an enjoyable read. Certainly not the best book I read, butI really feel there are a lot of things the author can do to make the next books better. Hopefully by the 10th or 11th book (as most modern fantasy authors are won't to do) his writing will have gotten better.

Yikes. I don't write a lot of reviews, but I'm a little surprised by all the negative response this book has generated. Unfortunately I think a lot of this springs from a few aspects of the book, namely:
--The major villians are female sorceresses
--These sorceresses are portrayed as lesbian/bisexual/sexual deviants
--Parts of the book have strong sexual content, including deviant behavior

The response has been to portray Newcomb as misogynist, and many readers have been offended by aspects of this book.

However, I really don't think this book deserves the villification it has received. Granted, it's not groundbreaking, it's not for the easily offended, and the quality of the writing is not the best. But it does have a compelling cast of characters and does a nice job of developing them. The heroes are the kind you can really cheer for, and are also multidimensional. The author also does a good job in fleshing out his fantasy world while keeping the plot moving, unlike a lot of "epic" fantasy these days (*cough* Jordan).

The bottom line is twofold: first, if you're going to blame someone for the flaws in this book, blame Del Rey. This could have been an exceptional book with proper editing. Second, even with all its flaws, this book kept me turning pages and provided a very enjoyable read. And to me, that's what really matters.

Was this supposed to be Martin or Jordan? No (although far better than Jordan's last 4 1/2 books). Was it supposed to be far more imaginative twist on the young orphan who suddenly obtains great power and saves the world? Yes.

I think a great many of these reviewers spend far too much time in the minutia of very, very minor spelling errors (Don't blame the writer, blame the editor), rather than focusing on the tale that's being told and the vehicle for that tale. In my estimation, Newcomb came up with something far more interesting than most, and displayed an excellent ability to twist the stereotypical fantasy plot.

Frankly, I enjoyed the characters far more than most books, in particular the villians. Indeed, Newcomb spends, and rightfully so, a considerable amount of time developing the threat level of these women. My only criticism is that they were wiped out in a matter of few pages. Nonetheless, I was thrilled to not experience the following: (1) Orphan boy comes into great power; (2) the lack of permanent tragedy that befalls the hero; (3) the lack of consequences or finality; and (4)lack of pacing.

Great read and it is a fast read. Would love to see a prequel with these characters.

Oh yeah, for those that made critiques about dangling plotlines, etc., a modicum of patience would do you well