Description

ISBN: 0006531237. The Great Arc: The Dramatic Tale of How India Was Mapped and Everest Was Named is a non-fiction history book by John Keay, published in 2001. The book recounts the monumental story of the 19th-century Great Trigonometrical Survey of India, a colossal undertaking that spanned decades and ultimately determined the height and location of Mount Everest. This paperback is an engrossing read for enthusiasts of exploration, cartography, and colonial history.

Synopsis

Title: The Great Arc: The Dramatic Tale Of How India Was Mapped And Everest Was Named
Author/Publisher: John Keay (Harpercollins Pb)
Publication Year: 2001
Format: Illustrated Paperback

John Keay’s acclaimed work, *The Great Arc*, meticulously chronicles one of the most ambitious and influential scientific undertakings of the British Empire: the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India. This non-fiction historical account plunges into the arduous, decades-long endeavour to accurately map the vast Indian subcontinent.

The narrative vividly brings to life the pioneering geographers, astronomers, and countless individuals who braved immense challenges across diverse terrains. Their monumental efforts not only laid the cartographical foundation for modern India but also led to the remarkable and precise determination of the world's highest peak, Mount Everest, and its eventual naming.

• The Grand Survey: Delve into the colossal undertaking of the Great Trigonometrical Survey, a scientific marathon that spanned decades and involved immense logistical and technical challenges across the Indian subcontinent. It details the innovative methods and instruments used to measure vast distances with unprecedented accuracy.
• Measuring the Highest Peak: Discover the thrilling climax of the survey's work, culminating in the precise measurement and identification of Peak XV, later recognised as Mount Everest. This section illuminates the meticulous calculations and dedicated individuals behind this world-changing discovery.
• Human Endeavour and Sacrifice: Beyond the scientific achievements, the book explores the human stories of perseverance, sacrifice, and adventure. It highlights the determination of the surveyors who battled unforgiving landscapes, disease, and political complexities to achieve their monumental goals.

This engaging work offers a captivating journey into the heart of Victorian scientific ambition and imperial endeavour. It is an essential read for anyone fascinated by the history of exploration, cartography, and the dramatic tales behind the world's most enduring geographical discoveries.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications

Shipping

• We ship every business day, on occasion we may post the same day but expect it to be shipped on the next business day with tracking.
• We offer Express Post & International Shipping.
• Where an item exceeds Australia Post weights or dimensions, we utilise a courier. In this case we are unable to ship to PO Boxes.
• Items are packed in padded bubble mailers, with exception of thin paperbacks or magazines or DVDs that are sent in cardboard envelopes.
• Large book sets are carefully packaged in boxes with packaging material to eliminate movement.

Return Policy

We are here to help! If you are unhappy with your purchase or you feel we've made a mistake, contact us and we are more than happy to assist to make your experience a positive one!

If we still can't solve the issue and you need to return your item, you can! Contact us within 30 days of the purchase for returns. Thereafter, we do not accept returns. Shipping costs are at the buyers expense.

Environmental Impact

We are one of the few sellers that package our items with not only great care but environmental impact consideration. We're committed to a carbon-neutral parcel delivery through Australia Post which provides positive environmental and social impacts.

We utilise the following packaging:

• Landfill-biodegradable bundling wrap to quickly secure and bundle items to avoid damage during transit. It can be recycled or disposed of in the general rubbish bin. Once disposed to landfill biodegradation is accelerated approximately 90+% faster than conventional bundling wrap, producing organic matter (a natural fertiliser) and no microplastics.
• Our plain padded bubble mailers are suitable for kerbside paper collection and recycling.
• All of our satchels are recyclable and made from 80% recycled content plastic.
• All of our envelopes can be recycled.