THE RIDDLE OF THE COMPASS The Invention That Changed the World

To early explorers, the compass was no triviality. It allowed them to navigate for months at sea with only a few stars to help. Exploration of the world couldn't have been done without it, but the inventor is unknown, although probably Chinese. The tool allowed men to sail in winter and over much longer distances than before, "bringing wealth to the nations who knew how to exploit it." An occasional mispronounced English word distracts from Henry Leyva's convincing handling of Latin and Italian, but his resonant voice employs just the right amount of expression to show he is involved and interested, making this science story enjoyable to hear. J.A.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 02/ JAN 03]