The great arc

the dramatic tale of how India was mapped and Everest was named

No cover

John Keay: The great arc (2000, HarperCollins)

182 pages

English language

Published Dec. 30, 2000 by HarperCollins.

ISBN:
978-0-00-257062-6
Copied ISBN!

View on OpenLibrary

4 stars (1 review)

4 editions

Review of 'The Great Arc' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Interesting book about the mapping (and naming) of India by a team that included the namesake of the highest mountain on the planet.

John Keay is a really good writer, bringing in elements of history and humor. His books are informative and concise. This one slowed down a bit in the second half. I especially enjoyed the travelogue aspects as he visited a few important sites related to this work. Renovation at the Sir George Everest Heritage Park Estate continues to this date - I'd like to visit someday.

Looking forward to reading another John Keay book.

Subjects

  • India. -- Great Trigonometrical Survey
  • Geodesy -- Himalaya Mountains -- History -- 19th century
  • Geodesy -- India -- History -- 19th century
  • Himalaya Mountains -- Surveys -- History -- 19th century
  • India -- Surveys -- History -- 19th century