The Riddle of the Compass: the Invention That Changed the World. (Books: a selection of new and notable books of scientific interest).

Most historians say the compass originated in Amalfi, Italy, in the mid-14th century. Aczel's research leads him to believe that's not true and that the man usually credited with its invention--Flavio Giosa--may have never existed. Instead, Aczel credits unidentified Chinese of the early 10th century for devising a compass, which they used to advance the practice of feng shui. In relating this story, Aczel corrects misconceptions about how sailors navigated before they had compasses and who truly took the devices around the world. Originally published in hardcover 2001. Harcourt, 2002, 178 p., b&w photos/illus., paperback, $13.00.