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The Map That Changed the World :A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption
The Map That Changed the World :A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption
paperback
Published:
4 July, 2002
Popular Books by Simon Winchester
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Description
THE EXTRAORDINARY TALE OF THE FATHER OF MODERN GEOLOGY
Hidden behind velvet curtains above a stairway in a house in London's Piccadilly is an enormous and beautiful hand-coloured map - the first geological map of anywhere in the world. Its maker was a farmer's son named William Smith. Born in 1769 his life was troubled: he was imprisoned for debt, turned out of his home, his work was plagiarised, his wife went insane and the scientific establishment shunned him.
It was not until 1829, when a Yorkshire aristocrat recognised his genius, that he was returned to London in triumph: The Map That Changed the World is his story.
'For a geologist, this is a must read' Amazon Reviewer
'It serves to lift a genius from academic semi-obscurity and to award him the acknowledgement he undoubtedly deserves' Amazon Reviewer
'Never realised how seminal this map was' Amazon Reviewer
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9780140280395 |
| ISBN10 | 0140280391 |
| Number Of Pages | 352 |
| Item Weight | 248 g |
| Product Dimensions | 129 x 196 x 23 mm |
| Publisher / Reseller | Penguin Books Ltd |
| Format | paperback |
Media Reviews
A compelling human story -- Boston Sunday Herald
Well-researched narrative -- BusinessWeek
Winchester has once again captured the essence of persistence against odds resulting in achievement. --Library Journal (starred review)
Smith's life provides a terrific plot to frame his contribution to science. Winchester's wonderful account does credit to it. --Publishers Weekly (*Starred Review*)
Winchester brings Smith's struggle to life in clear and beautiful language. --New York Times Book Review
A compelling human story --Boston Sunday Herald
Smith s unsung life provides the perfect backdrop for yet another entertaining intellectual history. --Denver Post
Winchester masterfully weaves a compelling history. --Newsday
Well-researched narrative --BusinessWeek
Smith's unsung life provides the perfect backdrop for yet another entertaining intellectual history. --Denver Post
Winchester masterfully weaves a compelling history. --Newsday
GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Simon Winchester has had an award-winning 20 year career as Guardian correspondent. He lives in New York and is the Asia-Pacific Editor for Conde Nast Traveler and contributes to a number of American magazines, as well as the Daily Telegraph, the Spectator and the BBC. He has written numerous books. The River at the Centre of the World (Viking 1997/Penguin 1998) has been shortlisted for the 1998 Thomas Cook/Daily Telegraph Travel Book Award.