The Map That Changed the World : A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption - Simon Winchester

The Map That Changed the World

A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption

By: Simon Winchester

Paperback | 4 July 2002 | Edition Number 1

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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

Industry 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

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