The Map That Changed the World

A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption

Simon Winchester

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English

Penguin
04 July 2002

Biography: historical, political & military; Historical geography; Mathematics & Sciences; Cartography, map-making & projections; The Earth: natural history general

Following the hugely successful hardback, this extraordinary tale of the father of modern geology looks set to be the non fiction paperback for 2002. 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 beset by troubles- 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.

By: Simon Winchester
Imprint: Penguin
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 198mm, Width: 129mm, Spine: 21mm
Weight: 245g
ISBN: 9780140280395
ISBN 10: 0140280391
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 04 July 2002
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Simon Winchester is an award-winning journalist who now lives in New York. Having reported from all over the world during his 20-year career as a Guardian foreign correspondent, he has also written 13 books, including the highly acclaimed international bestseller The Surgeon of Crowthorne.

Reviews for The Map That Changed the World: A Tale of Rocks, Ruin and Redemption

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