The map that changed the world : William Smith and the birth of modern geology Cover Image

The map that changed the world : William Smith and the birth of modern geology / Simon Winchester ; [illustrations by Soun Vannithone].

Winchester, Simon. (Author). Vannithone, Soun. (Added Author).

Summary:

The fascinating story of William Smith, the orphaned son of an English country blacksmith, who became obsessed with creating the world's first geological map and ultimately became the father of modern geology. The Map That Changed the World is, at its foundation, a very human tale of endurance and achievement, of one man's dedication in the face of ruin and homelessness. The world's coal and oil industry, its gold mining, its highway systems, and its railroad routes were all derived entirely from the creation of Smith's first map.; and with a keen eye and thoughtful detail, Simon Winchester unfolds the poignant sacrifice behind this world-changing discovery.

Record details

ISBN: 0060193611
ISBN: 9780060193614
ISBN: 0006394221
ISBN: 9780006394228
Physical Description: xix, 329 pages, 2 unnumbered pages of plates : illustrations, maps (some color) ; 22 cm
Edition: 1st ed.
Publisher: New York, NY : HarperCollins, [2001]
Copyright: ©2001

Content descriptions

Bibliography, etc. Note:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 311-316) and index.

Formatted Contents Note:

Escape on the Northbound stage -- Land awakening from sleep -- Mystery of the Chedworth bun -- Duke and the Baronet's widow -- Light in the underworld -- Slicing of Somerset -- View from York Minster -- Notes from the swan -- Dictator in the drawing room -- Great map conceived -- Jurassic interlude -- Map that changed the world -- Ungentlemanly act -- Sale of the century -- Wrath of Leviathan -- Lost and found man -- All honor to the doctor.