About the Book

In 1793, British canal digger William Smith noticed that the rocks he was excavating were arranged in layers, and that the fossils found in one layer were very different from those found in another. Determined to create a map that would display this hidden underside of England, he spent 20 years traveling the country and studying rock outcrops and fossils. In 1815, Smith published his groundbreaking geological map. But in a cruel twist of fate, his work was plagiarized and he was soon in debtors’ prison.

Simon Winchester, author of The Professor and the Madman, tells the fascinating story of Smith’s remarkable scientific achievement, fall from grace and ultimate recognition as the father of modern geology. This New York Times bestseller is a tale of endurance and achievement, of one man’s dedication in the face of personal crisis and how his work helped create the world that we know today.

Simon Winchester is the New York Times bestselling author of The Professor and the Madman. He is a writer and an adventurer, and has had an award-winning thirty-year newspaper career.

“Winchester masterfully weaves a compelling history.” — Newsday

Critical Praise

"With descriptive contemporary visitations to places significant to the story and well-chosen historical detail, he makes immediate not only the magnitude and elegance of Smith's accomplishment, but also the thrill of each of the moments of genius necessary to reach his ultimate conclusion. 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 has once again captured the essence of persistence against odds resulting in achievement. His fascinating account will not disappoint." — Library Journal (starred review)

“Winchester brings Smith’s struggle to life in clear and beautiful language, the richness of which he continues to celebrate.” — New York Times Book Review

"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 masterfully weaves a compelling history.” — Newsday

“Smith’s unsung life provides the perfect backdrop for yet another entertaining intellectual history.” — Denver Post

"A compelling human story" — Boston Sunday Herald

"Well-researched narrative" — BusinessWeek

“a marvellous book ” — The Independent (London)

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Product Details

• ISBN: 9780061767906
• ISBN 10: 0061767905
• Imprint: Harper Perennial
• On Sale: 04/28/2009
• Trimsize: 5.310 in (w) x 8.000 in (h) x 0.830 in (d)
• Pages: 368
• List Price: $19.99
• BISAC1 : SCIENCE / Earth Sciences / Geology
• BISAC2 : SCIENCE / History
• BISAC3 : SCIENCE / Earth Sciences / Seismology & Volcanism
• BISAC4 : BIOGRAPHY & AUTOBIOGRAPHY / Science & Technology