The Map That Changed the World : William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology

$15.00 CAD

pp. 329, “From the author of the bestselling ‘The Professor and the Madman’ comes 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.”Blank bookplate on front end page

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SKU: 245252 Category:

Book Information

ISBN 0060931809
Published Date 2001
Book Condition Very Good
Jacket Condition No Dj
Binding Paperback
Size 8vo
Place of Publication New York
Edition Second Impression
Category:
Author:
Publishers: ,

Description

Pp. 329. “In 1793, a canal digger named William Smith made a startling discovery. He found that by tracing the placement of fossils, which he uncovered in his excavations, one could follow layers of rocks as they dipped and rose and fell — clear across England and, indeed, clear across the world — making it possible, for the first time ever, to draw a chart of the hidden underside of the earth. Determined to expose what he realized was the landscape’s secret fourth dimension, Smith spent twenty-two years piecing together the fragments of this unseen universe to create an epochal and remarkably beautiful hand-painted map. But instead of receiving accolades and honors, he ended up in debtors’ prison, the victim of plagiarism, and virtually homeless for ten years more. Finally, in 1831, this quiet genius — now known as the father of modern geology — received the Geological Society of London’s highest award and King William IV offered him a lifetime pension.

The Map That Changed the World is a very human tale of endurance and achievement, of one man’s dedication in the face of ruin. With a keen eye and thoughtful detail, Simon Winchester unfolds the poignant sacrifice behind this world-changing discovery.” Blank bookplate on front end page.

Additional information

Weight 1 kg