THE MAP THAT CHANGED THE WORLD William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology

Written by the author of the bestselling PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, this is the involving story of William Smith, orphaned son of an English village blacksmith, who single-handedly established the foundation of modern geology. Smith was born in 1769, received only a rudimentary education, and for most of his life was rejected by the establishment of scientists and well-born amateur geologists. Yet he was the first recipient of the Wollaston Medal, the most prestigious award in geology. Englishman Simon Winchester is a trained geologist, who obviously brings expertise to both story and reading. Listening is akin to hearing an articulate scientist reading a paper to a lay audience. It's an authoritative delivery and an enjoyable experience. R.E.K. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: FEB/ MAR 02]