The Map That Changed the World

William Smith and the Birth of Modern Geology

By: Simon Winchester

Narrated by: Simon Winchester

Length: 9 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of the best-selling 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.

In 1793 William Smith, a canal digger, made a startling discovery that was to turn the fledgling science of the history of the earth - and a central plank of established Christian religion - on its head. He noticed that the rocks he was excavating were arranged in layers; more important, he could see quite clearly that the fossils found in one layer were very different from those found in another. And out of that realization came an epiphany: that by following the fossils, one could trace layers of rocks as they dipped and rose and fell - clear across England and, indeed, clear across the world. Determined to publish his profoundly important discovery by creating a map that would display the hidden underside of England, he spent 20 years traveling the length and breadth of the kingdom by stagecoach and on foot, studying rock outcrops and fossils, piecing together the image of this unseen universe.

In 1815 he published his epochal and remarkably beautiful hand-painted map, more than eight feet tall and six feet wide. But four years after its triumphant publication, and with his young wife going steadily mad to the point of nymphomania, Smith ended up in debtors' prison, a victim of plagiarism, swindled out of his recognition and his profits. He left London for the north of England and remained homeless for 10 long years as he searched for work. It wasn't until 1831, when his employer, a sympathetic nobleman, brought him into contact with the Geological Society of London - which had earlier denied him a fellowship - that at last this quiet genius was showered with the honors long overdue him. He was summoned south to receive the society's highest award, and King William IV offered him a lifetime pension.

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.

©2001 Simon Winchester (P)2003 HarperCollinsPublishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Winchester is a fine stylist who also has a fine, clear reading voice. He fully engages listeners, not only with the excitement of Smith's life and work, but even with geological explications that would have been pretty dull in science class." (Publishers Weekly)
"It's an authoritative delivery and an enjoyable experience." (AudioFile)
"This is just the kind of creative nonfiction that elevates a seemingly arcane topic into popular fare." (Booklist)
"Winchester brings Smith's struggle to life in clear and beautiful language." (The New York Times Book Review)

Another great Simon Winchester!

I greatly enjoyed this book. Winchester is a fantastic writer, and is one of the few people that actually do a decent job reading their own work. He does go off on tangents, and is a bit redundant, probably so you can remember where he left off when he gets back from his little sidetrips, but I enjoy most of his diversions so I don't mind.

Fun for fans of history, geology and geography, and just plain good writing!

An amazing book!

What made the experience of listening to The Map That Changed the World the most enjoyable?

Who would have suspected that a book telling the story of the birth of geology as a science in England would be so fascinating and full of intrigue and drama! This was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, well written and beautifully presented. Clearly the author has a feel for the subject matter and presents it with charm and style.

What other book might you compare The Map That Changed the World to and why?

If you like history and science, just about anything that answers the question; how did this get started will do. Audible science offerings are full of books like this.

Which character – as performed by Simon Winchester – was your favorite?

William Smith of course!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes in terms of being able to maintain my interest. But I found myself listening to some chapters over just to enjoy the story and writing more.

Any additional comments?

I suppose it takes a certain leap of faith to listen to a book about geology. But really...this is good stuff. Interesting and even exciting.

first rate

Simon Winchester pulled together a ton of interesting information and weaved it into a fascinating story of how the Oxford English Dictionary came to life. Beyond the facts, the language he uses and his terrific narration make this audiobook first rate.

Highest Recommendation

This fascinating book is given the highest recommendation. It has many aspects which make it a wonderful tale based on a great mans life and accomplishments.

The science we take for granted

I read the paper version of this book. It is a fascinating account of how one man persevered to change the world's view of geology. If you like geology and the history of science, this is time well spent. I gave it a three since my experience was with the paper version.

Fascinating and quite moving

Winchester is the rare author who is also an excellent reader.
The story is amazing, the mind of one man can contain so much. And the prejudice of so many can be so harmful.
Winchester's descriptions of the geological landscape are full of love and power.

Fascinating Read

This is a well told story of a little known giant of the study of geology. I had never heard of William Smith but am inspired by his selfless pursuit of knowledge for the sake of knowing.

Good Book on the 'Drainage Guy'

I liked the ground-level history (no pun intended) - a lot of new material and viewpoints for me.

Who knew rocks could be so deceptive?

The story of the self educated man who made the first real geological map of Britain, and how he was ruined by the greed of those who sought the title of geologist without getting their hands dirty. I think, however, this might be improved by actually being able to see the maps discussed. It would be nice if one could actually get some of the illustrations or photos or whatever in the audible versions.

Quite a ripping yarn!

My first Winchester book, and it has led me to a happy and edifying series of nonfiction titles. I found it difficult to follow in print, but read aloud, it became so interesting that I've listened to it three times. So far. Each time another element becomes clearer, whether it's the class insouciance of hereditary privilege, or the riveting biography of Smith, or the extent of the changes wrought by Smith's three dimensional brilliance.

Winchester's vocabulary is extensive and humbling, and his reading is exemplary. I will probably listen again.