Simon Winchester is the acclaimed author of many books, including The Professor and the Madman, The Men Who United the States, The Map That Changed the World, The Man Who Loved China, A Crack in the Edge of the World, and Krakatoa, all of which were New York Times bestsellers and appeared on numerous best and notable lists. In 2006, Winchester was made an officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) by Her Majesty the Queen. He resides in western Massachusetts.
"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)
As he did in The Professor and the Madman, Winchester chooses an obscure historical character who is inherently fascinating, but whose life and work have also had a strong impact on civilization. Here is William Smith, the orphan son of a village blacksmith, with lots of pluck and little luck until the end of his life when this pioneering first geological cartographer of the world beneath our feet was finally and fully recognized. Smith's life illustrates the interconnectedness of early 19th-century science, the industrial revolution, an intellectual climate that permits a look beyond religious dogma, and the class biases that endlessly impede his finances and fortunes. Published in 1815, Smith's huge and beautiful map of geological strata and the fossils imbedded in them blazed the way for Darwin and the creation-vs.-evolution debates that rage even day. 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. Simultaneous release with HarperCollins hardcover (Forecasts, June 4). (Aug.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
"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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