Simon Winchester’s The Map That Changed the World is a thorough, engaging recounting of a fascinating historical figure whose late-recognized contributions to society paved the way for future revolutionary theories. Winchester’s nonfiction work details the life and work of William Smith, the “Father of English Geology.”

Winchester brings Smith to life on the pages as a fully-fleshed man of depth and determination. Hardworking and with the ability to understand the stratigraphical evidence before him, Smith struggled against the antagonists of ecclesiastical belief and strict class structure. Of humble birth and plagued with financial troubles, Smith was both ostracized from and plagiarized by the elite Geological Society. Smith was both dedicated and stubborn, and neither financial ruin nor staggering humiliation deterred him from his work, for which he was finally recognized late in his life.

The politics, economics, and ingenuity of the Industrial Revolution are explored in Winchester’s recounting, and Smith’s work was right in the midst of the dynamic cultural shift from religious ideology to scientific reasoning. Written with impeccable attention to detail and sly wit, The Map That Changed the World is filled with primary source material—Winchester had access to Smith’s diaries—and is peppered with drawings, diagrams, and maps that enhance the reader’s understanding of the scientific studies and accomplishments of the era.

Winchester does a stellar job drawing out the personality of a brilliant man who was reviled by the upper echelons of science in his day. William Smith’s work and tenacity is explored in engaging detail, and the book is a fascinating read. At heart, The Map That Changed the World is the tale of a man struggling against seemingly insurmountable odds and prevailing victoriously in the end.

Highly recommended for fans of nonfiction, particularly biographical nonfiction with an emphasis on science and history.