Listen Live
Donate
 on air
Schedule

KCRW

Read & Explore

  • News
  • Entertainment
  • Food
  • Culture
  • Events

Listen

  • Live Radio
  • Music
  • Podcasts
  • Full Schedule

Information

  • About
  • Careers
  • Help / FAQ
  • Newsletters
  • Contact

Support

  • Become a Member
  • Become a VIP
  • Ways to Give
  • Shop
  • Member Perks

Become a Member

Donate to KCRW to support this cultural hub for music discovery, in-depth journalism, community storytelling, and free events. You'll become a KCRW Member and get a year of exclusive benefits.

DonateGive Monthly

Copyright 2026 KCRW. All rights reserved.

Report a Bug|Privacy Policy|Terms of Service|
Cookie Policy
|FCC Public Files

The Map that Changed the World

In 1793, a canal digger-s startling discovery turned the fledgling science of geology upside down. Nearly twenty years later, William Smith published a surprisingly beautifully hand painted map of the underside of England. The victim of plagiarism wound up in debtors- prison, then on the streets of London searching for work, until he was rescued by the Geological Society of London. Author Simon Winchester discusses his new book, The Map that Changed the World, with host Jonathan Kirsh.

  • Share
KCRW placeholderBy Jonathan Kirsch • Dec 10, 2002 • 1 min read

In 1793, a canal digger's startling discovery turned the fledgling science of geology upside down. Nearly twenty years later, William Smith published a surprisingly beautifully hand painted map of the underside of England. The victim of plagiarism wound up in debtors' prison, then on the streets of London searching for work, until he was rescued by the Geological Society of London. Author

Simon Winchester discusses his new book,

The Map that Changed the World with host Jonathan Kirsh.

  • KCRW placeholder

    Jonathan Kirsch

    author and book review columnist

    Culture