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marcuschavasse's review against another edition
Didn't enjoy the writing style, though the subject was quite interesting.
dustytiger29's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
relaxing
slow-paced
3.5
It was a little baffling that the whole narrative was exposed within the first chapter. Had this not happened I would have enjoyed the book much more than I did. The actual story of William Smith was interesting and informative and it was reasonably enjoyable following the finer details of what was introduced at the beginning of the book.
I would consider that I have a solid vocabulary but Winchester at times includes words that I feel I have never encountered and that I cannot decipher their meaning from their context. I guess I should use this as an opportunity to improve my vocab.
I would consider that I have a solid vocabulary but Winchester at times includes words that I feel I have never encountered and that I cannot decipher their meaning from their context. I guess I should use this as an opportunity to improve my vocab.
wooknight's review against another edition
5.0
An gripping story of an extraordinary man . It is truly inspiring to see him persevering in spite of no education, a society that relied on class distinctions rather than merit and to finally see him gain the accolades that he so richly deserved felt was truly gratifying. Kudos to Simon Winchester for shining a bright light on this most important but forgotten man.
botanist's review against another edition
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
stevenyenzer's review against another edition
3.0
A solid Winchester history of a person whom I'd never heard of. He doesn't have to work hard to find drama in the story of William Smith, a low-born autodidact whose revolutionary geological discovery was first rejected and then stolen by the aristocratic establishment.