Winchester, Simon

Explores the lives and contributions of American inovators, thinkers, and explorers crucial to the development of the United States.

Discusses how the San Francisco earthquake of 1906 led to a greater scientific study of earthquakes in an attempt to understand the movements of the earth, and explains plate tectonics theory, the creation of the San Andreas Fault, and the social and political shifts caused by the disaster.

Tells the story of William Smith, the eighteenth-century Englishman known as the father of modern geology, discussing his discovery of distinct layers of rock in the Earth, his publication of a map that displayed his findings, and his long road to attaining the recognition he deserved.

Traces the history of the Atlantic Ocean, discussing both its natural history and its role in world history, covering naval battles, shipwrecks, trading routes, storms, resources, and other events and factors that have shaped the ocean and its role in the development of nations.

In August 1883, a catastrophic volcanic eruption off the coast of Java was followed by a tsunami that killed nearly 40,000 people. The author brings new perspective to this iconic event, showing how it marked a change in East-West relations.

Explains how the "Oxford English Dictionary" was created and discusses the relationship between the editor and one of his most influential contributors, a psychotic murderer in one of England's cruelest asylums.

Explains how the "Oxford English Dictionary" was created and discusses the relationship between the editor and one of his most influential contributors, a psychotic murderer in one of England's cruelest asylums.

In August 1883, a catastrophic volcanic eruption off the coast of Java was followed by a tsunami that killed nearly 40,000 people. The author brings new perspective to this iconic event, showing how it marked a change in East-West relations.

Explains how the "Oxford English Dictionary" was created and discusses the relationship between the editor and one of his most influential contributors, a psychotic murderer in one of England's cruelest asylums.