The Map That Changed The World - Simon Winchester

This pop history/biography about William Smith, the "Father of English Geology", has so many characteristics that should appeal to me; a satisfying story of scientific discovery, bridging my favourite period of history (either side of 1800), and full of amusing incidental detail and colourful supporting characters. Frustratingly, the genuinely fascinating 200 page story is buried in a poorly edited 300 page book full of clumsy repetition, and containing a self-indulgent autobiographical digression midway.

Have I been spoilt by Peter Ackroyd's admirably terse "Brief Lives" series?