A Short History of Nearly Everything

Bill Bryson

A different strand of Bill Bryson appears with this book, which is as the title describes. It is well-researched, entertaining and knowledgeable and explains in layman's terms science - all of it! The book also talks about the people who made the discoveries (where possible). Although there is a lot to digest, Rory recommended it and read out some excerts to illustrate how delightfully Bill Bryson writes.
Rory 15/8/04

This was a great little romp. The book sets out to explain to the lay person everything about humankind and our place in the universe. Bryson is particularly good on scale and explained scientific concepts clearly and simply. Seán found this well worth reading even though as a science graduate and regular reader of the magazine New Scientist he was already familiar with the concepts.
Seán 24/4/05

This didn't pass the 400 page test. Sean and Rory had both praised this book previously and were quite correct in their comments but Bob couldn't sustain an interest in things scientific any further. Also, the repetitive use of explanatory lines such as, if you piled up all the flakes of skin found in the average carpet it would reach the sun and back, became rather tiresome.
Bob 22/5/05

It is good, easily digestible science and it makes you feel small in relation to the universe.
Andrew 3/7/05

By the same author

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