A Short History of Nearly Everything

by Bill Bryson
A Short History of Nearly Everything cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Nonfiction
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  • ID: 4037
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9780385660044
  • Publisher: Anchor Canada
  • Published: 2004-01-01
  • Formats: 7
  • Reviews: 4

Bill Bryson, renowned for his engaging travelogues, turns his curiosity to the grandest questions of science in A Short History of Nearly Everything. This ambitious book chronicles his quest to understand how we went from nothing to everything, accompanied by some of the world's most brilliant scientists. Bryson's signature wit and clarity make even the most complex scientific concepts accessible and entertaining./n/nThroughout the book, Bryson travels to laboratories and field camps, interviewing experts and delving into their work. His journey covers everything from the origins of the universe to the intricacies of human civilization, all while maintaining a lighthearted and engaging tone. Whether exploring the depths of the cosmos or the intricacies of human behavior, Bryson's exploration of science is both profound and hilarious, making it a must-read for anyone curious about the world around us.

Reviews
Reddit - r/books · 2023-01-01
approachable 4.50

The book is loved for its accessibility to non-scientists and its engaging presentation of scientific topics. It's seen as a great read for those with at least a high school level of science knowledge.

A Reddit user expresses their love for this book, particularly appreciating how approachable it is for those who aren't scientists. They find it fascinating and believe that anyone with a basic understanding of science can fully appreciate it. The reviewer enjoys the way the book makes complex scientific ideas understandable and engaging for a wide audience.

Quick quotes

    I loved the book and how approachable it was for a non-scientist.

    Anyone with at least a high school level knowledge of science can appreciate it fully.

    It's fascinating and makes complex scientific ideas understandable.

NSFord Writer · 2023-01-01
engaging 4.50

The book is enjoyed for its mind-blowing facts and engaging storytelling. It's a great read despite some complex scientific concepts.

The reviewer enjoyed this book, even if they didn't always understand the science. They were particularly impressed by the frequency of mind-blowing facts and the engaging way the information was presented. The book is seen as a great read for anyone interested in science, offering a unique and entertaining perspective on the subject. The reviewer appreciates Bryson's ability to make complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

Quick quotes

    The most amazing thing about it was the frequency of mind-blowing facts.

    Bryson's ability to make complex topics accessible and enjoyable is truly impressive.

    It's a great read for anyone interested in science, offering a unique and entertaining perspective.

My Boys Club · 2018-09-18
compelling 4.75

The book is praised for its engaging and informal tone, making it a compelling read that's hard to put down. It's enjoyed for its storytelling approach to science.

The reviewer from My Boys Club found this book to be a compelling read that they couldn't put down, taking it with them everywhere during their holiday. They appreciate the informal, chatty tone and the storytelling approach to science, which makes the book both educational and entertaining. The reviewer highlights how the book's engaging style keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Quick quotes

    I took it on holiday, to the beach, read it in the garden, in the car and on public transport.

    I hardly stopped reading it until I'd finished.

    It is written more like a story than a textbook and has quite an informal, chatty tone.

The Guardian · 2014-12-30
enlightening 4.00

The book is recommended for all age groups as it offers a chance to learn about existence in an engaging way. It's praised for being more enlightening than typical science education.

The reviewer at The Guardian highly recommends this book for readers of any age, finding it to be an enlightening journey through the sciences. They appreciate how it surpasses the usual science education one might receive, making complex topics accessible and interesting. The book's ability to make readers feel smarter and more informed about the world is particularly highlighted.

Quick quotes

    It is a chance to learn about existence and to be better than your science teacher, after all.

    The book is written in a way that makes complex scientific concepts understandable and engaging.

    It's a journey through the sciences that is both informative and entertaining.

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