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A Short History of Nearly Everything

Series: Bryson
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( 415,378 ratings, 17,140 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson is a captivating exploration of science and the discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe. It distils complex subjects, from the Big Bang to quantum mechanics, into engaging and accessible narratives, offering a panoramic view of scientific knowledge. Bryson's wit and curiosity make the journey both enlightening and entertaining.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're curious about the natural world and enjoy learning how science explains our everyday experiences, from the Big Bang to the rise of civilisation, presented in an engaging and often humorous way.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The author describes himself as a reluctant traveller, but even when he stays safely at home he can't contain his curiosity about the world around him. This title is about his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us.

The incomparable Bill Bryson travels through time and space to introduce us to the world, the universe and everything in this groundbreaking book, the best selling popular science book of the 21st century.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through time and space, unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental principles that govern our existence. From the explosive birth of the cosmos in the Big Bang to the emergence of human civilisation, Bryson weaves an intricate tapestry that not only illuminates the grandeur of scientific discovery but also the curious and sometimes eccentric figures who have shaped our understanding of the world.

With a knack for making the most complex concepts accessible, Bryson delves into subjects such as geology, chemistry, and particle physics, transforming them into enthralling narratives that are as entertaining as they are educational. His mission is clear: to make science approachable and engaging for everyone, even those who might typically shy away from it. Through his masterful storytelling, Bryson reveals the awe-inspiring wonders of nature and the universe, encouraging readers to see the world in a new light.

This groundbreaking work has captivated millions of readers, making it the best-selling popular science book of the 21st century. To date, A Short History of Nearly Everything has sold over 2 million copies worldwide, earning widespread acclaim for its wit, clarity, and insight.

A Short History of Nearly Everything has received glowing reviews from esteemed publications:

Economist: "Possibly the best scientific primer ever published."

Guardian: "Truly impressive... It's hard to imagine a better rough guide to science."

The Times: "A travelogue of science, with a witty, engaging, and well-informed guide."

Despite considering himself a "reluctant traveller," Bryson's insatiable curiosity about the world drives him to ask profound questions about our existence. This quest for knowledge and understanding is what fuels A Short History of Nearly Everything. Readers will join Bryson on an exhilarating intellectual adventure, discovering how we came to be and gaining a deeper appreciation for the scientific wonders that underpin our daily lives.

Whether you're a seasoned science aficionado or a complete novice, A Short History of Nearly Everything promises to enlighten and entertain, making the seemingly inaccessible world of science both approachable and enjoyable.

Series: Bryson

View all
  • A Short History of Nearly Everything
    In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through time and space, unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental principles that govern our existence. From the explosive birth of the cosmos in the Big Bang to the emergence of human civilisation, Bryson weaves an intricate tapestry that not only illuminates the grandeur...
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  • Down Under
    In Down Under, Bill Bryson takes readers on a fascinating, hilarious, and vividly-entertaining journey through the vast and diverse landscape of Australia. From the vivid red deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of Queensland and the bustling metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne, Bryson’s travels showcase the contrasts and unique aspects of this extraordinary continent. His wit, curiosity, and...
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  • A Walk In The Woods
    A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson is an enchanting and hysterical account of one man's attempt to reconnect with nature. Setting out to hike the legendary Appalachian Trail, Bryson and his quirky companion, Stephen Katz, tackle the nearly 2,200-mile footpath that stretches from Georgia to Maine. This journey is more than just a test of their endurance; it's...
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  • One Summer
    Immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey back to the summer of 1927 with One Summer by Bill Bryson, a masterful writer known for his captivating narrative non-fiction. This meticulously researched and vividly told account highlights a pivotal season when America was on the cusp of modernity, imbued with a sense of boundless potential and seismic change. In the summer of...
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  • Neither Here, Nor There
    In Neither Here, Nor There, Bill Bryson takes readers on an insightful and laugh-out-loud journey across Europe, recounting his adventures and misadventures with trademark wit and humour. This entertaining travelogue sees Bryson retracing the steps of his youthful travels as a student, but now with the wisdom (and perhaps cynicism) of middle age. Starting from the northern reaches of Hammerfest,...
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  • The Road to Little Dribbling
    The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson is a captivating journey through Britain, offering a delightful and humorous exploration of the country's charm and quirks. Twenty years after the release of his landmark travel book, Notes from a Small Island, Bryson returns to traverse the length and breadth of his adopted homeland. This time, he sets out on a...
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  • At Home
    At Home by Bill Bryson is an ingenious exploration of the mundane, yet fascinating world of domestic life. What begins as an innocent walk through the rooms of his Victorian rectory in Norfolk, England, turns into an extraordinary journey through history. Using his renowned wit, insatiable curiosity, and masterful storytelling, Bryson delves into how our homes evolved into the modern...
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  • Notes From A Small Island
    Notes From A Small Island by Bill Bryson is a delightfully entertaining exploration of one man's deep affection for Britain. The book opens with Bryson's decision to leave his beloved home in North Yorkshire for a few years to return to the United States with his family. Before departing, however, he embarks on a farewell tour of Britain, determined to...
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  • Notes From A Big Country
    Notes From A Big Country by Bill Bryson is a delightful and hilarious journey of rediscovery as Bryson, one of the world's best-loved travel writers, returns to the United States after nearly two decades in England. This book captures his attempt to embrace the American Dream while providing a witty and often bemused examination of the quirks and eccentricities of...
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  • The Lost Continent
    The Lost Continent by Bill Bryson is an uproariously entertaining travelogue that takes readers on a rollicking road trip through small-town America. In this classic piece of travel literature, Bryson embarks on a nostalgic journey across the United States, tracing the contours of his youth and searching for the idyllic small town of his childhood memories. Growing up in Des...
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  • Made In America
    In Made in America, celebrated author Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through the rich and often quirky history of the English language on American soil. With his trademark wit and profundity, Bryson delivers a narrative that's as educational as it is entertaining, offering readers a compelling exploration of American culture through the evolution of its language. Bryson deftly...
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  • The Life And Times Of The Thunderbolt Kid
    Bill Bryson on his most personal journey yetβ€”into his own childhood in America's Mid-West. From one of our most beloved and bestselling authors, a vivid, nostalgic, and utterly hilarious memoir of growing up in the 1950s. Born in 1951 in the middle of the United States, Des Moines, Iowa, Bill Bryson is perfectly positioned to mine his memories of a...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Short History of Nearly Everything is praised as a standout scientific primer, noted for its clear and vivid expression that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to the layman. Reviewers appreciate Bryson's unique narrative style, combining humour and insightful commentary, which renders the book both educational and thoroughly enjoyable. Many laud its potential to inspire young readers and its ability to change how one views the world.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781784161859

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 16 June 2016

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Black Swan

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 482g

Pages: 672

About the Author

Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. His bestselling books include The Road to Little Dribbling, Notes from a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods, One Summer and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. In a national poll, Notes from a Small Island was voted the book that best represents Britain. His acclaimed work of popular science, A Short History of Nearly Everything, won the Aventis Prize and the Descartes Prize, and was the biggest selling non-fiction book of its decade in the UK. His new book The Body- A Guide for Occupants is an extraordinary exploration of the human body which will have you marvelling at the form you occupy. Bill Bryson was Chancellor of Durham University 2005-2011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in England.

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    A Really Short Journey Through the Body by Bill Bryson and Emma Young is a delightful and enlightening exploration of the human body, tailored specifically for younger readers. This fully illustrated edition is an engaging adaptation of Bryson's bestselling work, plunging into the intricate and awe-inspiring workings of our bodies. With wit and charm, the authors guide readers through an...
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  • A Really Short History of Words
    The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language. Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about itβ€”you speak. Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did? Why do we have so many different words for just one thing? And why are so many words spelt...
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    The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson offers readers a captivating exploration into the intricate and remarkable workings of the human body. This head-to-toe tour of the marvel that is our physical frame delves deep into the mechanics, potential, and mysteries of our anatomy. Bryson, celebrated for his engaging writing and thorough research, embarks on a mission to...
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  • Mother Tongue
    A fresh new look for Bill Bryson's two exceptional classics on the English language. Mother Tongue explores the quirky and fascinating journey of the English language, spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide, with many more attempting to master it. Only Bill Bryson could make a book about the English language so entertaining. With his boundless enthusiasm and restless...
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