One Summer

America, 1927

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Bill Bryson

Length: 17 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

Audie Award Finalist, History, 2014

One of the most admired nonfiction writers of our time retells the story of one truly fabulous year in the life of his native country - a fascinating and gripping narrative featuring such outsized American heroes as Charles Lindbergh, Babe Ruth, and yes Herbert Hoover, and a gallery of criminals (Al Capone), eccentrics (Shipwreck Kelly), and close-mouthed politicians (Calvin Coolidge). It was the year Americans attempted and accomplished outsized things and came of age in a big, brawling manner. What a country. What a summer. And what a writer to bring it all so vividly alive for us in this certain best-seller.

©2013 Bill Bryson (P)2013 Random House Audio

More excellent Bryson

He's done it again. The trip to 1927 is captivating. Who knew so much had happened that summer/year? Bill Bryson did and he brings it to the listener in his own inimitable voice. Thanks.

Entertaining and Informative history

I love this book. It’s a sprawling look at the eventful summer of 1927, Placing it within the context of all that was going on at that time and the major people and personalities. Whether you are a history buff, or not much interested, you’ll be entertained and learn ALOT along the way.

So we'll done!

Learned a lot and enjoyed doing it. Must have been a he'll of a time.

detailed research. pace of narration

nothing. it was perfect. a relaxing story well told by an expert narrator at an easily followed pace

another gem by bill bryson

It's the combination of great narration, a little bit of United Kingdom dialect, the understated way Bryson tells the story, and knowing the listener has no responsibility to remember any of it....that make Bill Bryson's gems such a wonderful listening experience.
To summarize, listen to be wonderfully entertained, even if you don't recall one morsel of what the book actually was about.

Anecdotal telling of history for one pivotal year

I've always loved 1927 America and I love this book. The author ties together the three biggest single events of 1927: Jolson Speaks, The Babe Swats, and Lindbergh Dares and ties them altogether into a coherent narrative. The unfolding of these and other events reveal the process of the times.

The author wonderfully reads his own book. He's not a professional reader by any means, but he adds the humor, anger or surprise that only an author of his own work could add at the appropriate spots.

The author, Bill Bryson, puts each major event in its proper context and is at his best when he's not in 1927 but is telling you the before and after stories of the characters. Not to be too much of a spoiler, The Babe is amazing and Lindbergh is a dud (racist, pro-nazi eugenicist, philanderer).

I love the book, it is marvelously read, I learned a lot, but I would only recommend it for lovers of 1927 or at least the 1920s, and if you do love that period of time by all means get it and enjoy.

Rich with Facts and Historical Phenomenon

Great story about a largely forgotten era. Key figures and events make for moments intrigue every minute. The readers vocal tone may leave something to be desired but the story makes up for it in droves.

Another great Bryson book

I have read and loved all of Bill Bryson's books. In this one, Bryson takes many moments in American history and masterfully weaves them together to create an enormously enjoyable book. I highly recommend it.

Absolutely terrific!

I learned so much! My grandparents were alive this year and it was amazing to think of what they thought of these events. I really appreciated this book.

Another Bryson--reliably superb!

Bryson's story-telling approach to history, coupled with his exhaustive research, and easy-going manner, leave the reader with that satisfying sense of having been there, and almost without effort. He is our favorite historian by a long way, and we are always eager to learn what he will unpack next.