A Short History of Nearly Everything Audiobook By Bill Bryson cover art

A Short History of Nearly Everything

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A Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Richard Matthews
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One of the world’s most beloved writers and New York Times bestselling author of A Walk in the Woods and The Body takes his ultimate journey—into the most intriguing and intractable questions that science seeks to answer.

In A Walk in the Woods, Bill Bryson trekked the Appalachian Trail—well, most of it. In A Sunburned Country, he confronted some of the most lethal wildlife Australia has to offer. Now, in his biggest book, he confronts his greatest challenge: to understand—and, if possible, answer—the oldest, biggest questions we have posed about the universe and ourselves. Taking as territory everything from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization, Bryson seeks to understand how we got from there being nothing at all to there being us.

To that end, he has attached himself to a host of the world’s most advanced (and often obsessed) archaeologists, anthropologists, and mathematicians, travelling to their offices, laboratories, and field camps. He has read (or tried to read) their books, pestered them with questions, apprenticed himself to their powerful minds.

A Short History of Nearly Everything is the record of this quest, and it is a sometimes profound, sometimes funny, and always supremely clear and entertaining adventure in the realms of human knowledge, as only Bill Bryson can render it. Science has never been more involving or entertaining.©2003 Bill Bryson (P)2003 Books on Tape, Inc. Published by Arrangement with Random House Audio Publishing Group, A Division of Random House, Inc. Astronomy Astronomy & Space Science History & Philosophy Natural History Nature & Ecology Philosophy Science World Witty Thought-Provoking Mathematics Cosmology Inspiring Black Hole Short Stories World History

Editorial reviews

"Imagine if you can -- and of course you can't..." is how Bryson opens his explanation of how a universe is born. And he has the uncanny ability to not say too much, nor too little; to use metaphors brilliantly but without cliché; and to sound like he's actually learning as he goes along. Like Stephen Hawking before him, Bryson skips from one BIG topic to the next with the curiosity of a child and the patience of a schoolteacher. It's like having a front-row seat to the history of the world.

With his slightly bemused English accent, narrator Richard Matthews sounds completely at home in the material, chatting knowingly and with perfect dry comic timing. For managing to cover the universe and keep it lively, this experience definitely merits as an all-time favorite.

Critic reviews

"Not to be missed." (AudioFile)
"Destined to become a modern classic of science writing." (The New York Times Book Review)

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Engaging Storytelling • Humanized Scientists • Soothing British Accent • Accessible Explanations • Humorous Narrative

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I am a scientist, and I feel that Bryson has a keen eye for what is important. His book is crammed with wonderful concepts and observations from a remarkable breadth of fields. It is always easy to understand, yet consistently mind-boggling. I personally found the stories of scientists' escapades captivating: it is so healthy to be reminded that science is a human endeavor. These stories of ruthlessness and heartbreak along the path of discovery are exactly the things that elevate this book above textbooks. Also, the narrator does a wonderful job of giving the author's words their intended voice, be it profound, tragic, or comic.

Engrossing and dazzling

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I also read the abridged version first; very much enjoyed it, and enjoyed the unabridged version even more. From the beginnings of the universe, to the beginning of life, Bryson has surveyed the history of discovery and the current state of affairs; advising readers of what we know, what we think we know, and what we have no idea about. As a liberal arts major who dropped out of my first (and only) college physics class over 30 years ago, I found the information fascinating and the listen very enjoyable. It is done in chatty stories about not just the science, but the scientists. Who knew, for example, that Newton was apparently mad?
And, it is not just for adults. My 13 year old son, who just started 7th grade, is also listening to the book, and he very much likes it -- my only concern is that he will know more than his teachers by the end of it; and somehow get into trouble. Oh well.
The narrator is very good. Slight British accent is perfect, as the text has a few "Bristish-isms" which makes the whole more charming. While I can't say I listened to the whole 18 hours in one sitting, I can say I did look forward to my next listen. Truly a fascinating and accessible survey of scientific history. Great read.

A short history of science & scientists -- GREAT!

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This is really not to be missed book by any scientist or anyone for that matter. Although the book does not (and can't) go into deep scientific details it apropriately describes history behind some of the great inventions and discoveries. You will learn how today's world came to be. The most important thing you will learn in this book is that in most cases the scientist or invention was misunderstood and discredited by scientist's colleagues and other people to maintain the dogmatic status quo. The narration is excellent. Narrator's voice keeps you interested, you won't get bored.

Great book

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What a great book! I liked it so much I bought the hardback so that I could mark favorite my passages. I highly recommend it for anyone who has the slightest interest in the world around them.

Overwhelming

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I listened to this book on a long car trip and it made the hours go by quickly. I almost didn't want to leave the car.
Author Bill Bryson makes the history of science fun and pertinent. His wit is great and his examples well chosen. It is extremely hard to write a history like this and make it wildly entertaining, but Mr. Bryson has done it. My hat off to him.

Wildly Entertaining and Educational Too!

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At this time it is along with another book my all time favorite.

It has SO much content that you will need to listen to it once attentively and then 3-4 more times as it has tons of information.


You here one interesting fact and then you are off to another again.

Favorite book of all time so far.

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This is an excellent book for anyone interested in a better understanding of the current scientific explanations for the origins of the universe, our earth, and life. He explains everything in easy to understand language, but does not "dumb down" anything. By the end, one has a much better appreciation for the immense size and complexity of our world and our place in it.

Makes the World Easier to Understand

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One of the best books I have ever read/listened to. I looked forward to my morning commute every day because I knew I would be listening to this incredible story.

Excellent!

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I'm not sure if it's Bill Brysons writing, or Richard Matthews just superb narration.. most likely a combination of both. This book has been played over and over again on my iPod.

Probably my favorite sofar...

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I have read this book twice...so much fun listening for a third. The narrator is wonderful. Very enjoyable.

On of my favorite books!

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