A Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: William Roberts

Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins

Publisher's summary

A Short History of Nearly Everything is Bill Bryson's quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. He takes subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry, and particle physics, and aims to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. In the company of some extraordinary scientists, Bill Bryson reveals the world in a way most of us have never seen it before.

©2003 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"To read Bryson is to travel with a memoirist gifted with wry observation and keen insight that shed new light on things we mistake for commonplace. To accompany the author as he travels with the likes of Charles Darwin on the Beagle, Albert Einstein or Isaac Newton is a trip worth taking." (Publishers Weekly)
"Stylish [and] stunningly accurate prose....Brims with strange and amazing facts...destined to become a modern classic of science writing." (The New York Times)

Should be mandatory

Ever wondered why we know what we know or what hardships we're endured in the pursuit of knowledge that we easily take for granted.
This book inspired me to empathy for how far we have come, who got us here and what it cost them

Authoring and narration at its best

It was a delight it was listen to this book, what with the facts explained lucidly and narrated in concise English, and the witty turn of phrase. The words used help paint the image that the author really wanted the reader to see. The only problem was that the book ended too soon. If I can posit a thought, the 'symbiosis' of author and narrator was the magic in this thoroughly entertaining book. Kudos!

Super stuff

Before I listened to this audiobook I had very limited interest in Science. This book has generated lot of interest in Sciences
However a sizeable portion of time in sharing trivial information about the scientist in question. I thought some of these sidelight were a bit too casual and (probably) un-researched.
Nevertheless a nice audiobook for my collection.

Unmissable

This is something else. You will not want to miss a word of it but don't worry because the book is even better the second time round. Funny, awesome, finely narrated and infinitely informative.

A nust read

This is one of the rarest books that bring knowledge and joy at the same time. It keep you listening all the time and make you try to understand and learn more, in some way the only sad thing about it, that it was for me kind of short. I highly recommend this book to everybody. I read it twice and love it. I even bought the printed illustrated edition just to have it and see the pictures.

Amazing!

Awesome book that keeps you interested and laughing all the way, while actually teaching you a bit about lots of fascinating things. And the narration is perfect, just absolutely perfect!! A must have!! Thank you!!

A short history of nearly everything

Outstanding! As a layman with a passion for all things science, I found this to be a treasure trove of "Nearly Everthing". Beautifully written, easily understood and fascinating to the last word, witty to boot. I have enjoyed every minute of the 19+ hours. I know that I will listen to this delightful book over and over again.

Absolutely Amazing!

I loved this audio book. It was made very well and it was so interesting, I learned alot from listening to it.

Essential listening

The narrator is a pure delight in bringing this astonishing book to life. A must have in any collection.

After 2020 - this book is a must

Whether you are confused from all the information, disinformation, policies or decisions that have been rocking us for last 2 years, or you are just exhausted of defending your views - this book is for you.

We tend to perceive the world as human existence as long story with great heroes of knowledge and wisdom.
A short history of nearly everything serves you this extremely short history without censor or over sparkly glamour.

It is informative, educational, witty and entertaining, even if you remain skeptical about things after reading it, you'd still get a good laugh of how often the best of us fool around.