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$9.99
Used
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Hardcover
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9780767908177
Overview
Overview
Bill Bryson is one of the world's most beloved and bestselling writers. In A Short History of Nearly Everything, he takes his ultimate journey-into the most intriguing and consequential questions that science seeks to answer. It's a dazzling quest, the intellectual odyssey of a lifetime, as this insatiably curious writer attempts to understand everything that has transpired from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. Or, as the author puts it, ..".how we went from there being nothing at all to there being something, and then how a little of that something turned into us, and also what happened in between and since." This is, in short, a tall order. To that end, Bill Bryson apprenticed himself to a host of the world's most profound scientific minds, living and dead. His challenge is to take subjects like geology, chemisty, paleontology, astronomy, and particle physics and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people, like himself, made bored (or scared) stiff of science by school. His interest is not simply to discover what we know but to find out how we know it. How do we know what is in the center of the earth, thousands of miles beneath the surface? How can we know the extent and the composition of the universe, or what a black hole is? How can we know where the continents were 600 million years ago? How did anyone ever figure these things out? On his travels through space and time, Bill Bryson encounters a splendid gallery of the most fascinating, eccentric, competitive, and foolish personalities ever to ask a hard question. In their company, he undertakes a sometimes profound, sometimes funny, and always supremely clear and entertaining adventure in the realms of human knowledge, as only this superb writer can render it. Science has never been more involving, and the world we inhabit has never been fuller of wonder and delight.
- Format: Hardcover
- Author: Bryson, Bill
- ISBN: 9780767908177
- Condition: Used
- Dimensions: 9.30 x 1.90
- Number Of Pages: 560
- Publication Year: 2003
Customer Reviews
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5 ★
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Curious journalist's romp through the history of modern science.
Ryan F. - 1 year 10 months agoLet an experienced journalist and travel writer pick the brains of leading scientists and share in the bounty that falls out. From the birth of our universe to theories of human evolution, Bryson sheds light on the fascinating and often quirky pioneers and theories that comprise our current understanding of the world and the immense space that surrounds it. Replete with little known tid bits and tasty backstage drama, it's an enlightening peak behind the curtain. If you've never had an interest in science this just might be the book to open you up.
HPB Staff Review -
Engaging and educational, oriented toward the layman
Jade R. - 3 years 4 months agoBill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything is exactly as the name suggests. Bryson writes about the scientific history of Earth from the beginning, covering all different major branches of science. What makes it truly enjoyable is that Bryson is not a scientist, and the book is written to be approachable and enjoyable for the layman reader. He relates not only the scientific facts of Earth's history and processes, but also the always interesting and sometimes funny stories behind how these discoveries were made. If you're looking for something real and substantial, but not heavy or drudging, A Short History of Nearly Everything is for you. For an additional treat, check out the book in audio. Bryson reads it himself, and it is a joy to hear the author's words in his own voice.
HPB Staff Review -
Informative and approachable
Jade R. - 5 years 10 months agoBill Bryson's A Short History of Nearly Everything is as the title suggests - a brief but educational review of the scientific history and processes of the earth. What makes this book so enjoyable, is that Bryson is not a scientist, and the book is written with the layman in mind. If you're looking for something interesting and educational, but not drudging or bogged down in jargon, this is for you. For an extra treat try listening to the book on audio. Bryson reads the book himself, and it is a joy to hear it related in the author's voice.
HPB Staff Review -
Intriguing History in Action
Crystal B. - 6 years 5 months agoA Short History of Nearly Everything is a fantastic read for those just curious about history or those who apply intense study. Bryson has a unique and comedic linguistic style that enthralls the reader. Unlike most history/science books, Bryson brings to light the individuals and some of the most complex and fortuitous events whose creations, influences, and revelations have brought various fields of science and history to their groundwork today. This a book that will amuse and enrich your life.
HPB Staff Review -
Makes up for those awful Science textbooks
Tanya H. - 7 years 4 months agoAn excellent and engaging look into the world of science, making it fascinating for anyone who fell asleep over their exceedingly boring Science school books. Bryson takes the reader through a whole variety of subjects with wit and humor, going behind the scenes, into the lives of the famous, and not-so-famous-but-really-should-be inventors and pioneers in their fields. Highly Recommended!
HPB Staff Review