I really enjoyed it, learned a lot. I wonder why they had a person with a plummy British accent narrate a book by an American? It's not bad or anything, just an odd choice. Maybe the publisher was channeling BBC documentaries and thought, if it sounds like the BBC the reader will be impressed by how erudite it is. ( )

This was a great listen (I got the audiobook from Audible). It is packed with many mind-blowing facts. I think everyone should read or listen to it. ( )

A Short History of Nearly Everything does not misrepresent itself; it ranges from theories on the origin of the universe and how long ago that (probably) really happened, to the structure of atoms and cells and the most basic, essential foundations of life and its evolution on Earth (which is all we Earthlings are really able to study at this point.) The book was originally published in 2003 and is therefore missing a decade of scientific developments, including the identification of the Higgs boson and the demotion of Pluto from "planet" rank. However, I think that's an inherent hazard of writing history on any topic, let alone science, without confining the discussion to "historical" time periods, and I don't think that the book suffers for it. Bryson's emphasis on the often obscure people and personalities who have developed and documented our understanding of the physical world, and his meanderings down narrative sidetracks for further exploration, make it all work.

MORE: http://www.3rsblog.com/2014/05/audiobook-talk-short-history-nearly-everything-bi... ( )

This was especially wonderful for the overview of the history of western science and all of the anecdotes of scientists. Bryson sometimes (often) wants to use facts or research for sweeping statements about reality, which is unjustified, but his awe and enthusiasm are contagious, so in the end it's forgivable. ( )

This review is on the audio book which is read by the author Bill Bryson. Bryon covers a unique history of the world, mankind and the universe. Obviously he covers a multitude of subject from big bang to astronomy to evolution and more. He covers earth quakes, asteroids, dinosaurs and more. Some of the details are very unique and really get you to thinking about how insignificant mankind is in relation to time and the universe. The section on bacteria is quite eye opening. There is so much more that it would be impossible to include in a review. I think this book either rerad or listened to would require more than one go thru to really grasp the full content. ( )