A Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson

Narrated by: Richard Matthews

Length: 18 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the world’s most beloved and best-selling writers 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 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.

Critic reviews

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

Fascinating book, well written and well spoken

Have owned this one for years and listened to it many times over. Great for long flights or sleepless nights.

nothing is more fascinating than reality

informative, intriguing, at times humorous, and consistently compelling. this book series as a crash course in the major sciences, scientists, and events and discoveries. while it may be difficult to digest and retain it all, you'll undoubtedly learn many new things, reanimate lost memories of formerly forgotten knowledge, and essentially just be a slightly wiser and better informed individual upon completion.

Recommending to everyone

I've had a 2nd hand copy of the hardcover book edition on my shelf of "to read" for awhile, but have been too busy to pick it up. I may take the time now to read it after loving the audio version. It's worth a read, a re-read, and another re-read, at least. so much interesting info packed into one book. Well recited in the audio version here as well--clear and easy-to-listen to voice with good intonation so it keeps your brain involved.

Very interesting and easy to understand

When I first started listening, there seem to be some volume variance, however it straightened out. I found the book very interesting and I listened to it a 2nd time, picking up things I missed on the first listen. I also ordered the hard copy children's version for my 10 year old great nephew. However his father liked it as well and read it first.

The narrator does a good job and the pace was perfect for my listening style. I highly recommend it. I don't think anyone would regret listening to this. Touches on so many interesting things and speaks in laymen's terms.

To be brief.

In short, this book and its narration were simply brilliant. Will listen many times over.

This booking made med write a review

I did not know I like this type og book before I read this book. Now I'm scrambling to find another one like it, though I fear, I might never find one as good again.

Fantastic listen!

I can't imagine the work and research that must have gone into creating such a great book. I couldn't put it down. Bill Bryson's way of writing is smooth and conversational yet chock full of information. Richard Matthews performance was perfectly suited for the task. Wonderful!

A treasure chest of knowledge!

This audiobook will make you wonder out loud why, why you never thought of that, why have I never heard that before and why is this not the mandatory way to explain what you never realized you don't know.

amazing

I think this book was absolutely fantastic! hearing the brief history of everything all the science and medicine and facts and learning about all the people was absolutely incredible

Very informative, but a bit dated.

A new edition is needed. Very insightful with all good references. I learned quite a bit