Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 785
 a remarkably thorough overview of science and "everything" March 18, 2010
Carl Christensen (Oxford England)
This book was a pleasant surprise - I was thinking it would be a funny scientific overview for the layperson, a la the "When Poodles Roamed The Earth" book I bought ages ago. I bought it mainly because I've enjoyed Bryson's more humorous "views on society" works such as "Notes From A Small Island" and "Notes From A Big Country."
But I ended up really engrossed in the material, and learned quite a lot even about areas I thought I had "sufficiently covered" in the past. And most of all I'm amazed that Bryson really did such a thorough job. It's sort of like a Carl Sagan tome of "rah rah science" mixed with a bit of Mark Twain humor and common sense and reality. And it's a real eye-opener to see some of the "unsung heros" in science (women scientists who were ignored or marginalized; people that should have won or at least been included on various Nobel prizes or in scientific history etc). Having felt snubbed or ignored in my own work it sort of made me feel better! ;-)
The Bill Bryson Science Primer: a fine achievement March 13, 2010
Archer Books (Hemel Hempstead, UK)
One reason for the huge global book sales of probably the world's most popular and successful travel writer is his keen eye for detailed minutiae and fine observation of the absurd, and here he turns his considerable writing talents to a potted history of every scientific theory of consequence. Bryson's intelligent and witty style is surprisingly suited to this formidable task and the result is an entertaining romp through particle physics, astronomy, big bang theory, chemistry, biology, paleantology, geology, genetics and almost every other branch of science you can think of. The ambitious title sums up the resulting book very well: the ideal science primer for the non-scientific reader.
By focusing on the little-known human stories behind the development of many scientific theories Bryson brings what might otherwise have been dry textbook accounts to life, infusing them with wit and fascination. More scientifically literate readers who criticise this tactic miss the point: the author is not writing for them, but is aiming to entertain and at the same time inspire the casual reader who may only have a memory of uninspiring science classes at school with the wonders of our universe. The book amuses, entertains and educates, persuading the reader that understanding these big issues really matters and we should spend time at it.
Like all the best researchers, Bryson goes to primary sources where possible to visit and interview some contemporary folks involved in the science fields he writes about. No-one is better than Bryson at bringing these characters to life, complete with personal quirks and obsessions. The dedication of some of these people to small and detailed areas of scientific endeavour is astounding.
Although the book is very long at over 500 pages, as you would expect from Bryson it's never dull. The reader is left with an appreciation of the enormous complexity of the universe and a keen interest to inquire further into the how and why of things. It's a fun read, and when you reach the final page you feel you've not only learned things you didn't know before but now realise they might be important and be inspired to more reading on the subject.
Excellent! March 11, 2010
Suriyanti Puspadewi (Amsterdam, The Netherlands)
When you have questions, this book is going to be your friend...your curiosity answered in such an understandable scientific way. I enjoyed reading it.
Excellent guide through the history of science March 11, 2010
Baard Kaasa (Norway)
A short history of nearly everything is one of the best and most interesting books I have ever read. It gives you the answer to many of the great puzzles through history and not only the answer, but how the puzzles were solved. Another impressive thing about this book is that it is correct! I have a Ph.D. in chemistry and every time Bill Bryson is talking about topics I know something about, it is correct! He has really done great research for this book. Once I had finished it, I started on page 1 and read it again. Strongly recommended for everyone interested in science, history and the great minds through history.
If you like this book, you will probably also like books written by Simon Singh about "Fermat's last Theorem" and "The Code Book".
LOVED IT!!!!! March 5, 2010
M. Knecht (Ohio,US)
I liked this book so much I purchased it for a friend rather than give up my copy.
I love all of Bill Bryson's books so this wasn't my first. I have to say I enjoyed it the most so far.
It is science that even someone who didn't pay attention in school can understand.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 785
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