Bryson at his best. A hysterically funny intro to all science. ( )

Have you ever wondered about the origins of the universe or the workings of a cell? This introduction to many different branches of science gives you a taste of the history of how we know what we know (and what we think we know) about the world and how it works.

Giving a brief overview of such diverse scientific disciplines as physics, astronomy, chemistry, biology, and lots more, you may find yourself frustrated by only being given a taste of one subject before Bryson moves on to another. But the extensive notes and bibliography at the end will show you where to go next for those subjects that most interest you, and Bryson's characteristically witty narration will keep you reading even during those explorations you may not have found compelling in school. I was most fascinated to discover the reasons behind current scientific thought, and how much we really don't know about the earth and our universe. ( )

gave up few chapters in, too big, didn't understand much and maybe try in few years time

Reading this book is like watching a series of excellent history of science documentaries. It is accessible, entertaining, informative and makes you feel better for reading it. I first read it a few years back, but am enjoying re-reading it now. ( )

A Short History of Nearly Everything
Bill Bryson
May 26, 2009 9:14 PM

From childhood, I have been interested in science above all other subjects. I have studied chemistry and physics in college, and human biology in medical school, but I still find it pleasant to read a popular and well-written science book. Bill Bryson has an engaging, casual style, sometimes witty, and has a knack for finding good stories about his subjects. The structure of the chapters is typical of a popular science book; introduce an interesting historical or living scientist with some biographical background or an amusing story, discuss the science, move on to another topic. In this broad-ranged compendium the moving on tends to be done very quickly, and sometimes at the expense of completing the explanation. I notice that most of the sources cited tend to be other popular science texts and scientists known for being willing to write for the public. I enjoyed the cosmology and physics, and the earth sciences, and less so the molecular biology, perhaps because I am more familiar with the latter topics. Very nicely illustrated, some unusual photographs, like J.B.S. Haldane emerging from a hyperbaric chamber. ( )