Bill Bryson has an unique writing style that is no stranger to A Short History of Nearly Everything. In this book Bill takes the reader on a tour of scientific achievements, their history and their champions. Full of facts, interesting and weird stories, historical accidents and some solid numbers. Yet, it’s an easy read and one that only occasionally may be too detailed with trivia. Still, Bill Bryson has done his homework. The research is broad and as deep as necessary with occasional visits to museums and persons. The accounts of his journey are documented in the book which adds a sort of richness and depth to the material.
Many of the topics in the book were not unfamiliar to me and some others were quite the opposite, yet Bill puts the facts and stories in such a way that his description gives the reader glimpses from very odd perspectives. As an added bonus the author makes insightful comments and links along the way.
At some points the technically and scientifically savvy may sense weaknesses and even downright incorrect or misleading information, but that’s the exception rather than the norm. Bill explains why some things are the way they are and how did we figure them out. The people involved, their stories, personal triumphs and failures, lucky accidents and misfortunes and all things around and in between. But the book is not about what we know, not just. In a chapter where the oceans are discussed and what is now known as oceanography, Bill takes the time to spell out how little we know about the water world of our planet.
The book does an outstanding job of bringing a lot of material, information and some obscure facts to the layman all packaged in a witty and well-written text. One can’t fail to notice the amount of material covered between the covers of A Short History. Certainly one of those books that may be read more than once in spite of its size.
Category: General science.
Edition(s) read: Audio.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for everyone.