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  • A Short History of Nearly Everything

  • By: Bill Bryson
  • Narrated by: William Roberts
  • Length: 18 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (5,383 ratings)

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A Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: William Roberts
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Publisher's Summary

A Short History of Nearly Everything is Bill Bryson's quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. He takes subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry, and particle physics, and aims to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. In the company of some extraordinary scientists, Bill Bryson reveals the world in a way most of us have never seen it before.
©2003 Bill Bryson (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Editorial reviews

In his latest release, A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson compounds the story of human existence, or rather what is known of it so far, into one incredible audiobook expertly narrated by American voice performer William Roberts. Be entertained by even the most complex of discoveries, all broken down in a way that makes them understandable and enlightening. Covering innumerable topics of human achievements, you will be tremendously inspired by the significance these discoveries have had on life as we know it today. Available now from Audible.

Critic Reviews

"To read Bryson is to travel with a memoirist gifted with wry observation and keen insight that shed new light on things we mistake for commonplace. To accompany the author as he travels with the likes of Charles Darwin on the Beagle, Albert Einstein or Isaac Newton is a trip worth taking." (Publishers Weekly)
"Stylish [and] stunningly accurate prose....Brims with strange and amazing facts...destined to become a modern classic of science writing." (The New York Times)

What listeners say about A Short History of Nearly Everything

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Profile Image for Stacy Best

a literature review of science history

This is absolutely amazing something I'll probably listen to at least one a year :)

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26 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Proud Mum

So much content, I'll have to listen to it again

Any additional comments?

Bill Bryson has an incredible talent for researching very complex topics and then converting them into something the average person can understand. I must say I am pleased to have listened to this book as opposed to reading it (I fear I may not have made it to the end). Well done Mr Bryson. The narrator on the other hand did a fairly good job, but still fell down on the pronunciation of some words ... but at least his performance was way better than it was in Down Under.

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20 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for rhys

Bill Bryson

Very interesting and complete. It can be very technical, Im referring to the section devoted to climate, however well worth listening to.

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3 people found this helpful

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Profile Image for Ashlea

Great book!

Fascinating! Couldn't put it down. Would recommened to anyone, but especially to nerdy scientists like myself.
Well written, well narrated.

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Profile Image for lavender

A must read for anyone interested in our world

A truly fascinating book. Both entertaining and informative this book explains complex scientific concepts without condesension and with humour.

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Profile Image for Adam Young

A Must Read

one of the most interesting books I've ever had the pleasure of listening. this was my first audible title and it worked so well. The narrative perfectly captures the shock and awe of how little we know of our existence.

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Profile Image for Bruno

Interesting view over the natural history

It's a summarised view over the Earth's natural history. A lot of curiosities and remarkable passages that I never heard before. The narrative performance is perfect.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Great read about our world.

An amazing journey from the beginning of the big bang, to the current knowledge of our universe. very informative and interesting. Done so well I listen to it 3 times and will be doing so a 4th time.

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Great

Great in so many ways, educational and thought provoking. Is relevant to the current pandemic.

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Profile Image for Paul Blundell

Just as good as I remember

I loved this book in hard back and this was great. The narrator was spot on (except his take on an Australian accent but I won't hold that against him)

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