This is his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us. Bill Bryson's challenge is to take subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry and particle physics, and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. It's not so much about what we know, as how we know what we know. How do we know what is ...
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This is his quest to understand everything that has happened from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization - how we got from there, being nothing at all, to here, being us. Bill Bryson's challenge is to take subjects that normally bore the pants off most of us, like geology, chemistry and particle physics, and see if there isn't some way to render them comprehensible to people who have never thought they could be interested in science. It's not so much about what we know, as how we know what we know. How do we know what is in the centre of the earth, or what a black hole is, or where the continents were 600 million years ago? How did anyone ever figure these things out? On his travels through time and space he encounters a splendid collection of astonishingly eccentric, competitive, obsessive and foolish scientists, such as the painfully shy Henry Cavendish, who worked out important conundrums including how much the earth weighed, but failed to report many of his findings. In the company of such extraordinary people, Bill Bryson takes us with him on the ultimate eye- opening journey, and reveals the world in a way most of us have never seen it before.
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Fine. 5 CDs. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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New. 5 CDs. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Bryson tackles a big one this time - and does a creditable job of so doing.
Interesting and educational book - worth reading.
jimmieD
Apr 14, 2011
The guy is brilliant
I've listened to this in digital, actually more times than I should have, but just love the history of science that he shares with us. Plus really cool knowledge factoids. Plus he's got this subtle sense of humor that is just a joy to read.
Oh, and the provider sent everything as promised, a book in perfect shape. Fast delivery. Thanks so much, Jim
Rebecca M
Mar 17, 2011
A little bit of everything
What is not to love about Bill Bryson? He is informative and amusing at the same time!
Jim H
Feb 17, 2011
I liked this book so well
I not only recommended it to a friend, I sent it to him. This is not a book to read in a sitting. It's like a good lecture, you're paying attention, paying attention, paying attention, and then you hear (or read) something that takes you away for a moment. Something that resonates in your experience or recalibrates some truth you believed, or answers a question that occasionally reviisits your life. Four stars goes to a book I'll save from a fire so it's better than good. Five stars is worthy of sect creation. Bryson has wit, and the ability to pull information into coherency, rather than simply listing facts without comment or insight. If there's a fire, run back in and get it.
woodland417
Dec 9, 2010
An excellent read, always!
Bryson's narrative mastery and subtle wit come through and shape such a massive undertaking into a thoroughly enjoyable book!
