THIS BOOK IS AMAZING!But that’s by the by. As usual, WoB service is impeccable. Arrived super speedy and the book in great (old) condition. The only way the experience could have been better were if the item was actually new.I know what I’m getting with World of Books. Reliable, useable, efficient service for used books. Often gifts or condition too. This one was for us though.

A fascinating history of the universe, earth, life, and mankind!

This is an amazing, fascinating book. It wonderfully describes the history of the universe, the history of earth, the history of life on earth, and the history of mankind. It also describes the history of our knowledge of the building blocks of matter, i.e., molecules, atoms, protons, neutrons, electrons, etc, as well as painting an amazing description of what it is like inside a cell. And he writes with a lovely sense of humor. It's full of "juiciness", not at all like a dull textbook. I highly recommend it to anyone who has an interest in these things. Even if you don't have an interest, this book will most likely develop one FOR you!

Another gem from Bill Bryson

I have liked Bill Bryson since reading his books Notes From a Small Island and Notes From a Big Country. He combines his seriousness with a certain dry wit to give an entertaining experience. This book is a sort of condensed history of our world and everything in it combining plenty of facts, figures and personalities to give a picture of how we came to be and where we are going. He does not paint a pretty picture of the latter. A compulsive read for anyone who cares about the future.

For the answers...Look Here!

This is not a book you read like a novel...although the first time I read it that is how I did it. It isn't bed time reading either...it gets the brain cells firing on all cylinders. If you like science and you like history this book is for you. It filled many gaps in my knowledge and is recommended if you have children who need information for projects(yes... the internet is good for that, but this book is far more engaging). This is my 'go to' book for scientific information in a readable and digestible form. Great stuff!

I have bought this book many times as a gift for friends.

Bill Bryson.It is amazing how some writers can utilize just 26 characters (letters of the alphabet) to producetruly inspiring works of art. Both entertaining and factual.Bill Bryson is one of those people.Just think a complete history of the Planet has been written using just 26 characters.Rustyn Thomas.

I wish everyone could read this book

If you read the whole book, cover to cover, it will put a dent in the way you used to see things. This book is a treasure. I've read it twice so far and the second reading was so enjoyable. I'm going to read it a third time and highlite as I go. Get the illustrated version.

Old and inaccurate.

It's quite an old book now. Bryson does not understand science very well. He has evidently done a lot of research but I sometimes wonder where he gets his ideas from! I was recommended to read this book by climate sceptics as if it would provide evidence to disprove Anthropogenic Climate Warming. It doesn't. He claims that volcanoes emit more CO2 than humans - this is totally wrong. Volcanoes contribute about one-hundredth of the amount emitted by volcanoes. His explanation of Coriolis force is also glaringly wrong. Some of his descriptions of the vastness of our solar system are very good.

Super buy

Good condition and reasonable price. Thanks. PS A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryant. An excellent read for the curious mind, written in a language that we can all easily understand, dealing with the most complex subjects.

This book may disappear in time, but it belongs on any bookshelf. I am not easily impressed but this book is a worthwhile read

I know little about the Author. In fact as a collector of books I should do. This book does indeed probe with a light heart into what are very deep issues and is compelling reading. Mr. Bryson`s observations should be compulsory reading or at least, at the very inexpensive price, made available to anyone who has the curiousity to read it. He has checked his facts and any person who buys this book will emerge not only wiser, but with a lot of information!