A Short History of Nearly Everything

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A Short History of Nearly Everything
Bill bryson a short history.jpg
Author Bill Bryson
Language English
Genre Non-fiction
Publisher Black Swan (UK)
Broadway Books (US)
Publication date
Media type Print (Hardcover, Paperback, E-Book)
ISBN 0-7679-0817-1
OCLC 51900381
500 21
LC Class Q162 .B88 2003

A Short History of Nearly Everything by American author Bill Bryson is a popular science book that explains some areas of science, using easily accessible language that appeals more so to the general public than many other books dedicated to the subject. It was one of the bestselling popular science books of 2005 in the United Kingdom, selling over 300,000 copies.[1]


Bryson tells the story of science through the stories of the people who made the discoveries, such as Democritus and Alfred Wegener.




— Bryson, on the state of science books used within his school.[2]


Bryson describes graphically and in layperson's terms the size of the universe and that of atoms and subatomic particles. He then explores the history of geology and biology and traces life from its first appearance to today's modern humans, placing emphasis on the development of the modern Homo sapiens. Furthermore, he discusses the possibility of the Earth being struck by a meteor and reflects on human capabilities of spotting a meteor before it impacts the Earth, and the extensive damage that such an event would cause. He also describes some of the most recent destructive disasters of volcanic origin in the history of our planet, including Krakatoa and Yellowstone National Park.


The book contains a few factual errors and inaccuracies.[3] Some of these have arisen because new discoveries have been made since the book's publication, and some classifications have changed. For example, Pluto has been reclassified as a dwarf planet.

An illustrated edition of the book was released in November 2005.[4] A few editions in Audiobook form are also available, including an abridged version read by the author, and at least three unabridged versions.

Awards and reviews[edit]

The book received generally favourable reviews, with reviewers citing the book as informative, well written and highly entertaining.[5][6][7]

In 2004, this book won Bryson the prestigious Aventis Prize for best general science book.[8] Bryson later donated the GBP£10,000 prize to the Great Ormond Street Hospital children's charity.[9]

In 2005, the book won the EU Descartes Prize for science communication.[10]

It was shortlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize for the same year.

See also[edit]


  1. ^ Staff of BBC Focus (July 2006). "How to... Make a Mint From Science". BBC Focus. p. 54. 
  3. ^ Errata and corrigenda: "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson
  5. ^ The Guardian. Review: A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson.
  6. ^ Jupiter Scientific: Book Review for A Short History of Nearly Everything.
  7. ^ A Short History of Nearly Everything | Bookreporter.com
  8. ^ Amos, Jonathan (June 14, 2004). "Bryson wins £10,000 science prize". BBC News. Retrieved 2006-03-15. 

External links[edit]