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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 (5,275 ratings)

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A Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: William Roberts
Free with 2 month trial

AUD $16.45/mo after 2 months. Renews automatically. Cancel anytime.

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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.

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.
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

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

Average Customer Ratings
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not what I expected but brilliant!

It all starts with the narrator sounding like Dr Klein from half-life, which just lifted the mood for what was about to happen. Then instead of the history of the world as I expected, I copped a physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology and biology lesson I will never forget. I'll have to read this book again and again to ensure I soak it all in!

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68 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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25 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Fun and educational

fantastically narrated, very funny and very informative. I enjoyed every chapter and found the ending to be very eye open and confronting.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

An extraordinary book!

I purchased this audiobook, as much as anything, to test the truth of the title. In the final analysis it delivers on its promise. This is an extraordinary book in terms of its scope and reach. The narrator is easy to listen to (not always the case with Americans to my ears!) and you can just sit back and absorb whatever grabs you.
I listened to it in the car, which is probably not the best place to give it the attention it deserves, but then I could have ended up with my brain full, and that wouldn't have been ideal either.
If you have the time and inclination to hear about many things you've either forgotten about, or always thought you should know more about, this is a good choice.

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22 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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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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    5 out of 5 stars
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great story....narration terrible

This is an amazing story. However the narration is terrible. Bill Bryson should have narrated this.

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17 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A very human book.

Full of information not only about science and discoveries but the sometimes bazaar stories of the people who made them.

There is certainly no math to try and understand which is sometimes good and sometimes I wanted more detail. That is not what this book aims to supply though.

This book is a history of of humanities journey of discovery and wow what a journey.

Fascinating and just so listenable with narration being really really well executed. It gives the book life and wit and energy

Highly recommended.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This should be part of school curriculum

Bill Bryson just made science interesting. This book is a must listen for everyone and anyone. Has the potential to turn anyone into a science lover.

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12 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A masterful conglomerate!

This short history is simply astounding.

Bryson lashes together some of the grandest and boldest ideas, events and ages into a clever, but easy to enjoy audiobook that I would recommend to all.

I am honestly grateful that I got the opportunity to listen to such a wonderful work.

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10 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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so much information

a well told narrative of everything . my head is enjoyably swimming is its abundance.

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9 people found this helpful

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