5 stars (Makes you feel smart) - Any author who can summarize the history of "nearly everything" in such an entertaining manner is truly a great writer. Bryson makes science understandable and actually succeeds in making the reader feel smart. You find yourself laughing out loud at the antidotes he offers up about great men with great ideas. This is a must for any home library. 5 stars (great audio book) - I bought the orginal abridged audio book and liked it so much that I purchased the unabridged version. 17 hours of Bryson! 5 stars (Short History but comprehensive) - Bill Bryson's Short History is a highly informative account of the history of science which manages to be both engaging and entertaining. It is impressive for the quantity of historical detail it includes and for the narrative style which includes anecdotal material which helps the reader to want to read more. It describes scientific concepts in highly accessible terms for the layperson which adds enjoyment to the reading of his account. ... Broadway Books :: Science-History :: Science :: Reference-Trivia :: Reference-Questions & Answers :: Questions & Answers :: History :: Bill Bryson :: :: A Short History of Nearly Everything