A Short History of Nearly Everything - 6112 Words

A Short History of Nearly Everything is a popular science book by American author Bill Bryson that explains some areas of science, using a style of language which aims to be more accessible 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 UK, selling over 300,000 copies.[1] instead describing general sciences such as chemistry, paleontology, astronomy, and particle physics. In it, he explores time from the Big Bang to the discovery of quantum mechanics, via evolution and geology. Bryson tells the story of science through the stories of the people who made the discoveries, such as Edwin Hubble, Isaac Newton, and Albert Einstein. Background Bill Bryson†¦show more content†¦As is the fanciful notion of palaeontologist Charles Doolittle Walcott chancing on the fossil-rich Burgess Shales after his horse slipped on a wet track. So much for clarity and local colour. What about romance? For Bryson this clearly lies in natures infinitudes. The sheer improbability of life, the incomprehensible vastness of the cosmos, the ineffable smallness of elementary particles, and the imponderable counter-intuitiveness of quantum mechanics. He tells us, for example, that every living cell contains as many working parts as a Boeing 777, and that prehistoric dragonflies, as big as ravens, flew among giant trees whose roots and trunks were covered with mosses 40 metres in height. It sounds very impressive. Not all readers will consider it sublime, but its hard to imagine a better rough guide to science.  · John Waller is research fellow at the Wellcome Trust Centre for the History of Medicine and author of Fabulous Science: Fact and Fiction in the History of Scientific Discovery (OUP) | Home | Books | Reports | Reviews | Contact Us | Virtual Astronomer | Press Releases | A Book Review of†¨Ã¢â‚¬ ¨A Short History of Nearly Everything†¨by Bill Bryson†¨Broadway Books, 2003 Prepared by the staff of Jupiter Scientific What has propelled this popular science book to the New YorkShow MoreRelatedA Short History of Nearly Everything800 Words   |  4 PagesIn A Short History of Nearly Everything Bill Bryson undertakes the task of explaining every noteworthy event from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization or as he puts it â€Å"†¦how we went from there being nothing at all to there being something, and then how a little of that something turned into us, and also what happened in between and since.† Bryson explains his reasoning for writing the books was because he was discontented with the textbook version of science that failed to explain how everythingRead MoreA Short History of Nearly Everything6112 Words   |  25 PagesA Short History of Nearly Everything is a popular science book by American author Bill Bryson that explains some areas of science, using a style of language which aims to be more accessible to the general public than many other books dedicated to the subject. It w as one of the bestselling popular science books of 2005 in the UK, selling over 300,000 copies.[1] instead describing general sciences such as chemistry, paleontology, astronomy, and particle physics. In it, he explores time from theRead MoreAn Outline for a Book Report: A Short History of Nearly Everything927 Words   |  4 PagesBryson, Bill. A short history of nearly everything. New York: Broadway Books, 2003. II. Summary of the Main Ideas 1. Subject: Bill Bryson is writing about science and the discoveries we have made into knowing about the universe, and the earths existence. 2. Occasion; Bryson had written A Short History of Nearly Everything, because, Bryson had felt that â€Å"[The science book] wasn’t exciting at all† (5), therefore he hadnt liked science verymuch. Until, one day he had wondered how did theyRead MoreSimilarities Between Bill Brinson And Perks Of Being A Wallflower979 Words   |  4 PagesThe two texts, both Bill Brysons a short history of nearly everything, and Stephen Chboskys Perks of being a wallflower, explore responses emitted when beings are given emotional and intellectual stimuli. This can be seen through both Bill Brysons use of Narration throughout his book, and through the use of Narration in Perks of being a wallflower, through Charlie, where we can see everything he experiences through both his thoughts and voice. Especially during scenes that depict Charlie writingRead MoreThe Legacy Of The Emancipation Proclamation954 Words   |  4 PagesWhen it comes to Abraham Lincoln people will accept anything as fa ctual, which is why all the myths of Lincoln have actually dominated history for so long. 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From the death, destruction, and deformation of Vietnam to financial damage to local farmers, from the dangerous chemicals placed in their crops to the false advertising of their company, Monsanto and its cohorts may be theRead MoreHow Man Can Invent Life Changing Inventions Essay1688 Words   |  7 Pagesdid everything that we see, smell, feel, or hear come into existence? If there are answers to these questions then more questions arise such as: When did it begin? Where did it begin? Why did it begin? Every person that walked the Earth and lived their small, miniscule lives have looked to the oceans, skies, stars, and planets, and wondered what their purpose and plan was in the grand universe. Through research, studies, science and technology, man has been extremely powerful in such a short existenceRead More Humorous Wedding Speech – Two Best Men Essay791 Words   |  4 Pagesorganizing the stag weekend (bachelor’s party). We both had the responsibility of getting him to the church on time, smartly dressed and sober†¦ but neither of us could achieve that last part. And, regrettably, we have both been asked to give a short speech. So why does it take two of us to describe the bridegroom? Well, as the man in Moss Bros said, Theres a lot to fit in. But you can rest assured that I’ll be keeping my part brief†¦ as I know the other bloke (guy) can drone on for hours! Read MoreJulius Caesar Power Of Speech921 Words   |  4 Pagesprofound writers in all of history, skillfully used the character of Mark Antony in his play, Julius Caesar, in order to verify true the theme that loyalty and respect are two of the most extremely convincing tactics. He demonstrates the power of speech as he is manipulating words in order to prove a certain point in the speaker’s favor, whoever that may be. Mark Antony was a man who enjoyed spending the majority of his time at extravagant parties and receiving everything he wanted at his sudden demandRead MoreWhat Makes A Person American?1081 Words   |  5 PagesFrom our own eyes, we can see the change s America had gone through everyday. The history of America is a giant textbook; almost impossible to complete in a semester of history class. America had stood of her own ideologies since the day she became a country. Like every country in the world, people have controversial opinions on this land. Some felt America has the best value of all; while some felt like America didn’t lived up to her promises. America is a country that has grown more complicated