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At Home: A Short History of Private Life
- Narrated by: Bill Bryson
- Length: 16 hrs and 32 mins
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Editor reviews
Summary
Here is Bill Bryson’s entertaining and illuminating book about the history of the way we live - complete, unabridged and read by the author.
Bill Bryson was struck one day by the thought that we devote more time to studying the battles and wars of history than to considering what history really consists of: centuries of people quietly going about their daily business. This inspired him to start a journey around his own house, an old rectory in Norfolk, considering how the ordinary things in life came to be. Along the way, he researched the history of anything and everything, from architecture to electricity, from food preservation to epidemics, from the spice trade to the Eiffel Tower, from crinolines to toilets. And he discovered that there is a huge amount of history, interest and excitement - and even a little danger - lurking in the corners of every home.
Where A Short History of Nearly Everything was a sweeping panorama of the world, the universe and everything, At Home peers at private life through a microscope. Bryson applies the same irrepressible curiosity, irresistible wit, stylish prose, and masterful storytelling that made A Short History of Nearly Everything one of the most lauded books of the last decade.
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What listeners say about At Home: A Short History of Private Life
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- Lenore
- 10-07-22
Fascinating!
So much interesting information! I almost wanted to take notes.....Very very informative and plenty of 'wow, I didn't know that!' moments.....who would have thought? Bill Bryson is always light hearted and entertaining.
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- Mr Picky
- 17-07-22
Bite size fact filled
Told with a clear, wry style , I found this book a total delight. Educational amusing and with interesting stories and links on every page. And Bryson’s voice is perfect company.
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- Poppy's mummy
- 09-10-23
Well worth reading
Brief history books are great for me, as this is all I want - thanks!
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- rebecca
- 10-03-24
So detailed & interesting
Loved it, you won’t be disappointed, hilarious & detailed. Bill Bryson in his usual style.
I have listened to several times now as there are so many details you find only on re listening.
Enjoy!
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- Jen
- 30-08-15
Interesting if not always entirely relevant
An interesting insight into how homes, and home life, evolved. There are some odd tangents where the topic doesn’t seem to relate much to the room, but one fact leads to another and the way our private lives have evolved will naturally lead to following a fact with only a tenuous at best link to the original point.
I enjoy Bryson’s narration but am aware his style doesn’t suit everyone - if that’s you then a print copy is well worth buying
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- PG
- 16-01-21
A tad gory in places
Took some time to finish. Great facts but some bits not for the squeamish!
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- Anonymous User
- 08-01-19
Interesting concept
An array of interesting tales on how history forged the modern home. You're bound to be kept interested by this off the wall concept for a book.
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- Drewdle
- 12-11-20
A trip through time around the house.
Really interesting and enjoyable. Mr Bryson is pleasing to listen to with his soft tones and warm voice. The way the house is built into the bigger picture of historical goings on across its life time was educational. On the strength of this I will search out more if Bill Bryson a work.
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- Chris Holt
- 20-12-18
Really interesting throughout
Just one interesting fact after another, all the way through. Very entertaining and all neatly tied together.
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- Lucy Bewley
- 01-03-19
Bill Bryson does it again!
I can’t tell you how interesting this book is. I’ve been coming out with facts for weeks whilst listening to it! Bill B narrates it with love and interest and it’s such a good read. It’s a definite keeper to read again and again. As with all his books, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments! Bill presented me with my degree at Durham in 2006 and I was amazed at the capacity of his memory - he remembered each person’s name and talked to us all briefly as he handed us our scrolls. Top guy, top book, my favourite author.
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