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A Really Short History of Nearly Everything

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A Really Short History of Nearly Everything

By: Bill Bryson
Narrated by: Weruche Opia
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About this listen

Brought to you by Puffin.

Adapted from A Short History of Nearly Everything, this stunningly illustrated book from the extraordinary Bill Bryson takes us from the Big Bang to the dawn of science, and everything in between.

Perfect for ages 8 to 80.

Ever wondered how we got from nothing to something?
Or thought about how we can weigh the earth?
Or wanted to reach the edge of the universe?

Uncover the mysteries of time, space and life on earth in this extraordinary book - a journey from the centre of the planet to the dawn of the dinosaurs, and everything in between.

And discover our own incredible journey, from single cell to civilisation, including the brilliant (and sometimes very bizarre) scientists who helped us find out the how and why.

Reviews for A Short History of Nearly Everything:

'It's the sort of book I would have devoured as a teenager. It might well turn unsuspecting young readers into scientists.' Evening Standard

'I doubt that a better book for the layman about the findings of modern science has been written' Sunday Telegraph

'A thoroughly enjoyable, as well as educational, experience. Nobody who reads it will ever look at the world around them in the same way again' Daily Express

'The very book I have been looking for most of my life' Daily Mail

© Bill Bryson 2020 (P) Penguin Audio 2020

Astronomy

Critic reviews

This history of life, the universe and everything in between is entertaining and Bryson is an excellent guide. Great for the kids and good for parents, too
All stars
Most relevant
As a family we are big fans of the original short history of nearly everything, so having a children’s version to listen to for our children was fantastic, however the narration of this book really lets it down. Great story. Poor delivery. Almost sounds like AI reading.

Great book for children, but the narration spoils it unfortunately.

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The story is a good introduction to many cool topics but I can't help but feel the narrator sounds like a robot. The pace seems off and the tone whilst occasionally really nice is often emotionless. Shame really, of course it's personal opinion but if this was my book and I heard this narration it would be a big no thanks

Interesting but not well delivered

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I think this book should come with a PDF with some of the images that they talk about.
1 credit for 5 hours is a bit expensive without the illustrations.

No PDF with images

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Had to give up on this version due to the narration. Every line is delivered with exactly the same monotonous cadance.
My kids loved listening to the original adult version but soon lost interest with this iteration.

All of the authors humour, sense of wonder and personality are absent in this robotic performance.

Its a real shame as the book itself is fantastic.

Ruined by narration

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