From primordial nothingness to this very moment, A Short History ofNearly Everything reports what happened and how humans figured itout. To accomplish this daunting literary task, Bill Bryson useshundreds of sources, from popular science books to interviews withluminaries in various fields. His aim is to help people like him, whorejected stale school textbooks and dry explanations, to appreciate howwe have used science to understand the smallest particles and theunimaginably vast expanses of space. With his distinctive prose styleand wit, Bryson succeeds admirably. Though A Short History clocksin at a daunting 500-plus pages and covers the same material as everyscience book before it, it reads something like a particularly detailednovel (albeit without a plot). Each longish chapter is devoted to atopic like the age of our planet or how cells work, and these chaptersare grouped into larger sections such as "The Size of the Earth" and"Life Itself." Bryson chats with experts like Richard Fortey (author ofLife and Trilobite)and these interviews are charming. But it's when Bryson dives into someof science's best and most embarrassing fights--Cope vs. Marsh, ConwayMorris vs. Gould--thathe finds literary gold. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (236)

Just like on PBS
I like Bill Bryson's writing style. This is a book one wishes they read as a teenager. It really brings science alive. One feels like they are witnessing events as they occur in the first person. I like how Bryson takes scientific topics and makes them simple too understand. Bryson puts numbers in perspective and helps the reader understand the spatial enormity or complexity of the elements, atom, planets, and stars. Its easy to retell a Bryson story because they have good imagination well connect ideas that flow into an interesting story without sounding too intellectual. Like, "What is it like to be inside of an Cell? How do cells work? Who discovered DNA and why?" Question like these.

I think reading "A Short History of Nearly Everything" is a great introduction to science, astronomy, biology, and geology. Bryson keeps the narrative down to earth, terminology to a minimum, and brings out interesting viewpoints on the birth of the cosmos, the self-repairing DNA, life on planet earth, and the composition of the earth.

Bryson did a job not boring the reader with the mysteries of science. Its entertaining reading and not difficult material to understand. Bryson presents thought provoking material that makes one want to read many other published books by Bryson.

He Really Does Cover Nearly Everything
Bill Bryson is one of those rare non-fiction writers who can combine anecdote, humor and actual information, all in one book. Here he covers the history of the earth, starting with the big bang and covering all sorts of ground since then, including why you should be really afraid of meteors (by the time we spot the big one it'll be too late) and why you should think twice about that next visit to Yellowstone (the big one is about due).

As with most of his books it's clear he's done a lot of research, and the book is larded with the kind of stories about Famous Scientists that you've probably never heard...but also full of the sort of survey scientific information that will leave you thinking you've learned something really interesting.

Definitely worth picking up.

Who will like it: lovers of pop science, lovers of Bill Bryson, people willing to read a thick book from start to finish.

Who won't like it: people bored by pop science or any science at all.

Rediscover what you learned in school and forgot
This book is aimed at people who either know very little about science, or who studied it in school and then forgot it all (my case). I read some of the reviews here and was shocked at how people criticize Bryson, especially saying he got scientific terms mixed up or had errors in his book. He is not a scientist and in my opinion that makes this book that much more impressive! Bryson devoted years of his life to learn this material, and to think we can take it all in by reading a book.. well it just doesn't seem fair! I was sad when I reached the end of the book, I wanted it to continue. I learned so much from this book, and it's interesting how many times the subject material in this book comes up in every day conversations.

Bryson approaches history from two angles: Astronomy and what we know about the universe, and Evolution and what we know about life on Earth. I learned so many things I didn't know. Fascinating facts such as that meteorites are used to date the earth with carbon dating (they're the same age). Meteorites contain proteins needed to build life. Human like species have been on Earth for 1 million years. After finishing this book, I find myself thinking about topics like these during my free time. That's how impressive this book is. If you love science, this won't be a book you just read and forget. It's a book that will teach you things you'll be thinking about for a long time.

Honestly I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you're interested in science, it is a must read.

Michael ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General   2. History   3. Philosophy & Social Aspects   4. Philosophy Of Science   5. Popular works   6. Questions & Answers   7. Science   8. Science/Mathematics   9. Travel / General   

Customer Reviews (751)

Better than fiction
Typically, I read a lot of fiction. I'm an escapist, I guess. I read to get away from the world we are all here to occcupy, and often I find that the best escape is into a fictonal land where nothing is as it seems, or even plausable.

I took a chance on this book on a friends recomendation, and I was not dissapointed. Knowing my penchant for escapism, he steered me directly to this often hilarious account of a middle age writer and his drunk hippy college buddy hiking the appalchian trail. Two more mismached fellows I could not imagine.

This book details a hysterical tale of survivial that leaves you half wanting to call up that old college friend that you haven't seen in 10 years and pack your bags and hit the trail, and half glad to continue to lead your sedintary life writing book reviews on some web site.

The other great positive that this book offers is it's interesting history lessons. I don't think I've learned as much about american history since 10th grade social studies! Bryson has a little Charles Kuralt going on (well, maybe without the love affairs!) as he leaves the trail and gives frank, raucous descriptions of the little towns he finds food and shelter in along the way.

I highly recommend this book to anyone with a good sense of humor, a free weekend (it's a quick read) and an escapist personality.

Laugh out loud funny!
Very seldom do I read anything that makes me laugh out loud. To do so more than once or twice in a single book almost never happens. With "Walk," I became almost hysterical over certain chapters - in an airport, no less, while waiting for my flight. People must have thought I was nuts! Anyway, this is the story of two middle-aged and out of shape men (Bryson and his buddy, Katz) who decide to hike the Appalachian Trail. The AT is the third longest nature trail in the US, stretching from Georgia to Maine, along some incredibly rough terrain. Not all of their journey is rustic, however, as they often take a break to spend a night in the closest little town off the trail to have a shower, sleep in a "real" bed, and wash the grime from their clothes. It is during one such trip to the laundromat that Katz has a rather interesting encounter with 300 lb. Beaulah, her extra-large-sized panties, and a washing machine. Aside from the comical adventures, Bryson also has a great deal to say about the AT itself, and in particular, how much the National Parks Service needs a giant kick in the pants to help preserve these Trails.

Uncovers some effects of civilization...
Though his book isn't the best book I've read in a while, it was entertaining and did make me walk to start hiking for often. The parts a appreciated most however dealt with the US Forest Service, logging, road building, acid rain, and hunting owls, lions, and bears for bounties. He cites some good sources for information on the destruction of the forests of North America, but fails to deal with the destruction of the planet as a global phenomenon. He also fails to connect the problem with choices being made by people--especially people just like him. While I learned something from his story, there is much more to be said about the violence of our culture and the demise of the natural world. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Appalachian Trail   2. Essays & Travelogues   3. Natural history   4. Travel   5. Travel - United States   6. United States - General   7. United States - Northeast - General   8. United States - South - East South Central (General)   9. Travel / United States / General   

Customer Reviews (309)

Of Droughts and Flooding Rains
Being both an owner of every Bill Bryson book in print, and a patriotic Australian, I couldn't believe my luck when I found this book had come out. I currently live in the USA, so it was interesting to see an Americans point of view on Australia. Bryson's insightful views on the country avoid stereotypical characterisation of the people and places, and he mixes his accurate and always relevant research perfectly. I learned things about Australia that I didn't even know, and being one of those much discussed Australians who first see the world before even regarding travel in their own country I realise how much of my own country I have ignored. In my opinion, this is better than 'Walk in the woods', which I found drifting and aimless in sections. 'In a sunburned country' nearly heads in the same direction, but saves itself with constant changes in scenery and the method with which he covered the country. Maybe I am biased because of the subject matter, but it is a great read. If you are going there, get the book and read it on the plane. You'll get a much better understanding of what the country has to offer than by reading a guidebook to Sydney. And, Bill, if you are reading, thanks for not mentioning Fosters, Paul Hogan or 'Shrimps on the Barbie' even once.

Pack the bags and head for Australia...
That's how you'll feel once you read this book. Despite the fact thatAustralia is one of the most dangerous continents on earth (if not the most dangerous), you will still feel the pull to visit and, possibly, become a resident.

The book recounts Bryson's assignment to essentially circumnavigate and criss-cross Australia, reporting on its people, its sights, and its culture. At each city or site he visits, he humorously recounts why its well known, who died there and why (for some odd reason, people keep setting out to cross the Outback and are never heard from or seen again), and what he found interesting about it.

Bryson points out the many dangers of Australia. Among them, of the ten deadliest snakes in the world, all ten happen to reside in Australia. For whatever reason, Bryson's writing style grabs you and pulls you. Almost like a thriller where you can't wait to get to the end, you'll fight falling asleep as you read late into the night while trying to find out what oddity he is going to encounter next in his travels.

Highly entertaining, informative, and recommended.

One of Bryson's best books
Bryson's best book is "Notes From a Small Island," about traveling in Great Britain. It's one of the funniest books I've read. The British are funny, and Bryson knows them well after living in Britain for 20+ years.

His book about Australia, "In a Sunburned Country," is also entertaining. He studied Australian history, met many interesting locals, etc. After reading it, I feel like an expert on Australia and its people.

His book about Europe, "Neither Here Nor There," isn't so good. The problem is that he speaks no languages other than English. He didn't talk to anyone on this trip. Wwithout any characters (other than Bryson) the book isn't engaging. The book has only one joke, which he repeats: "The waiter/hotel clerk/taxi driver didn't speak English so I tried to make him understand that I needed..." Some of these moments are quite funny, but they don't constitute a book. Bryson didn't study the places he visits. Unlike the Australian book, you learn almost nothing about the countries he visited.

Bryson's book about America, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself," failed to make me laugh. It reads like a series of Erma Bombeck columns. Bryson comments about various aspects of his life in a small town in New England. Not other people's lives, which might have been interesting, but only about his domestic life.

I got only a few chapters into his book about the Appalachian Trail, "A Walk in the Woods." I wasn't amused that two people with no backpacking experience would attempt a six-month hike. After several chapters of Bryson repeating one joke -- "I know nothing about any of this!" -- I stopped reading.

This suggests that the old advice "write about what you know" is worth following. It also made me realize that traveling is only enjoyable if you do two things: meet interesting people, preferably by speaking their language; and studying the area you're visiting.

Review by Thomas David Kehoe, author of "Hearts and Minds: How Our Brains Are Hardwired for Relationships" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Australia & Oceania - Australia   2. Essays & Travelogues   3. Travel   4. Travel - Foreign   5. United States - General   6. Travel / United States / General   

Customer Reviews (158)

An enjoyable perspective on America
Bill Bryson can be a curmudgeon. A very funny curmudgeon. This book is a collection of columns he wrote for a British publication over the course of a year. Collected here, they contain the experiences of a person returning to their homeland after 20 years and reacquainting himself. As mentioned by previous reviewers, a couple of the columns seem as if he was rushed (although I found the tax column funny), but many of them are spot-on. Many column subjects are about things Americans like to remember fondly - diners, drive-in movie theatres, the outdoors, and are therefore touching. Others are just plain hilarious. When he's in the 'zone', Bill Bryson is among the funniest authors alive. If you've read a column or any previous books by Bryson and slightly enjoyed it, there will be something here for you. Keep in mind that it is a collection of essays written over the course of one year, so a couple may not sway you, but overall this collection is definitely a keeper!

Interesting insights from the outside
Bill Bryson's "I'm a Stranger..." is an interesting collection of observations and comments about several aspects of American life. As they are taken from weekly columns he wrote for a paper in England, this is not a "book" per se. But that fact doesn't take away from its charm, or, at times, stinging criticism.

This is mostly a humorous work, like the article Bryson wrote poking fun at the US Federal Tax Return (wait 'til you hear it!). But it's not all light-hearted; Bryson also finds time for more serious matters, like immigration and gun control. His analyses of these situations and his expose' of inconsistent American values/beliefs is worth the price of the book alone. Sometimes it takes an outsider, like Bryson was, to show you things you couldn't see yourself. He does this splendidly.

Others have commented that the book was a little too formulaic; I have noticed this too. Many of the articles end with a "punch-line" of sarcasm, and it seemed a bit predictable the more I read. For this reason I would recommend not reading too much at once. It worked better for me listening to one or two themes at a time, and then taking a break. The material (and Bryson's approach) remained more fresh that way.

In all, though, this was a good effort. Bryson definitely makes you think about issues you might have taken for granted. Four stars.

An American Portrait
After reading and enjoying "Notes From a Small Island," I was looking forward to Bryson's witticisms in regards to every day life in America. Although an American, having spent twenty odd years in England gives Bryson a unique perspective on what makes America, and Americans, tick. "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" is a collection of essays Bryson wrote for an English audience; but they lack none of their charm when read by an Anglophile American.

"I'm a Stranger Here Myself" is and odd conglomeration of essays that deal with a range of topics: small-town America, shopping, the inconvenience of our numerous "conveniences", and several entries on his own ineptness when it comes to technology. In each of his essays Bryson is a bit of a wanderer, starting in one direction, only to go off on a tangent. Usually he's able to bring himself back to the point, and can even poke fun at himself for doing so. His wanderings are what sets his style and what generates the largest laughs or head shakes of disbelief.

While Bryson is at times critical of what happens in America, "I'm a Stranger Here Myself" is a loving portrait of a revered country. However, Bryson's perspective is one of a man living a blessed life. He now resides in a virtually crime-free small New Hampshire town and grew up in small-town Iowa. His essays sometimes lack the experiences that growing up or residing in other areas might offer. However, due to his extensive travels, Bryson's perspective is truly unique and a joy to read. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography   2. Biography / Autobiography   3. Biography/Autobiography   4. General   5. Literary   6. Travelers   7. United States - 20th Century   8. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Who would have thought that a book about English would be so entertaining? Certainly not this grammar-allergic reviewer, but The Mother Tongue pulls it off admirably. Bill Bryson--a zealot--is the right man for the job. Who else could rhapsodize about "the colorless murmur of the schwa" with a straight face? It is his unflagging enthusiasm, seeping from between every sentence, that carries the book.

Bryson displays an encyclopedic knowledge of his topic, and this inevitably encourages a light tone; the more you know about a subject, the more absurd it becomes. No jokes are necessary, the facts do well enough by themselves, and Bryson supplies tens per page. As well as tossing off gems of fractured English (from a Japanese eraser: "This product will self-destruct in Mother Earth."), Bryson frequently takes time to compare the idiosyncratic tongue with other languages. Not only does this give a laugh (one word: Welsh), and always shed considerable light, it also makes the reader feel fortunate to speak English. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (82)

Preaching to the choir
I enjoyed this myself but I think the readership for this must mainly be people who are already interested in languages. It has rather a lot about such things as vowel shifts in English between fourteen hundred and fourteen fifty. To convert someone into a Bill Bryson addict I would turn them on with one of the travel books. One thing that carries over from his other books is the British/American comparison. He is a mine of information and insights about this. It's also the only language book I've read that fully covers the dirty words and cuss words.
I don't know how the experts feel about its accuracy. I note that he describes William Jones as English. His nationality is relevant because the fact that he was a Welsh speaker was one of the things that enabled him to recognize the relationships between the Indo-European languages. On that subject I take issue with Bryson's implied endorsement of the Economist's criticism of subsidizing Welsh. If you really want to eliminate useless relics of pre-Saxon Britain why not start with say Stonehenge. You could probably save the taxpayers millions of pounds. by bulldozing the place, putting a useful road through, and selling Salisbury Plain off to developers.
I don't know about the alleged thirty Inuit words for snow. I've seen that one debunked and confirmed. Maybe Inuit in Alaska have diffrent words from ones in East Greenland.

Carnival barker at the theater of language
Perhaps riddled with error and contradictions in logic, Bryson's book nonetheless is an amiable romp through the history of the English language for we (us?) non-philologists (philolophobes?). Bryson is first and foremost a humorist, a social commentator, and his work should be read as a the work of a dilettante. He ain't no professer of linguistiks!

Bryson does do an admirable job of introducing all the pit-and pratfalls associated with the language, and I, for one, was absolutely stunned by the swiftness and extent of change that occurs constantly in our English, as portrayed by the author. I laughed at some - not many - of his jokes. Ultimately, it's not the humor that's this book's strong point, it's the protagonist, the hero of this drama, the English language that steals the show. Bryson is the carnie, the man who calls out to us and troops us by the freaks and geeks - the oddities of spelling and grammar, perhaps? - and we walk about the chaotic, disorganized spectacle, taking it all in.

So if you're curious about English, check out this book. If you're looking for strong research material, move along!

Do not trust the facts in this book
This book is a quick read -- entertaining and light -- but no one should trust the facts that are tossed around in it. Bryson's knowledge of languages other than English is shaky at best, and he makes countless mistakes in his various attempts at translation. He also has a very superficial understanding of grammar (as evinced by Chapter 9). On p. 142, he claims that petroleum has both Latin and Greek roots, "(Latin petro + Greek oleum)," but it is the opposite: petra is Greek and oleum is Latin. Not a big deal of course, but this book is literally peppered with inaccuracies such as this one. I wish someone had fact-checked this book, because it could have been a valuable tool. As it is, the information is often imprecise, or just plain wrong. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. English language   2. Form - Essays   3. History   4. Humor   5. Language   6. Language Arts & Disciplines   7. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy   8. Linguistics   9. Language Arts & Disciplines / General   

A travelogue by Bill Bryson is as close to a sure thing as funny books get. The Lost Continent is no exception. Following an urge to rediscover his youth (he should know better), the author leaves his native Des Moines, Iowa, in a journey that takes him across 38 states. Lucky for us, he brought a notebook.

With a razor wit and a kind heart, Bryson serves up a colorful tale of boredom, kitsch, and beauty when you least expect it. Gentler elements aside, The Lost Continent is an amusing book. Here's Bryson on the women of his native state: "I will say this, however--and it's a strange, strange thing--the teenaged daughters of these fat women are always utterly delectable ... I don't know what it is that happens to them, but it must be awful to marry one of those nubile cuties knowing that there is a time bomb ticking away in her that will at some unknown date make her bloat out into something huge and grotesque, presumably all of a sudden and without much notice, like a self-inflating raft from which the pin has been yanked."

Yes, Bill, but be honest: what do you really think? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (204)

Funny, but hardly a cultural document
Bryson is a very funny writer. He pokes fun at everything and everyone, including himself, which is good, because he's clearly a fussy, cheap, crotchety, fat old jerk. The self-deprecation goes a long way to mitigate his lack of appeal. This book is extremely humorous - Bryson's got real comic timing - but it has all the weight of a Dave Barry column. Bryson never explores small town America, despite his purported intent; he just visits the same tourist traps any of us would on a cross country trip. This isn't bad, necessarily; it's just not exactly a rumination on the "lost America." If you want that, get William Least Heat-Moon's Blue Highways or Jonathan Raban's Hunting Mister Heartbreak - two excellent books about the real underbelly of non-corporate America. Bryson's book is a great read, but it doesn't say anything that any halfway observant person hasn't already grasped about mainstream America.

Find the Lost Continent
This is a very funny book. Bryson's two road trips, covering 38 of the 48 continental United States, wind through many famous sites and cities as well as many small towns and endless boring miles in the Midwest. He takes these routes in search of the idyllic small towns he remembers from his youth and imagines, but instead finds that the strip malls, fast food joints and cheap hotels that dominate larger towns have taken hold everywhere. His descriptions of the people and places he visits are hilarious and I think it is too bad some reviewers take his comments personally. He was certainly exaggerating and generalizing his statments for humor, but that makes it entertaining. Certainly he comes off a bit whiny and sometimes mean, but that is Bryson's style and the way he writes all of his books. This is the most enjoyable Bryson book I've read to this point and I think anyone who has ever taken a car trip will appreciate it. It is excellent summer vacation reading.

Not even one star
I was out in Philadelphia - a very fun and interesting city (if you ignore this book)- when I read this book. What an incredible disappointment. "Razor sharp wit" is too kind of a description of Bryson's wit. Bryson is down right mean in this book. This is a man who made a conscious decision not to live in the United States who returns to supposedly find his "roots" in Iowa. Hey, keep your eyes open. Bryson was more intent on beating it as fast as he could across America to get a book to print for his editors. Although I do agree, the Midwest can be "heavy" even from the perspective of this home-grown Illini, the Midwest also has the most genuinely nice people, pork as a main food group, the best county fairs, little league and every rib fest known to mankind. He seems to have overlooked the POSITIVE aspects of Americans by only reaching for the surface. A Walk in the Woods is a much more enjoyable and funny read than this book. Obviously, putting one foot in front of the other makes one look closer at one's surroundings. Don't waste your time with this one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1971-   2. Cities and towns   3. Description and travel   4. General   5. Humor   6. Social life and customs   7. United States   8. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Reacting to an itch common to Midwesterners since there's been a Midwest from which to escape, writer Bill Bryson moved from Iowa to Britain in 1973. Working for such places as Times of London, among others, he has lived quite happily there ever since. Now Bryson has decided his native country needs him--but first, he's going on a roundabout jaunt on the island he loves.

Britain fascinates Americans: it's familiar, yet alien; the same in some ways, yet so different. Bryson does an excellent job of showing his adopted home to a Yank audience, but you never get the feeling that Bryson is too much of an outsider to know the true nature of the country. Notes from a Small Island strikes a nice balance: the writing is American-silly with a British range of vocabulary. Bryson's marvelous ear is also in evidence: "... I noted the names of the little villages we passed through--Pinhead, West Stuttering, Bakelite, Ham Hocks, Sheepshanks ..." If you're an Anglophile, you'll devour Notes from a Small Island. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (217)

The new American pilgrim
A wide gulf separates the "travel writer" from those who keep journals of their rambles. The former wishes to entice you to visit the places he's seen - indeed, he's generally paid to accomplish that end. The travel journal is often a pure record of sights, events, people encountered. It is also an honest record of what is experienced. Bill Bryson writes journals of his travels. His accounts are forthright, often with scathing wit, but devoid of malice, even when deeply critical of their subjects. In this book, mainly a walking tour of England, Wales and Scotland, he writes a valedictory to his years in Britain. A delightful read, Notes provides rich entertainment with a serious look at the current British scene.

Bryson deserves full marks for courage. He walks. He covers vast distances in weather that would dismay a seasoned fisherman. He risks his life along wind-blown cliffs, looking down for surf lost in driven fog or slashing rain. No-one wet, cold and hungry can maintain their humour long. Bryson conveys his feelings with honest vigour, but veneers his stress with vivid descriptions of the environment he traverses. He struggles to make sense of British Rail [something even the natives have abandoned hope of achieving], more than once falling back on irregular bus services. He suffers a day's dogleg travel to cover a twenty mile distance because no connecting line exists. Still, he persists and is often enough rewarded to make the effort worth the time. And his descriptions of these events rewards the reader through sharing his reactions yet not pointing an accusatory finger. It's "the system" that's at fault.

As an American from Iowa, Bryson may be relied on to take a detached view of Britain. He's no royalist, but he has a strong affinity for the traditional. He admires old buildings and wants money spent to keep them intact. He grieves volubly over the supplanting of "heritage" buildings by modern steel and glass monuments to capitalism and modernity. In this vein, perhaps the best chapter is on Oxford - the town and the uni. He virtually takes you by the hand, leading you about the town, up one charming street or along "some forgotten lane." Regrettably, you emerge in a desolate square swamped by parked cars. Grungy shopping centres abound, and he [and you] find little refuge unless you choose the right pub. His anguished cry for Oxford, " . . . there is so much that is so wrong. How did it happen?" is
repeated throughout the book as variations on a theme.

His tour completed, he returns to his family in preparation for a return to America [he's now in New Hampshire - not Iowa - a telling point]. His British home in Yorkshire seems unsurprising in view of his travails in the South. He likes the North's warm-heartedness, although he admits it is manifested only over a long duration. He adores the scenery, but has never had to make a living from that land. His favourite town names are Northern ones and he'll leave with more than mild regret. Yet, at the end of this book, as he declares his bliss at returning to Yorkshire, one cannot but wonder whether the long journey was worth the effort [other than to produce the book]. Because this book is a journal of a pilgrimage, it fails to entice the reader to duplicate it. Bryson's superb wit and descriptive powers hold you to his side as he journeys. But on closing the pages, this reviewer felt no compulsion to emulate the tour. There are other places that appeal more and Byson's otherwise admirable account doesn't evoke a desire to divert from them. A wonderful book to read, but only once.

We love you Bill but you let us down
I am a Byson fan so I was somewhat disappointed with "Notes". I usually enjoy Bill's sense of humour but this time he kept descending to mockery. I think this was mainly in a desperate attempt to appear funny to the British readers who have a dark and sarcastic wit but he overdid this, became repetitive, and lost his own lighter voice.

I am British so I did enjoy the truthful descriptions of some lesser known areas of the country which I'm sure would be interesting for Anglophiles. However Bill, you kept getting a bit lazy didn't you? Just dashing from the train and up the high-street of numerous British towns is hardly very challenging or worthwhile. I also find it hard to believe that in 6 or 7 weeks you only managed to speak to about 10 people, you never struck me as anti-social before now. Scotland and Wales barely featured except to be patronized.

However, I have a real affection for you starting with "The Lost Continent" which is a great travel read, so I know I'll keep buying everything you produce. I love all your anecdotes about language and local history. You have also sussed the British, having taken the plunge and married a British woman (who can blame you), so your observations are accurate and very funny. It is true for example that the British like nothing better than "a good laugh". The greatest sin in Britain is for a person to take themselves too seriously and you are a social outcast if you cannot laugh at yourself (or refuse to buy your round). So its correct to say "Watch any two Britons in conversation and see how long it is before they smile or laugh over a joke or pleasantry". It's also true that British rail is good fodder for many of those national jokes.We are also a very weird nation and rejoice in eccentricity which can become very irritating for the traveller and which Bill conveys well.

To be fair, this book is a good introduction for the uninitiated to Britain but has many glaring gaps and runs out of energy halfway through, along with Bill as he puffs up and down yet another high-street

Addressed as much to Americans as to the British
Bill Bryson first came to the attention of the British public through the readings from his book of a journey across the USA, 'The Lost Continent'. That was on BBC Radio Four, it was back in 1993, and it was read by Kerry Shale. Unfortunately, such was the impact of those readings that for much of the British public, Kerry Shale still IS Bill Bryson. Shale has much the same cynicism as Bryson, but his voice is tougher, and a bit more no-nonsense.

So when you first listen to Bryson reading 'Notes from a Small Island', it comes as a bit of a shock that Bryson's true voice is more softly-spoken, and a little camper. To my ear, his accent sounds a little more southern states than I would expect from Iowa, but that shows you how much I know. Bryson never tries to hide his American accent -- even when imitating old English crones or drunken Scotsmen.

Bryson gives the view of the outsider, despite his having lived in England for 20 years when he wrote the book. If he makes the odd error of judgement, we forgive him. But most of the time he is dead right about the British towns and cities he visits during his seven-week tour. He exposes our quaint eccentricities -- both the ones we knew we had and some that we didn't.

My feeling is that Bryson is so popular with the British listener because it is clear that, despite his criticisms, he loves the place and the people. This is no gratuitous American 'I love the UK' simply to buy popularity -- even the foreign tennis players at Wimbledon have worked out that the quickest way to our affections is to say this is their favourite venue. Bryson's love of Great Britain is deeply felt.

In this audio CD, he takes us to many places we'd never even heard of, let alone places that we'd told ourselves we must visit some day. And he's so enthusiastic about landscapes, townscapes and buildings, even if our hotels and guest-houses often disappoint him. Once you've heard this, no doubt you'll be making a mental note to find the forgotten Roman villa that he had to hack through brambles to get to. And you'll be strengthening your resolve to visit Durham and the Burrell Collection, and find out much more about that mad old Duke who lived almost entirely underground.

On this audio CD, you get five CDs, mostly uninterruptedby music. (For no good reason, after over four CDs of zero background effects, music suddenly seeps into track #9 on CD #5 when he visits John O'Groats. I was so surprised that I had to stop my car and search under the driver's seat for a hidden radio.)

Warmly recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues   2. Europe - Gt. Britain/England   3. Form - Essays   4. Topic - Political   5. Travel   6. Travel - General   7. Travel / General   

Customer Reviews (9)

Too good to pass up, and also useful
This book is an enormously easy, fun read. As a side benefit, it will improve your grasp of the English language. I liked it so much that I bought an electronic version for my PDA, so I'll always have it handy. Everyone needs it.

Is there a concensus of opinion on this book . . . ?
As a freelance book editor for the past two decades, I'm one of that rather small, self-selected group of people who are likely to read grammar texts and style guides for pleasure. My copies of Follett and Patridge are well-thumbed, but I'm always willing to peruse a new effort. Bryson started out as a copyeditor for the Times of London, and was the compiler of _The Penguin Dictionary of Troublesome Words_ (of which this is actually a 2d edition), and he has a proven and felicitous writing style, so the book is both useful and a pleasure to read. Which is not to say that I don't have some nits to pick. Some of the problems he addresses are obvious, like the increasingly common disregard for the difference between "its" and "it's," and the bugbear of ending a sentence with a preposition. Then there are less commonly discussed screw-ups that, personally, make me wince when I hear or read them, like a car having a "collision" with a tree, or something being in "close proximity" with something else, or the difference between a "meteor" and a "meteorite," or the insistence that "noisome" has something to do with noise. And he handles all of those well and wittily. But many other entries seem to be spacefillers or else were carried over from a much more specialized list from his newspaper days. For instance, I've never had occasion to worry about the proper spelling of the Nullarbor Plain in Australia, or the Welsh word "eisteddfod." And how many writers confuse "cord" and "chord"? And an author or editor is expected to check the spelling of names like "coelacanth" and Amelia "Earhart" and "Alfa-Romeo" and "Meriwether" Lewis anyway. I can also think of a number of commonly misused words and terms that Bryson did not include, and for which a discussion would have been useful, such as the colloquial use of "ain't," and why "bugbear" has nothing to do with wildlife. I won't be adding this one to my ready-reference shelf, but it's worth a read.

Really good for non-native writers
I often write papers in English, and this book really helps me to improve the quality of my writing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General   2. Dictionaries   3. Dictionaries - Synonyms/Antonyms   4. English language   5. Language   6. Language Arts & Disciplines   7. Reference   8. Usage   9. Vocabulary   10. Language Arts & Disciplines / Vocabulary   

Readers from Toad Suck, Arkansas, to Idiotsville, Oregon--and everywhere in between--will love Made in America, Bill Bryson's Informal History of the English Language in the United States. It is, in a word, fascinating. After reading this tour de force, it's clear that a nation's language speaks volumes about its true character: you are what you speak. Bryson traces America's history through the language of the time, then goes on to discuss words culled from everyday activities: immigration, eating, shopping, advertising, going to the movies, and others.

Made in America will supply you with interesting facts and cocktail chatter for a year or more. Did you know, for example, that Teddy Roosevelt's "speak softly and carry a big stick" credo has its roots in a West African proverb? Or that actor Walter Matthau's given name is Walter Mattaschanskayasky? Or that the supposedly frigid Puritans--who called themselves "Saints," by the way--had something called a pre-contract, which was a license for premarital sex? Made in America is an excellent discussion of American English, but what makes the book such a treasure is that it offers much, much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (42)

Thoroughly enjoyable
After reading "The Lost Continent," Bryson's often whining and largely overrated travelogue on small-town America, I hesitated before picking this one up. However, this is a very enjoyable book. Ostensibly a study of American English, its development and impact on the English language in general, this book is more of a compendium of linguistic facts and historical trivia that cover the entire scope of U.S. history from the colonial period to the present. Bryson quite unabashedly plunders the works of historians, other scholars and writers who dealt with the same subjects, so what he offers here is hardly new. But the presentation and organization are impeccable. While informing us of the origins of many words and expressions common to American English, he also provides a wealth of particularly useful information on things like American cuisine or the origins of America's highway system and car culture (one of my only criticisms is that he failed to mention the origin of quintessential car-related Americanisms like "rumble seat" or "to ride shotgun"). Bryson's engaging writing style and dry humor keep the book moving, so it is never dull and always very amusing - it seriously lives up to that old cliché about how learning can be fun.

Amusing, entertaining, and highly educational
This wonderful book's title is something of a misnomer. It is as much a plain history of America -- albeit in very loose, mostly anecdotal form -- as it is a history of the English language in the country, though it does that very well. The word "informal" in the title is key. Though the book is, unquestionably, a scholarly work, and clearly was exahustively-researched, Bryson writes in a very loose, personal style, such as a scholar might share with you over a drink (if you've ever managed to corner an English or History professor in a non-classrooom setting and engage them in conversation, you know the feeling.) His writing style is very appealing, and it keeps the book going smoothly: though absolutely bursting with information and endless factoids, the book is a very quick read, thanks to Bryson's personable writing style. Bryson begins his story with the landing of the Mayflower, and then proceeds to give a pre-history of America, and winds his way all the way up to the very latter part of the 20th century. He examines the English that was spoken by the early colonists, and how it has since evolved. The book is then split into chapters that deal with various aspects of American life -- shopping, war, sex, travel, etc. -- and how they have altered and added to our language. In every such chapter, Bryson details how the words that we use in relation to them came about, where they come from, when they were first used, and much, much more. Along the way, he discourses on such perenially-interesting topics as swear words, slang, cultural taboos (the chapter on sex is particularly enlightening), and he even takes a -- quite thoughtful -- swipe at the PC debate. Many of these facts are, to say the least, quite surprising. Trust me, however much you know about the subject of American English going on, you will know a lot more after reading the book (I, for one, had no idea that there was such a wide difference between American and British English.) That said, the book is almost as much a history book as it is an etymology book. Quite thoughtfully, Bryson not only gives us information on the origins of words, but also relays to us the social contexts in which they emerged -- a background without which much of the etymological information would be rendered meaningless. In a stark contrast to the standard high school textbook interpretation of history, Bryson gives us a highly anecdotal fly-by-the-seat-of-the-pants history of the United States; buckle up, friends, it's one wild ride. These stories are almost consistently interesting, frequently witty, very often funny, invariably surprising, and sometimes quick simply shocking. They are the kind of stories that will make you want to stop in the middle of your reading, find the nearest person to you, and shout out breathlessly, "Did you know...?!" Along the way, Bryson manages to debunk many of the most-cherished American stories -- I won't spoil any of them for you here, but rest assured that you will be quite shocked -- while confirming others, and creating some anew. As one commentor on the book succinctly said, If there is a more popular American pasttime than creating myths, it is trying to debunk them. Bryson, an American living in the U.K. at the time this book was written, seems generally proud to be an American, affirming the greatness of many of its folk heroes while holding the bright flame of truth up to some of its longest-standing fables, all in the admirable spirit of fierce, if tempered, patriotism. Due to this dichotomy, some sections of the book get very weighed down in almost list-like paragraphs detailing the origins of words, while some chapters, conversely, consist almost entirely of anecdotal histories with hardly any etymological content at all. All in all, it makes for very fun, interesting reading that goes by quickly and smootly; you'll learn a lot while reading it, and you'll enjoy yourself while doing it. This great book, which is much, much more than the title suggests, is a great read for anyone interested in the subjects it deals with, and an absolute must for scholars of American English and American History. Such is the enjoyment inherent in its nature, that I even recommend it to the general reader.

thoroughly enjoyable, but keep the word 'informal' in mind.
Bill Bryson's book, "Made in America", is thoroughly enjoyable on many levels. First, he blithely debunks many of our folk legends - legends which we learn as schoolchildren and carry with us through life as if they were fact. Things like: the Puritans actually landing on Plymouth Rock; the ringing of the Liberty Bell on independence day; Patrick Henry's famous death-defying words about liberty or death, just to name a few. If these anecdotes are as true as he claims, then our school history textbooks seem canned and artificial by comparison.
Second, by saying aloud the early American pronunciations that Bryson describes, the reader can clearly grasp how 18th century colonists sounded in speech.
Third, Bryson's wry style gives the reader a good laugh on just about every page - a comparable textbook on early American language would never do that.
However, it's very important to keep in mind the word 'informal' in the book title. Several geographical errors in the 'Names' chapter led me to realize the potential number of inaccuracies in such a thick book. For instance, in that chapter he mentions the towns of Ipswich and Agawam as being quite close to each other in Connecticut. In fact, the two towns are in Massachusetts, on opposite sides of the state. One quick glance in an atlas by Bryson's editor would have cleared that up.
So read this enjoyable book for its humorous take on history, and not as a scholarly work. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Americanisms   2. English language   3. Form - Essays   4. History   5. Language   6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy   7. Linguistics   8. United States   9. Language Arts & Disciplines / General   

Customer Reviews (20)

too short but fun bit of travel writing for a good cause
Bill Bryson is a fantastic travel writer, and made this very very short book (only 49 pages!) still fun to read. I definitely wish it had been longer, but as all of the book's proceeds go to charity (specifically CARE, a wonderful organization that spends its money wisely and helps those in impoverished countries help themselves), I don't really mind.

The book recounts his all too brief time in Africa (eight days), where he tours the east African nation of Kenya. He visits some of the areas in Kenya in the most need of CARE's help, such as the Nairobi slum of Kibera and the eastern refugee camp of Dadaab, filled with Somali exiles. It is quite sad to read about the horrible conditions many of these people face (wait till you read about what a flying toilet is), but heart warming to see that many are still hopeful and that all is not lost. It would seem that many of these people are good people; all they need is a chance.

...it was still fun to read and parts were hilarious. I enjoyed his early thoughts on Africa, such as the initial conversations with those who convinced him to go to Africa that except for the "diseases and the bandits and the railway from Nairobi to Mombasa, there's absolutely nothing to worry about"! I enjoyed reading about that railroad, which Bryson writes has a tradition of killing passengers and has even been named the Lunatic Express, though Bryson rode it without any serious mishap. Also lots of fun to read was his arrival in Nairobi; expecting the sunny little country town in "Out of Africa," Bryson was amazed to instead find traffic, high rise buildings, bill boards - as he puts it, Omaha! His description of a harrowing single-engine plane ride was very funny as well.

A fun little book, one in you can read in an hour or two.

The Loin King
I promised myself I wouldn't write a review because I work for CARE and went on the trip to Kenya with Bill Bryson. However - His undertaking was phenomenal. Breaking off from his current writing project to travel to an unknown continent for 8 days, make sense of it, write up 10,000 words ( that's how many we felt we could ask him to undertake, he actually wrote 12,000)in two weeks, and turn it round in time for a Christmas book. Admire that, but also admire the motives and the results of this short but sweet volume. There are classic Bryson moments, humour and a well structured view of a country on the verge of great change. Believe me, your ($$) is making a huge difference to people's lives. And the book on your shelf can be a gentle reminder of your generosity and compassion. Thank you Amazon and all purchasers!

More about the CARE organisation should be known
An enthralling account of Bryson's visit to Kenya to observe the work of CARE workers. Written with clarity as regards facts of what he saw and with his inimitable style that adds humor to serious topics. All royalties of his book he donated to CARE. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Africa   2. Biography / Autobiography   3. Bryson, Bill   4. Description   5. Description and travel   6. Kenya   7. Personal Memoirs   8. Travel   9. Travelers   10. History / Africa   

Customer Reviews (111)

Bill Bryson has an incredible sense of humor
Bill Bryson really made it big in England after the release of 'Notes from a Small Island', which, however isn't his best book. His best would be either 'The Lost Continent' or this book 'Neither Here Nor There'. I very rarely laugh out loud at TV shows or books. Only 'Frasier' on TV and Bill Bryson in books have this capacity to make me laugh relentlessly. 'Neither here Nor There' is Bryson's story of the reenactment of his student-day travels through Europe some twenty years later. He tries to visit all the places that he visited with Katz (yup, he appears in 'Walk in the Woods' too) in the seventies, as well as Norway to see the northern lights. Bryson's descriptions of situations are hilarious, primarily because he is just a normal guy and you can imagine yourself in the same situation, especially if you have visited any of the countries he visits, but even if you haven't, it is still a delight to read. Another great thing about Bill Bryson is that he is not afraid to be politically incorrect, calling France's population 'Insufferably French' to give just one example. He is also happy to insult a place if he feels it deserves it, something which other travel writers can seem reluctant to do. He of course balances out these criticisms with his entusiasm for so many places and you also learn many interesting facts from his stories such as Liechtenstein is the world's largest producer of sausage skins and dentures. Hands up who knew that!!! I can't even begin to do this book justice in my review, all I can say is buy Bill Bryson's books and I promise you will not be dissppointed, they are all a joy to read. Bill seems a lovely guy and, in his words, not mine, 'If he wishes to acknowledge this unsolicited endorsement with a set of luggage or a skiing holiday in the Rockies, let the record show that I am ready to accept it'!!!

A funny way to improve your cultural knowledge
In his book "Neither here nor there" Bill Bryson writes about the experiences he made when he was travelling through nearly the whole of Europe, fluent in only one language (which is English).
He starts in Hammerfest, Norway (as far north as you can get in the world by public means of transport, he says), goes to Paris, Brussels, Belgium, Aachen and Cologne in Germany, then on to Amsterdam, Hamburg in Germany again, Copenhagen in Denmark, then onto Sweden (Gothenburg and Stockholm), then down to Rome, then to southern Italy (Naples, Capri and Sorrento), up to the top (Milan, Como), through Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Yugoslavia, Sofia in Bulgaria, and finally Istanbul.
As you can see, by reading this book you'll learn a lot about European countries with their different languages, customs, habits and ways of life. But this isn't one of those boring highbrow books, that you can't read without falling asleep - no! - once you start reading you can't stop. Bryson has a unique brand of humour that I personally like very much. He is able to crack jokes about any situation, no matter how hopelessly and unpleasing they might have been.
Especially as an European citizen you'll have a lot of fun because you recognize all the stereotypes that you know either from telling or personal experience. And be prepared for some nasty jokes about your compatriots!
All in all I can highly recommend this book to everyone who wants to get to know European countries in an amusing and interesting way.

A tailspin into mundanity
after reading "A Walk In the Woods", I was extremely excited to get my paws on another Bryson book. I was dissapointed. "Neither here nor there" has about half the humor, one tenth of the adventure and even less of the overall appeal of "A walk in the woods". It is a book that starts off on a promising note, with a description of his quest to see the northern lights in northern norway in the middle of winter; it had me thinking, 'great, here we go, typical Bryson, doing whacky things that come to him on a whim'. However, as the book progresses it digresses into a mundane journal of the rather ordinary wanderings of a solo traveler. Part of the problem is that he makes very little effort to interact with others. Because of this there is an awful lot of, " I went from the train station, found a hotel, had some dinner, drank a coke, went to bed" kind of "action" that even Brysons astounding propensity for making ordinary situations seem extraordinary cannot save it. One other major flaw it seems is that Brysons trip had no ultimate goal, no purpose. It seems to me that most satisfying travel literature begins with the author expressing a desperate need to find or achieve something, then chronicles the pursuit and struggle to meet those ends, cope with failure, and come to some kind of grand catharsis. My all time favorite, "tales of a female nomad" is the story of a womans need to find something fufilling in her life and in herself after essentially losing the "family woman role" that had come to define her. Her travels are not planned to a T, but she does travel cognisent of purpose/goal/need, and this makes that book very compelling indeed. I am not saying that travel literature must have all of those elements, but at least a little dose of purpose would have gone a long way towards making this book compelling. Do yourself a favor and put the 15 bucks you would spend buying this book in savings toward your own trip to Europe. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Essays & Travelogues   2. Europe - General   3. Europe - Western   4. Form - Essays   5. Travel   6. Travel - Foreign   7. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Customer Reviews (3)

Wonderful Strategic Planning Tool
I found this text to be a useful tool in understanding the strategic planning process. It was especially helpful due towards the public/nonprofit focus.

A Real Guide For Public Organizations
I have read this invaluable book to better understand the strategic planning process in public and nonprofit sector organizations and I can say proudly that I reached my objective. I think that the most important aspect of this book is that it distinguishes the planning process in public sector organizations from that in the private sector organizations very clearly. The basic concepts in planning process such as Mission, Vision, Objectives, Resources were explained correctly. If you think that a great majority of books in the field of strategic planning are very abstract and confusing, you must read this. I strongly reccommend.

Still the best book on strategic planning for nonprofits!!!
Strategic planning for nonprofits is my area of interest and this book is the best ever written guide for practitioners, consultants, and researchers interested in the process and implementation of strategic planning in nonprofit (and public organizations). Dr. Bryson's wealth of knowledge and experience are in clear abundance for readers of this treasure. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business & Economics   2. Business / Economics / Finance   3. Business/Economics   4. Corporate Planning   5. General   6. Management   7. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   8. Nonprofit organizations   9. Public administration   10. Strategic Planning   11. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   12. Business strategy   

Customer Reviews (2)

Valuable but...
This is a valuable book. But, you should also read "Strategic Organizational Change" by Beitler. They make a great combination.

Excellent companion to the main book!
Chockablock full of charts, checklists, tips and tricks for the practictioner in mind. Use this along with the main text and get ahead! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Business / Economics / Finance   2. Corporate Planning   3. Management   4. Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   5. Nonprofit organizations   6. Public administration   7. Strategic Planning   8. Business & Economics / Nonprofit Organizations & Charities   9. Business strategy   10. Management & management techniques   

Subjects:  1. Biography   2. Biography / Autobiography   3. Bryson City   4. Christianity - Christian Life - General   5. General   6. Larimore, Walter L   7. Medical - Physicians   8. Medicine, Rural   9. North Carolina   10. Physicians   11. Regional Subjects - South   12. Religion   

Customer Reviews (14)

Heartwarming...
I have actually visited Bryson City, North Carolina, so this is what attracted me to this book. In addition, I like tales of small town life and I have heard of Dr. Larimore in connection with Focus on The Family.

Woven into the drama of practicing medicine in a community that does not welcome outsiders are glimpses of faith that carry Dr. Larimore through many trying experiences. Some of the characters in this book are hilarious (you will find yourself laughing out loud at the anal angina story).

Overall, a good read.

Bryson City Tales
Dr.Larimore's tales of his first year of medical practice was an enlightening, heartwarming, funny, most enjoyable read. Once I started to read it, I felt somehow drawn in by it & compelled to finish it overnight!!
I encourage any & all to experience this wonderful book. Dr. Larimore has truly been blessed with a gift for not only story-telling, but in the sharing of his gift of healing, in not only a physical, but spiritual realm.

this book makes me angry!
Dr. Larimore's book is a gross misrepesentation of my home.. Bryson City. Making the residents seem to be back woods olfs and idiots! It may be based on a true place but the book is a work of fiction and should therefore be presented as such. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bible - Biography - General   2. Biography   3. Biography / Autobiography   4. Bryson City   5. Larimore, Walter L   6. Medical - Physicians   7. Medicine, Rural   8. North Carolina   9. Physicians   10. Regional Subjects - MidAtlantic   11. Religion   

Customer Reviews (3)

Getting to Know Kate
John Bryson was given full co-operation by Miss Hepburn in creating this book. As a result, the reader is invited into her homes and given the opportunity to experience her "private world" as evidenced in the title. The photographs are beautiful and even if there were no text, the book would provide a satisfying, interesting view into the life of this fascinating icon. The book is all the more intriguing for the fact that Miss Hepburn would never have participated in a book like this during the 30's, 40's, 50's, or 60's. It has only been since the 1980's that Miss Hepburn has been willing to allow a look into her life and always on her own terms. Miss Hepburn was a master craftsman as an actor and a master craftsman of her life and image.

Superb Compilation by John Bryson
Author John Bryson has managed to assemble a comprehensive photo collection of the great, and extremely private, Katherine Hepburn. Bryson has used his publishing and Hollywood contacts to compile an interesting collection of little and never-before-seen photos of Hepburn's life as actress, artist, athlete, co-worker, ham, homebody and friend. It could not have been an easy task to assemble such an array of unusual and revealing photos, and Bryson's observations and commentary illuminate without the usual stilted editorialization that so often accompanies photo biographies. This is a fine work any Hepburn fan would want for their library. I say buy two--one for a friend, and one for yourself!

NOT SURE OF TITLE YET...
BEFORE READING ANY OF THESE BOOKS I NEEDED TO KNOW IF THERE WAS A FANCLUB MENTIONED IN ANY OF THEM...AS THAT IS WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR...

PLEASE TELL ME BEFORE I BUY THIS BOOK...

IF NOT..CAN YOU RECOMMEND ONE THAT HAS A MENTION OF A FAN CLUB? I WANT TO WRITE TO MISS HEPBURN PERSONALLY..AND WOULD LIKE VERY MUCH TO GET IN CONTACT WITH HER...

THANKS ...

YOUR HIGHNESS ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1907-2003   2. Actors and actresses, American   3. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses   4. General   5. Hepburn, Katharine   6. Hepburn, Katharine,   7. Motion Picture Acting   8. Photo Essays   9. Photography   10. Portraits   

Customer Reviews (2)

A beautiful coffee table book!

This one was given to me as a gift by an Alaskan friend, and I shall cherish it. It is an absolutely awesome collection of photographs of the Northern Lights, with accompanying text describing the legends, myths and theories surrounding the phenomenon.

The typography and layout are first-class, and the whole project is an absolutely flawless collection of photographs and prose relating to the Aurora Borealis.

What an exquisite gift, Ted!

Joseph Pierre,BR>
author of The Road to Damascus and other books

In a word...Awesome!
This spectacular collection of Aurora Borealis photographs is absolutely breathtaking. Daryl Pederson and Calvin Hall have captured the essence of the mysterious wonders of the Northern Lights with their combined abilities. Having lived in Alaska we have long admired the rare talents of Mr Pederson. My husband and I own many of his prints and continue to enjoy them daily. We most definately will order some from this offering. This book is a must for everyone who appreciates the visual splenders displayed by the Aurora Borealis or just loves to look at georgeous photography. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Auroras   2. Earth Sciences - General   3. Photo Essays   4. Photoessays & Documentaries   5. Photography   6. Star Observation   7. Subjects & Themes - Plants & Animals   

Subjects:  1. 1313-1375   2. Art   3. Art & Art Instruction   4. Boccaccio, Giovanni,   5. Decamerone   6. Fiction   7. General   8. History - General   9. Italian Novel And Short Story   10. Sex differences (Psychology) i   11. Sex differences (Psychology) in literature   12. Sex role in literature   13. Sexuality In Literature   14. Art / General   15. Boccaccio, Giovanni   16. Boccaccio, Giovanni,--1313-1375--Film and video adaptations   17. Boccaccio, Giovanni,--1313-1375.--Decamerone   18. Film and video adaptations   19. History of art & design styles: c 1400 to c 1600   20. Italian   21. Novels, other prose & writers   

Customer Reviews (2)

English Landscape-You just have to be there!
It is a wonderful book telling about all the hills and valleys and walking trails of England. You haven't seen an English country side until you have visited England. Highly recommend this book. Nice pictures and information.

Close, but no...
The English countryside has been divided into numerous districts, based on everything from soil type, landuse, tourist features, history, etc., so their distinctions are sometimes difficult to understand. This book contains dozens of short essays, one per area, and most of the essays are very interesting.

However, I found the book as a whole extremely difficult to use because there is no coordination between the maps at each end of the book, showing and numbering each land use area, and the text or the smaller detailed maps included with each short essay. Those essays, with area maps for each, are impossible to relate to other areas of the country using the end-page maps. It is very frustrating to try to find specific areas of interest to the reader, and then to further find adjacent areas, or similar areas of interest.

The essays are interesting as discreet little descriptions of an area in England, but as a whole, I find the book just a series of essays. The index is sketchy; so many, many towns mentioned in the essays, or of independent interest to the reader, aren't in the index. And, believe it or not, with the detailed maps containing numbered areas, in front and back, absolutely no use is made of those numbers in the essays, either in the text or individuals maps! So when you read an essay that interests the reader, you can't find that area in the end-paper maps, so you can't relate essays to the larger, overall picture of England.

And, if for further example, you read of an area, and you want to read about a neighboring area, there is no way to look up anything and just turn to it. All you can do is start thumbing through the whole book, or keep reading at length, hoping you can put together areas of interest on your own.

This book needs a considerably better index, and the absence of a relationship between the individual essays and the larger maps showing numbered areas is an astounding failure. Some editor did a terrible job of making this book readable and useable in relationship to an interest in England.

I have detailed AA maps of English roads and attractions, and even with those, this book was difficult to use in relationship to actual places to visit.

I found the book terribly uncoordinated, and the relationship between the maps and essays, and the overall maps of England, is non-existent.

That said, the individual essays are interesting, and there are numerous good photos of places, but it is nearly impossible to relate individual efforts to the whole.

With this book, I keep thinking of those old, hackneyed phrases: "close, but no cigar," "so near, yet so far," etc., but they are quite apt in this case. A better index and some use of the areas numbered in the maps of England with each essay would have turned this book into a winner. It just doesn't make it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. England   2. Essays & Travelogues   3. Europe - Great Britain - General   4. Europe - Gt. Britain/England   5. Landscape   6. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/Great Britain   7. Travel   8. Travel - General   9. Travel - World/Great Britain