February 4, 2005
Bill Bryson's Scientific Wonder
I take my hat off to Bill Bryson.
Having thoroughly enjoyed reading several of his travel books in the past, including the one on Australia in which he ponders the merits of cricketers batting with what look like mattresses strapped to their legs (or words to that effect), I have now started on his A Short History of Nearly Everything.
After the introduction I am well and truly hooked and I'm sure I'll be transfixed until I complete his engaging tome.
Bryson's achievement is remarkable. Unlike admirable scientists such as Paul Davies, who have managed to translate science into plain and fascinating English for the general public, Bryson freely admits to starting from a much lower base. Three years of research and patient asking (and re-asking) questions of eminent scientists around the globe resulted in this book.
I can't wait to finish reading it. Just the thought is alluring: the illumination of science via Bill Bryson's prose. Many years ago I was awarded a Bachelor of Science but I'm sure that I'll learn many things from this book, both on the scientific front and about good writing style. Bryson certainly has that!
Posted to Science, Writing by Keith Pitty