Mon 29 November 2004 - Bowen on Bryson
Bill Bryson: A Short History of Nearly Everything. Almost more of a history of scientists than a history of science. As all of Bryson’s books are, I found this highly amusing, as one reads of the discoveries we humans have made over the centuries, seemingly more often by mistake than with any intent. I must confess I found it a little heavy-going about three-quarters of the way through (not a unique experience when I read his books), but it picked up again towards the end. Okay I skipped the extensive endnotes and bibliography. All in all, a great read, thoroughly recommended.
Next, I embark on Neal Stephenson’s Cryptonomicon.