Questions About The Little Book of Big History

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This sounds a lot like Bill Bryson's "A Short History of Nearly Everything," which is superb; one of the best books I've read in a long time. To anyone who's read both: How similar are these two, which did you like better, and why?

Dwight Penny This is more of a political and social history. Bryson's was primarily a history of science. This one is intentionally bland, with scant reference to …moreThis is more of a political and social history. Bryson's was primarily a history of science. This one is intentionally bland, with scant reference to individuals or even specific events -- presumably to put the light on "big" trends, i.e., then there was agriculture, then trade, then war, etc... Bryson's book is filled with people and anecdotes -- it is a history of how we came to learn the things we know. Bryson is also a great prose stylist, although in the Short History he toned down his usual curmudgeonly wit.

The Little Book Of Big History is still a worthwhile read, if you're looking to buttress up your historical framework and get a wide sense of perspective. It is not exactly full of surprises or delights, however.(less)

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