Spotted this in a second-hand bookshop and could not resist picking it up.

The book’s strength lies in the fact that Bryson, himself, has no scientific background and has only recently became interested in the subject. There are naturally a lot of facts and figures but with his energetic and quirky prose Bryson brings to life the rationale behind why the information was sought after in the first place and how scientists have honed their approaches and skills down the ages. There are amusing anecdotes about some of history's best and lesser known scientists but in reality the book is about how little we actually know about our planet and even our own very creation despite our constant search for knowledge. How most of what we think we know about our planet's history is actually based on supposition and best guesses.

At times the prose also got rather bogged down in detail, there were a number of brackets on virtually every page giving the impression at least that the book could have been simplified even further. This is a book that feeds the reader's wonderment but also the limitations to our knowledge. This book is a reminder that our very existence as a species is a result of a series of myriad lucky breaks.

Going out as part of a Reading/ Want it thread. Enjoy!

It arrived... transports are crazy these days, it's a fact. But, at least, with no extra customs charge ;.)
Thank you so very much for this, 4evergreen... I don't know when I'll get to it, but I will get to it, sometime, and I'll Come back to give you my say on it.
Thank you as well for the witty bookmark and the enchanting postcard. Loved both!