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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
This book is terrific, chock-full of interesting bits of information about the history of things concerning your home. Bryson delves into minutiae, but comes up with gold. Fascinating study to tell us how things came about, much of the things we take for granted. Am amazed at how much learning is packed into each chapter, yet it is all fun and intriguing. Highly recommended.
This book was pretty long and boring, to be honest. It was great for putting me to sleep, which is primarily how I got through it.
Bill Bryson is the family member we've always wanted. He's refined in his taste, wry with his humor, sterling with his vocabulary, adventurous in spirit, and breadcrumbs of his humble Iowa beginning show up throughout his work.
"At Home: A Short History of Private Life" uses an unusual but ultimately rewarding framework. Bryson takes the names of rooms of a large expansive home (kitchen, drawing room, nursery, attic) and writes out history related to each of these room. The obvious examples are Bryson talking about cleanliness in the bathroom, sex in the bedroom and food in the dining room. To Bryson's credit, his writing is resplendent with thoughtful musings, bizarre stories, giving dues to people who we owe great obligations (Robert Lubbock thank you for those bank holidays!), and Bryson's literary humor leaps out from every page.
Bryson's work is always about breadth. He takes huge subjects such as the history of the cosmos ("A Short History of Nearly Everything"), or the adventurous American Trek ("A Walk in the Woods"). After reading a passage I marvel at how he digs his rabbit holes and finds his unique stories.
Some of the chapters not only show the relationship between history and "historical room", they show deeper truths about the historical period. We get a better understanding of how all these clergyman made their discoveries with their excessive time and wealth; we also see the legal bounds for women in courts and their limitations of expression; finally homes were largely functional until recent, and Bryson explores the sociological makeup that made life so difficult and short in England until modern times.
Early Bryson writes " I hardly need point out that history of any kind tends to sprawl.In order to fit the story of private life into a single volume, it was obvious from the outset I would have to be selective". Sprawling and delightful, Bryson reminds readers we can find adventure without ever taking a step outdoors.
"At Home: A Short History of Private Life" uses an unusual but ultimately rewarding framework. Bryson takes the names of rooms of a large expansive home (kitchen, drawing room, nursery, attic) and writes out history related to each of these room. The obvious examples are Bryson talking about cleanliness in the bathroom, sex in the bedroom and food in the dining room. To Bryson's credit, his writing is resplendent with thoughtful musings, bizarre stories, giving dues to people who we owe great obligations (Robert Lubbock thank you for those bank holidays!), and Bryson's literary humor leaps out from every page.
Bryson's work is always about breadth. He takes huge subjects such as the history of the cosmos ("A Short History of Nearly Everything"), or the adventurous American Trek ("A Walk in the Woods"). After reading a passage I marvel at how he digs his rabbit holes and finds his unique stories.
Some of the chapters not only show the relationship between history and "historical room", they show deeper truths about the historical period. We get a better understanding of how all these clergyman made their discoveries with their excessive time and wealth; we also see the legal bounds for women in courts and their limitations of expression; finally homes were largely functional until recent, and Bryson explores the sociological makeup that made life so difficult and short in England until modern times.
Early Bryson writes " I hardly need point out that history of any kind tends to sprawl.In order to fit the story of private life into a single volume, it was obvious from the outset I would have to be selective". Sprawling and delightful, Bryson reminds readers we can find adventure without ever taking a step outdoors.
informative
relaxing
slow-paced
A lot of interesting facts, but no continuity.
If I want to read an encyclopedia, I'll read an encyclopedia.
I expect a non-fiction to make a more coherent argument or tell a more coherent story.
If I want to read an encyclopedia, I'll read an encyclopedia.
I expect a non-fiction to make a more coherent argument or tell a more coherent story.
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Lovely book filled to bursting with anecdotes, fun facts, and diversions of all descriptions!
Absolutely fascinating read!
One note to add is that Thomas Jefferson's slave, a member of the Hemings family, was the one who brought macaroni and cheese to the US, not Jefferson himself.
I really didn't feel terribly sorry for the wealthy about their death duties. They lived like kings while the poor starved and lived in squalor so really, I'm not crying that they had to sell their Old Masters. It was a shame that so many beautiful homes were destroyed, of course.
One note to add is that Thomas Jefferson's slave, a member of the Hemings family, was the one who brought macaroni and cheese to the US, not Jefferson himself.
I really didn't feel terribly sorry for the wealthy about their death duties. They lived like kings while the poor starved and lived in squalor so really, I'm not crying that they had to sell their Old Masters. It was a shame that so many beautiful homes were destroyed, of course.
Interesting, conversational easy read. Love a bitta Bryson.
Bill Bryson does it again! He brings wit and humor (or humour) to this look at how homes and home lives evolved in the 19th and 20th centuries. It was fascinating and I always learn so much from him. He read this book and I like listening to him, too.
A great book to listen to while sheltering in place due to the pandemic. Full of great details about the origins of expressions, customs, and how homes become what they are, through history.
I skipped the parts that were full of literally disgusting customs of the different periods.
I skipped the parts that were full of literally disgusting customs of the different periods.