3.0

As all the other Bill Bryson books this one is packed with interesting information, about history, science and language. It is really gripping from the beginning but some parts drag on a little and I found it necessary to read some fiction in the meantime. What I liked a bit less about this book was the slightly depressing tone, while focusing on many terrible events of the past, like diseases and the disgraced lives of the poor. I obviously still commend Bryson for the hard work and extensive investigation behind this book. Learned a lot, just wish it hadn't left me so down.