At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Bryson, BillJoin Bill Bryson as he meanders from room to room in his Norfolk rectory reflecting on the history of each room and its contents. From bedbugs and dining etiquette, to sewerage and the advent of electricity, the fabric of daily life past and present is brought into focus. With its meticulous research, insatiable curiosity and engaging humour, 'At Home' delivers a fascinating social history of domestic life leaving no corner unexplored or dust mite undisturbed. [Big read}
Comments from Groups
Generally interesting in small doses. Wellington 104 Enjoyed by all, easy to read if you "skip and dip". An overload of information. Diamond Harbour 1 Many of us will buy our own copies so partners, parents and children can read it - favourite of the year. Wellington 18 What a simply marvellous journey Bill Bryson takes us on. This was an incredibly interesting, vibrant and enlightening book. Well recommended. Wellington 41 Mixed feelings from "enjoyed" to "got sick of it". Liked the light style of writing. Levin 1
Pages
700
700
Year
2010
2010
Reviews
16-02-2022
Very lively discussion - most people love Bill Bryson. Many thought it would be a good book to own, and dip into every now and then! Would definitely recommend it. Very entertaining.
22-02-2021
Overall the group enjoyed the fascinating accounts of the history of domestic life, recalled with wit and intellect.
22-02-2021
A 4 star read. So many facts and interesting stories - so many that we lost track of some of them. Some thought it was too long, more of a dip in and out book. The format didn't bother us, but didn't make it a more inviting read. Some parts - especially the care of mothers and babies, upset some of us.
12-12-2019
Most people found this a good book to dip into rather than read from cover to cover, but we all enjoyed Bryson's breadth of knowledge, and fascinating, amusing detail.
12-12-2019
Varying opinions on the book. Generally everyone approved of it, but for some, there was too much factual information. A good book to have on the bookshelf that you can go back to, and read sporadically.
12-12-2019
Mixed responses to this book. Those of us who are "into" history enjoyed the timeline of events, and felt it was a good book to have in our library, but only to "dip into" for information. Too much description and detail for some members. Not overall a favourite!
12-12-2019
We had a lively discussion on this book. We all loved Bryson's powers of observation and detailed storytelling. His way with words is delightful, as he weaves humour in wonderfully. A great book to have ready for the next trivia quiz!
12-12-2019
All enjoyed this book immensely. Interesting how each member had a different aspect of the book they were keen to discuss.
12-12-2019
We were very impressed by the research, and we learned a great many interesting facts. Not everyone finished the book, but everyone found something of interest from reading this book, and the general discussion was wide and animated.
12-12-2019
We all really enjoyed this book. So much information about things which shaped our world.