Title: At Home: A Short History of Private Life
Author: Bill Bryson
First published May 27, 2010
497 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780767919388 (ISBN10: 0767919386)
Rating: 3.98
Overview
“Discover the fascinating history of everyday life without ever leaving your home. In At Home, Bill Bryson takes readers on a journey through his own Victorian parsonage to explore the history of hygiene, sex, death, nutrition, and more.
As he examines each room of his home, Bryson reveals how even the most ordinary household items have played a crucial role in shaping our modern world. From the spice trade to the evolution of plumbing, At Home is a captivating exploration of the history that surrounds us every day.”
About the Author
Meet William McGuire Bryson, or Bill Bryson, a famous author born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1951. He moved to England in 1977 and worked as a journalist before becoming a full-time writer.
Bill lived in North Yorkshire with his English wife and four children for many years before moving to New Hampshire for a few years. However, they have now returned to live in the UK.
Bill Bryson has written several travel books that are well-loved by readers. In his first book, he writes about a hilarious road trip around small town America in his mother’s Chevy.
He then wrote about his first trip around Europe. His other travel books include “Notes from a Small Island,” which won the 2003 World Book Day National Poll for the book that best represented modern England.
He also wrote “The Lost Continent,” “Neither Here nor There,” and “A Walk in the Woods,” in which he reunites with his travel companion from “The Lost Continent,” Stephen Katz.
Aside from travel writing, Bill Bryson has also written books on the English language, including “Mother Tongue” and “Made in America.” In his last book, “A Short History of Nearly Everything,” he explored science and the book became a huge bestseller, winning the Aventis Prize for Science Books and the Descartes Science Communication Prize. His next book, “The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid,” is a memoir of growing up in 1950s America and features his old friend Stephen Katz.
His latest book will be published on October 8th.
Editoral Review
Bill Bryson’s At Home: A Short History of Private Life is a delightful journey through the history of domestic life. A prolific author known for his humorous observation and mastery of language, Bryson’s latest book is both informative and entertaining, offering readers an insightful exploration into the evolution of private life, from the humblest of dwellings to the grandest of palaces.
The book begins with Bryson’s own home, a former Victorian church in England. From there, he takes readers on a time-traveling adventure, zooming in on different elements of home life through the ages, from architecture and furniture to cooking, sanitation, and sex.
Bryson’s extensive research and his ability to make even the most mundane details fascinating is impressive. We learn about the origins of the fork, the history of wallpaper, and the role of the footmen in Regency England.
Bryson takes us on a journey through the ages, and his anecdotes and historical references create an immersive experience, making readers feel as if they are living in each era with the characters. Furthermore, the author’s witty style and knack for storytelling keep the reader engaged, even when the topic at hand might seem mundane.
The humorous anecdotes and quirky facts he sprinkles throughout the book keep it from becoming dry or tedious. Bryson’s writing is lively and entertaining, without ever sacrificing accuracy or depth.
While many of the details presented may seem esoteric or arcane, Bryson skillfully explains how each topic relates to broader social developments and movements in history. This not only makes At Home informative but also insightful, as Bryson shows how the domestic sphere reflects broader social, economic, and cultural trends.
At Home’s main strength lies in how its focus on private life provides a new perspective on the past, challenging the traditional historical narrative. Instead of focusing on political or military events, the book examines the everyday life of ordinary people across the centuries, showing how the way people live and make their homes has fundamentally changed over time.
That being said, the book is not without its limitations. While it provides a fascinating account of the development of private life in the West, there is little mention of how private life developed in other parts of the world.
Moreover, the book can be a little dense at times, and readers may find themselves struggling to keep track of all the details. Overall, At Home: A Short History of Private Life is a clever, insightful, and engaging book that offers readers an exciting and informative journey into the evolution of the domestic sphere.
It serves as a reminder that there is much to be learned from the everyday details of our lives, and that even the most humble dwelling can tell a rich and fascinating story. For readers interested in history, At Home is a must-read, and for those who enjoy well-crafted writing and unique perspectives, it is sure to delight.
Bill Bryson has once again proven himself to be a master storyteller, bringing the past to life in a way that is both informative and entertaining. Rating: 4.5/5.0
