Bill Bryson is an acclaimed American author, renowned for his travel, science, and language books that are characterized by a unique blend of humor and insight. Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951 and later settled in the United Kingdom in 1977, where he began his writing career in journalism.
Bryson has spent extensive periods living in both the United States and the United Kingdom, and his writing reflects his experiences and observations of both countries and other continents, including Australia, Europe, and Africa. His bestselling travel books, such as "The Lost Continent," "Notes From a Small Island," "A Walk in the Woods," and "Down Under," have become beloved by readers for their witty and engaging style. In addition to his travel writing, Bryson has also written highly praised books on the English language, including "Mother Tongue" and "Made in America."
In 2003, Bryson returned to the United States, where he resided for a few years with his wife and four children. However, he eventually moved back to the United Kingdom, where he lived in the old-rectory of Wramplingham, Norfolk, and served as the Chancellor of Durham University from 2005 to 2011.
Bryson's work has received numerous accolades, including the World Book Day National Poll, the Aventis Prize for Science Books, and the Descartes Science Communication Prize. His book "A Short History of Nearly Everything" was a massive bestseller and was lauded by critics for its accessible and engaging exploration of scientific concepts. Overall, Bryson's writing has left an indelible mark on the literary world, delighting readers with his unique blend of humor, insight, and intellectual curiosity.