Latest news with #BillBryson
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Beyond the classroom: 5 books that make general knowledge fun for students
Sometimes, studying feels like a task you just want to get over with—pages of notes, long chapters, and facts that are hard to remember. But learning new things doesn't always have to be boring or stressful. In fact, it can be fun, exciting, and even addictive if you're reading the right kind of book. Some books are so well-written and interesting that you don't even realise how much you're learning while reading them. They spark your curiosity, make you think, and fill your mind with fascinating facts without making it feel like school. If you're looking to boost your general knowledge in a fun, easygoing way, here are five books that can help you do just that. A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson This is a book for the curious. Bill Bryson takes complex scientific topics—like how the Earth formed, what atoms are, and how humans evolved—and explains them in a simple, often funny way. Even if you're not a science lover, you'll be drawn in by his storytelling. You'll learn about the universe, the Earth, and life itself, all while being entertained by quirky facts and interesting people from science history. Factfulness by Hans Rosling If you think the world is getting worse every day, this book might surprise you. Hans Rosling explains how the world has actually improved in many ways—less poverty, better health, more education—and why most people don't realise it. With simple language, clear charts, and real-world stories, Factfulness helps you see the bigger picture and understand global trends better. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Switch to UnionBank Rewards Card UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo It also teaches you how to think more clearly and avoid common misconceptions. The Way Things Work Now by David Macaulay This book is perfect for students who are always asking, 'How does that work?' From airplanes and computers to zippers and refrigerators, this book explains the mechanics behind everyday objects. What makes it really special are the detailed drawings and clear explanations. Even complicated machines become easy to understand. Whether you're into engineering or just curious about the world, this book will open your eyes to the hidden science around you. Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari This book takes you on an incredible journey through the history of our species, from the earliest humans to the modern world. Harari explains how humans evolved, created societies, invented languages, and shaped the planet—all in a way that's easy to understand and super engaging. It's packed with fascinating stories that make you think about who we are and how we got here. It's like a history and science class rolled into one, but without the boring parts. Plus, it helps you understand the world and your place in it. Thing Explainer by Randall Munroe Imagine trying to explain a rocket ship using only the 1,000 most common words in English. That's what Randall Munroe does in this clever book. With simple explanations and cartoon-style diagrams, he breaks down big ideas—like computers, the solar system, and the human body—into easy-to-understand language. It's not only fun to read, but it also shows how simple words can explain even the most complex systems. Ready to empower your child for the AI era? Join our program now! Hurry, only a few seats left.
Wales Online
24-05-2025
- Wales Online
One the UK's 'most entertaining' getaways is in North Wales
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info It's Bill Bryson's favourite seaside town, so it must being doing something right. While many of Britain's coastal resorts are in genteel decline, Llandudno is doing its best to buck the trend. Being shoehorned between two headlands, with a great crescent of a promenade backed by handsome pastel-coloured hotels, and a stately pier stretching out into the bay, it will always have the bones of a classic seaside destination. Even without shops, restaurants and attractions (and North Shore sand), the resort still has a natural beauty guaranteed to appeal. While its core demographic of visitors may be the wrong side of 50, Llandudno has enough going on to generate traditional seaside buzz. As an entertainment venue, it's not quite Blackpool, not does it wish to be. But if you care to look for it, there's plenty of ways to keep busy besides promenading with chips and ice cream. This week, a survey named Llandudno the UK's 10th most 'entertaining resort' - it was second in Wales behind Swansea (5th). Inevitably, the list was headed by a glitzy Lancashire seaside town with an iconic tower and gaudy promenade lights. Blackpool topped the pile – compiled by SuomiCasino from a shortlist of 26 – by virtue of its 12 water/amusement parks and, appropriately, 13 casinos. Swansea's ranking was boosted by its 529 bars and restaurants – more than three times the number attributed to Llandudno (148). The survey was perhaps overly generous when it credited the Conwy town with four beaches – residents may wonder where half of them are. As the compilers used Tripadvisor's AI assistant, beaches at Penrhyn Bay and Deganwy might have been thrown in for good measure. At the same time, Llandudno was credited with 58 'landmarks', the most in the top 10 other than Blackpool (67). It fared less well for music venues (two), casinos (one, apparently?) and escape rooms (one). But the town has plenty more besides donkey rides, boat trips, and Punch and Judy. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community (Image: SuomiCasino) For the energetic, there a dry ski slope and a climbing centre. For families, the freshly renovated Craig-y-don paddling pool is always popular. The Great Orme has San Franciscan-style trams, alpine cable cars and simply spectacular views, including those from a road carved into the sea-cliff. And does Blackpool have a 3,000-year-old prehistoric copper mines you can wander around? Or a network of Victorian tunnels dug out beneath its streets? In the resort, tourists can visit chocolate and Home Front museums, and browse canopied shopping streets behind the seafront. Young and old can enjoy a blast of Wonderland whimsy by following the Alice Trail and its sculptures. Venue Cymru is huge, offering events, music and big touring productions. Sure, some elements are naff and parts of the town need sprucing up, particularly the iconic Grand Hotel. Phone signals are dire and the seagulls vicious. But this is a place that trades on its dramatic location and that will never change. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find out what's happening near you
North Wales Live
24-05-2025
- North Wales Live
One the UK's 'most entertaining' getaways is in North Wales
It's Bill Bryson's favourite seaside town, so it must being doing something right. While many of Britain's coastal resorts are in genteel decline, Llandudno is doing its best to buck the trend. Being shoehorned between two headlands, with a great crescent of a promenade backed by handsome pastel-coloured hotels, and a stately pier stretching out into the bay, it will always have the bones of a classic seaside destination. Even without shops, restaurants and attractions (and North Shore sand), the resort still has a natural beauty guaranteed to appeal. While its core demographic of visitors may be the wrong side of 50, Llandudno has enough going on to generate traditional seaside buzz. As an entertainment venue, it's not quite Blackpool, not does it wish to be. But if you care to look for it, there's plenty of ways to keep busy besides promenading with chips and ice cream. This week, a survey named Llandudno the UK's 10th most 'entertaining resort' - it was second in Wales behind Swansea (5th). Inevitably, the list was headed by a glitzy Lancashire seaside town with an iconic tower and gaudy promenade lights. Blackpool topped the pile – compiled by SuomiCasino from a shortlist of 26 – by virtue of its 12 water/amusement parks and, appropriately, 13 casinos. Swansea's ranking was boosted by its 529 bars and restaurants – more than three times the number attributed to Llandudno (148). The survey was perhaps overly generous when it credited the Conwy town with four beaches – residents may wonder where half of them are. As the compilers used Tripadvisor's AI assistant, beaches at Penrhyn Bay and Deganwy might have been thrown in for good measure. At the same time, Llandudno was credited with 58 'landmarks', the most in the top 10 other than Blackpool (67). It fared less well for music venues (two), casinos (one, apparently?) and escape rooms (one). But the town has plenty more besides donkey rides, boat trips, and Punch and Judy. For the energetic, there a dry ski slope and a climbing centre. For families, the freshly renovated Craig-y-don paddling pool is always popular. The Great Orme has San Franciscan-style trams, alpine cable cars and simply spectacular views, including those from a road carved into the sea-cliff. And does Blackpool have a 3,000-year-old prehistoric copper mines you can wander around? Or a network of Victorian tunnels dug out beneath its streets? In the resort, tourists can visit chocolate and Home Front museums, and browse canopied shopping streets behind the seafront. Young and old can enjoy a blast of Wonderland whimsy by following the Alice Trail and its sculptures. Venue Cymru is huge, offering events, music and big touring productions. Sure, some elements are naff and parts of the town need sprucing up, particularly the iconic Grand Hotel. Phone signals are dire and the seagulls vicious. But this is a place that trades on its dramatic location and that will never change.
ITV News
24-04-2025
- Business
- ITV News
Have you been eating your chocolate digestive biscuit wrong?
The creators of the chocolate digestive biscuit, which has been made for the last 100 years, believes people been eating the biscuit wrong for decades. McVities, which makes one of Britain's most popular treats, says for 100 years people have eaten their digestive biscuits chocolate-side-up - when we should be eating them with the chocolate on the bottom. At their factory in Harlesden in north London, the company makes 13 million chocolate digestives each day - around 9,000 a minute. Since its creation in 1925, it's estimated that almost 5.8 billion packets of chocolate digestive biscuits have been sold in the UK alone. Bill Bryson, an American author described the snack as a "British Masterpiece". On why people love the biscuit, Nina Sparks, Vice President of the supply chain for the UK and Ireland, said: "It reminds you of coming home from school, the good times and the bad times, perfect with a cup of tea. It provides comfort for a lot of people." "In 100 years a lot has changed, but the chocolate digestive has stayed the same." "I've been doing it wrong all these years". The biscuits are not just a British favourite as they are now enjoyed in around 50 countries. Nearly 10 million packets are exported from the UK each year, with Australia being the biggest market. The digestive name may not be the most appealing, but it comes from the belief that it had 'digestive' properties due to its use of baking soda in its original recipe. As early as 1829, an advert in the Manchester Courier newspaper claimed that digestives could 'keep the body in a regular state'. Fraiser, who has worked at the McVities factory for nearly three decades said the reason why the biscuit is such a favourite is due to its "incredible taste, quality ingredients and the love from the British public." "The recipe hasn't changed in 100 years, it's just been refined and polished. "It's a great ingredient, I don't know why people's tastes would change now. People love the chocolate digestive, and long may it continue."
The Guardian
21-03-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
‘More are published than could ever succeed': are there too many books?
The complaint that there are too many books is not a new one. 'My son, be warned by them: of making many books there is no end,' reads one line in Ecclesiastes, written at least 2,000 years before the invention of the printing press. Now the bestselling author Bill Bryson has added his voice to the millennia-old chorus. There are 200,000 books published annually in the UK alone, 'more books than you could possibly read,' the writer of Notes from a Small Island told the Times. He is not sure that the growth in self-publishing, in particular, is 'a healthy development'. He said he gets sent 'a lot of self-published books, and most of the time it is just some anonymous person's life, and it is of no interest.' Bryson is not wrong that self-publishing has contributed significantly to book slop mountain. More than 2.6 million books were self-published in 2023 – many of which are uploaded to the dominant platform, Amazon's Kindle Direct Publishing – and they can't all be masterpieces. Nevertheless, the idea that self-publishing is the preserve of hopeless hobbyists producing books no one wants to read is at least a decade out of date. The romance author Colleen Hoover built her audience through self-publishing and has now sold around 20m books. Sarah J Maas, the world's bestselling author in 2024, started publishing her 'romantasy' fiction on when she was 16. Freida McFadden, the hugely successful psychological thriller writer, claims to make 60% of her income via KDP and has continued to self-publish even as mainstream publishers seek her out. 'There has been this suspicion of self-published authors from the beginning,' says Kathryn Taussig of Storm, one of a new breed of digital-first publishers that are capitalising on what she describes as a 'revolution' in self-publishing. 'There is a perception that the quality is lacking. But you only have to look at the bestseller charts.' Indeed, self-publishing has allowed authors to provide precisely the sort of books that people want to read, argues Natalie Butlin, creative insights director at Bookouture, the UK's leading digital publisher (which is now a part of Hachette). 'There are self-published authors who are making millions but you wouldn't have heard of them,' she says. The model has been particularly successful in catering to fans of genres that have been overlooked by mainstream publishers (for example, LGBTQ+ romances and romantasy) or trends that are deemed to have passed (such as psychological thrillers, or dystopian young adult fiction). Multimillion-sellers are outliers, of course – but then again, so is Bryson within the world of traditional publishing. Butlin thinks the real benefit of self-publishing is that it allows writers to make comfortable incomes at the middle of the market. A 2023 survey of 2,000 self-published authors by the Alliance of Independent Authors found that almost half exceeded $20,000 in revenue and 28% earned more than $50,000 – far more than the vast majority of traditionally published authors. 'If you can write a book that people want to read and you package it well, you can make £25-30,000 per book,' says Butlin. 'It's really not an unreasonable expectation.' Meanwhile, traditionally published authors will receive an advance payment, usually paid in instalments: on signing the contract, after submitting the final manuscript, and on publication. Advance amounts vary a lot depending on the author, but typically a debut author can expect to receive between £5,000 and £10,000 in total. After that, many authors 'never see any money again', Butlin says – royalties are only paid after the advance amount has been made back through book sales. The self-publishing model is of course only possible thanks to digital technology. Most self-publishing concerns ebooks (print-on-demand services are relatively niche) and the real engine is Kindle Unlimited, Amazon's subscription service, which allows readers to download 20 titles at a time for £9.49 per month, paying authors based on the number of pages read – a model that shares features with YouTube's minutes-watched revenue system. The most successful self-published authors have become highly savvy in their pursuit of pages-read, says Taussig – in many cases employing precisely the same freelance editors, cover artists, and formatting tools as traditional publishers. But their real advantage, she says, is the 'feedback loop' they can enter into with their readers. 'These writers are really listening to what their readers are saying almost in real time. They think about which characters their readers respond to and how to include them more. It's a two-way street in a way that traditional publishing isn't. It's why they've been so successful. And they get to keep so much more of the money they've made.' The other side of that coin is plummeting author revenues in the traditional industry. The Authors' Licensing and Collecting Society reported in 2022 that the median income of full-time authors had fallen by around 60% since 2006, to just £7,000 a year. Ross Raisin, an acclaimed British novelist, recently described the deflating experience of publishing his fourth novel, A Hunger, to positive reviews – only to be told by a major high street book chain that they 'didn't have space' for it on their shelves. Indeed, it could be argued that it's the 'big five' mainstream publishers – Penguin Random House, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon & Schuster and Macmillan – who are more guilty of overproduction. Butlin began her career as a literary agent but became disillusioned that publishing wasn't learning the lessons from the music industry, which had been completely disrupted by digital technology. She felt that self-publishing offered more opportunities. 'Traditional publishers spend most of their marketing budget on the books that have received the largest advances and almost nothing on the books that don't – so most books don't really get a chance,' she says. 'You can make a relatively sensible guess on what will sell but it's still essentially gambling.' Publishers will end up with a few enormous hits that cover the losses, but what it means is that many authors end up feeling like it's their fault when their books don't sell. James McConnachie, editor of the Author, the journal run by the Society of Authors, the UK's largest writer's body, paints a similar picture. 'Far more books are published than could ever succeed,' he says. 'This is chiefly a natural result of readers being unpredictable. No one can publish only bestsellers, so the publishing industry is inevitably wedded to a model of overproduction. Too many publishers buy lots of books and publish them relatively cheaply, underinvesting in editing or marketing while outsourcing much of the risk to authors.' Sign up to Bookmarks Discover new books and learn more about your favourite authors with our expert reviews, interviews and news stories. Literary delights delivered direct to you after newsletter promotion The trouble is, the model sort of works for the publishers, says McConnachie. 'The industry is not broken,' he says, pointing to the extremely healthy profits of the big five publishers. 'But the model does rely on the imbalance between the author and publisher share. That's one reason for the growth in self-publishing. It can feel like you get a fairer share, especially when advances and royalty rates are so low, and traditional authors are doing much of the marketing anyway.' Still, self-publishing is far from a cure-all. It thrives in commercial fiction but literary fiction and children's fiction – which rely more on physical books and critical acclaim – have yet to find a niche. It's good at providing what readers want but not what might challenge them – there are also plenty of poorly edited, algorithm-chasing titles designed to exploit fleeting trends on KDP. Though it's not as if traditional publishers aren't guilty of churning out seasonal, trend-driven books either: we have HarperCollins to thank for The Pumpkin Spice Café series. More seriously, no one I speak to has a convincing answer about what happens when Amazon does what tech platforms invariably do, which is squeeze its customers for more money. McConnachie feels that the industry is already rife with unfairness. 'It's a bit like being a YouTuber. Everyone thinks they are going to be one of the few who makes a lot of money. In truth, the vast majority just feed the machine while the channel – Amazon, in this case – makes a fortune out of exploiting the long tail.' For now, though, it hardly seems like a terrible thing that there are different ways for authors to make money. 'It's making traditional publishing work harder,' says Isobel Akenhead, publishing director at independent press Boldwood Books. 'They can't be complacent because they're no longer the gatekeepers. They're not just competing with other publishers. They're competing with authors who don't necessarily need them any more. I think it's a brilliant thing. There are more diverse voices, more working-class writers, more people who wouldn't pass the publishing gates, finding readers.' There are always going to be people who think there are too many books – but it's not as if anyone is forcing anyone to read them.
