A Short History of Nearly Everything is a book that is summed up perfectly by it’s title. I really enjoyed reading throught the dialogue that Bill Bryson has with different experts. Looking at some of the hardest, yet most fundemental questions that man has asked, Bill Bryson tackles it head on by research and a lot of conversation. There are a couple of chapters that I have held pretty loosely as theory. The book is good, and not all jolly, as it has a more serious side with talk of super - volcanoes and extinctions and the realities of the changing nature of our planet. There are several laugh out loud and revelationary moments in the book that make it well worth the read!!

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This book really shows highlights the quality characteristics of Jackson as well as a good look at his morality which shows itself in his decision making, it is a shame that we are not given too many role models like him anymore. “They called him Stonewall” is an in depth book covering all aspects of Jackson’s life from childhood to his early death, it is definately not for the light browser of books!!

The book talks a lot about his character, through all the tragedies of his childhood to his determination to be educated and his outstanding military record. The part that caught me the most about this book is that Burke Davis really shows Jackson as a man that would not compromise his values, integrity or principles at any price. There are not too many people that you can read about with that kind of “stonewall” character (excuse the pun).

It is a book I would definately recommend to people studying great leaders and inspirational figures, it is not always an easy read - but well worth the effort.

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