Trivia

Got to know his wife Cynthia in a psychiatric hospital, where he landed a job and she worked as a nurse.

To date (2010), has sold more non-fiction books in the UK than any other author.

Following the death of Peter Ustinov, was appointed the new chancellor of the University of Durham. (2005)

When his book "Notes From a Small Island" was serialized on BBC Radio 4, the narrator was Kerry Shale.

His most successful books include "The Mother Tongue: English and How It Got That Way" (1990), "A Short History of Nearly Everything" (2003) and "The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid" (2006).

Was awarded an OBE for his contribution to literature (13 December 2006).

Has moved back to England. (2003)

Born to William and Mary Bryson, he has an older brother, Michael, and a sister, Mary Elizabeth.

Four children with his wife Cynthia - David, Felicity, Catherine and Samuel.

Before settling in the UK in 2003, Bryson had resided in Hanover, New Hampshire (US). As of 2020, he and his family live in rural Hampshire (UK) and maintain a flat in London's South Kensington district.