An outstanding feat in itself. The required research alone to tackle such a literaly endeavour should be applauded. Stephenson turns his dense prose and infamous wit to the 17th century weaving in and out of the fact and fiction that surrounded such erudite giants as Liebiniz, Newton, Hooke and Boyle. Equal parts history lesson, societal commentary and adventure novel, Stephenson introduces Jack Shaftoe, the self-proclaimed King of the Vagabonds as a crass, unlettered but nonetheless pivotal fulcrum point in the fate of burgeoning Europe. At a time when nascent economics and subertuge and were sometimes indivisible the book portrays the inherent dangers as players from all walks of life become hungry for wealth and power.
This is a mammoth book with complex and intertwining themes that can, admittedly, be difficult to fully keep track of over its one thousand pages. Pages that could easily contain commentary on early anatomical practices, insights into the the political nuances of the aristocratic elite or maybe even, God forbid, important plot devices.
Before emarking on its follow-up ("The Confusion") nine months had passed since I had finished Quicksilver and, in the interest of wishing to enjoy the next book to the highest degree, I decided to re-read Quicksilver again. Once can be seen as arduous to the non-believer. Twice could be viewed as madness.
One of my favourite books of all time. Not for its story which, though intricate and fast paced, is not its strongest virtue. The insight into life as it was (or at least one author's well investigated prediction of what is was) is outstanding. Not just for its detail but for the way it is so seamlessly presented.
