Quicksilver: 1 (Baroque Cycle)

Neal Stephenson

An outstanding feat in itself. The required research alone to tackle such a literaly endeavour...more

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.   hide

I only get 5 stars? If you've read Cryptonomicon, you must read this. A prequel of sorts, it...more

I only get 5 stars? If you've read Cryptonomicon, you must read this. A prequel of sorts, it has that same mix of technology, politics, and social intercourse. It just happens to be set in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Oddly enough, it was this book (actually the whole Baroque Cycle) that kindled in me an intense interest in this incredible period of scientific history. While this book (and the others in the series) seem to be categorized as Science Fiction (that's where you usually find them on the shelf of your local book store), this is straight historical fiction. Sure, it's got its geeky parts, but their is nothing "out of this world" about them. I can hardly wait for the movie ;-)   hide

I finished reading Quicksilver in April (yes, I'm wayyy behind), and I rave about it. It is very...more

I finished reading Quicksilver in April (yes, I'm wayyy behind), and I rave about it. It is very strong in very many aspects that I really can't think of anything wrong with it (other than it was a very long read, which wasn't itself a bad thing because that's how you can have so many details, which makes it so realistic.) Despite its being historical "fiction", I was gripped by it so much it seemed like historical "fact". The three main protagonists--whose motivations vary from insanity to desire for empirical knowledge or wealth--are surrounded by a secondary cast of hundreds, weaving a multi-layered tapestry of intrigue, brother(and sister)hood, tragedy, and redemption. And he easily flows between, and integrates, the different characters seamlessly. I read Cryptonomicon four years ago and was blown away by it (my first Stephenson novel)--this time, he's outdone himself. He is a master of subtleties, slapstick, metaphor, and meticulous details. I haven't picked up The Confusion yet, because I want to make sure I have the time and the preparedness to embark on the next incredible voyage. Definitely five out of five.   hide

Part of the four-part Baroque Cycle and described by the author as Historical Science Fiction. ...more

Part of the four-part Baroque Cycle and described by the author as Historical Science Fiction. Simply one of the best books I have ever read - and definitely my favourite of the series. The book covers history, science (including alchemy), vagabonds, religion and just about everything in between. Hooke is described superbly if slightly unfairly. Far to vast to describe this book or its sequels here - just read it (them!)   hide

This is one of the worst books that I have ever read. In fact, I could not even finish it, and I...more

This is one of the worst books that I have ever read. In fact, I could not even finish it, and I usually am one to suffer through horrible films, books, and anything else for which I have spent money. I was so angry about it because I wasted a $25.00 gift card to Borders. Sadly because I was stupid and lost the receipt, they offered me neither store credit nor a refund. They said that my only option was to exchange it for the exact same item. Fortunately I came up with a solution and decided to go see Neal Stephenson speak. I got my copy autographed and then sold it on Craigslist for more than what I had paid for it. It is for this reason that I rarely purchase books. I feel similar about my Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows purchase. I love science nerds, and to this day, I would consider myself lucky if I wound up with an MIT freak, but the characters' attempts to understand Baroque history make it such that I would rather file claims with my health insurance company.   hide