Stephenson's conclusion to the Baroque Cycle trilogy is a superb and satisfying volume - bringing together the various characters and plot threads he has been developing for the previous 1800-odd pages beautifully. His deep love, and incredible knowledge, of the history of science, finance, architecture and politics in the early 1700s shows through clearly - and as a London resident who is...
more Stephenson's conclusion to the Baroque Cycle trilogy is a superb and satisfying volume - bringing together the various characters and plot threads he has been developing for the previous 1800-odd pages beautifully. His deep love, and incredible knowledge, of the history of science, finance, architecture and politics in the early 1700s shows through clearly - and as a London resident who is fascinated with the history of my city, every chapter contained a fantastic revelation about the city that sent me scurrying off to Wikipedia for confirmation or more detail.
Overall, though, the triumph of The System of the World is the same as the triumph of the rest of the cycle; it lies in Stephenson's unrivalled ability to take historical characters of great import and ascribe to them personalities, desires, lusts, foibles and even senses of humour. He makes his characters come alive, and in the process creates a detailed, respectful but hugely, hugely enjoyable history which is more complex, exciting and extraordinary than any fiction.
hide