New York Times bestselling author Stephenson pens the final volume in his ambitious and compelling epic of intrigue, adventure, and excitement, filled with a remarkable cast of characters in a time of genius, discovery, and change.
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Neal Stephenson is the author of the novels Quicksilver, The Confusion, Cryptonomicon, Snow Crash, The Diamond Age, and Zodiac. He lives in Seattle.
The colossal and impressive third volume (after Quicksilver and The Confusion) of Stephenson's magisterial exploration of the origins of the modern world in the scientific revolution of the baroque era begins in 1714. Daniel Waterhouse has returned to England, hoping to mediate the feud between Sir Isaac Newton and Leibniz, both of whom claim to have discovered the calculus and neither of whom is showing much scientific rationality in the dispute. This brawl takes place against the background of the imminent death of Queen Anne, which threatens a succession crisis as Jacobite (Stuart, Catholic) sympathizers confront supporters of the Hanoverian succession. Aside from the potential effect of the outcome on the intellectual climate of England, these political maneuverings are notable for the role played by trilogy heroine Eliza de la Zour, who is now wielding her influence over Caroline of Ansbach, consort of the Hanoverian heir. Eliza has risen from the streets to the nobility without losing any of her creativity or her talents as a schemer; nor has outlaw Jack Shaftoe lost any of his wiliness. What he may have lost is discretion, since he oversteps the boundaries of both law and good sense far enough to narrowly escape the hangman. In the end, reluctant hero Waterhouse prevails against the machinations of everybody else, and scientific (if not sweet) reason wins by a nose. The symbol of that victory is the inventor Thomas Newcomen standing (rather like a cock crowing) atop the boiler of one of his first steam engines. This final volume in the cycle is another magnificent portrayal of an era, well worth the long slog it requires of Stephenson's many devoted readers.
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Seller: Fantastic Literature Limited, Rayleigh, ESSEX, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: fine trade paperback, 1st printing. Press Release. The year is 1714. Daniel Waterhouse has returned to England, where he joins forces with his friend Isaac Newton to hunt down a shadowy group attempting to blow up Natural Philosophers with "Infernal Devices" - time bombs. Seller Inventory # FS12.052
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Seller: Infinity Books Japan, Tokyo, TKY, Japan
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. A copy that has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. The year is 1714, Daniel Waterhouse hass returned to England, where he joins forces with his friend Isaac Newton to hunt down a shadowy group attempting to blow up Natural Philosphers with "Infernal Devices". As Daniel and Newton conspire, an increasingly viscious struggle is waged for England's crown: who will take control when the ailing Queen dies? - Back cover. Seller Inventory # RWARE0000056697
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Seller: Buchstube Tiffany, Barsbüttel, Germany
Softcover. Condition: Gut. Ohne Schutzumschlag. Taschenbuch, 887 Seiten, englische Sprache, historischer Roman, Seller Inventory # BN2911
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