Quicksilver is the story of Daniel Waterhouse, fearless thinker and conflicted Puritan, pursuing knowledge in the company of the greatest minds of Baroque-era Europe, in a chaotic world where reason wars with the bloody ambitions of the mighty, and where catastrophe, natural or otherwise, can alter the political landscape overnight.It is a chronicle of the breathtaking exploits of “Half-Cocked … of “Half-Cocked Jack” Shaftoe — London street urchin turned swashbuckling adventurer and legendary King of the Vagabonds — risking life and limb for fortune and love while slowly maddening from the pox.
And it is the tale of Eliza, rescued by Jack from a Turkish harem to become spy, confidante, and pawn of royals in order to reinvent Europe through the newborn power of finance.
A gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive novel that brings a remarkable age and its momentous events to vivid life, Quicksilver is an extraordinary achievement from one of the most original and important literary talents of our time.
And it’s just the beginning …
more
So many people have recommended this book to me. He is one of my favorite Sci-Fi authors. First attempt I put it down after 70 pages. Second time I was over 700 pages in when I decided life is too short to slog through a book.
Neal Stephenson was one of those serendipitous, lucky discoveries one makes in a used bookstore sales bin. I was at Green Apple Books in San Francisco, delivering my own books for placement in their science fiction section, and like every book lover, I lingered. The big fat tomes of the Baroque Cycle II and III were just waiting there me. I came …
This is one of those of his that just sits out on its own. If you like his other books, you will like this one, too.
Loved everything except the gratuitous sex.
My favourite sTephenson. Half-cocked Jack a the travelog and the science are riveting.
I’ve love most of Neal Stephenson’s books, but just couldn’t get into this one.
The start of the Shaftoe saga, with Enoch Root and other Stephenson regulars, plus, great history and Isaac Newton!
Always unique. Always amazing. I read everything by this author I can get my hands on!
Boring and overly wordy and pretentious
Once again Neal Stephenson shows why he’s one of the most brilliant writers of our time with the first installment of his ‘Baroque Cycle’. By the end, through imaginative narrative mixed with a compelling plot and fascinating characters (Isaac Newton included), you’re shown how science evolved from alchemy and how the modern financial system …
Not the easiest read but worth it. I feel smarter reading this trilogy.
Be sure to read the entire Baroque series, in order!
A landmark science fiction story… if you love scifi, read it!
A good read. The book has depth, not only in characters but history and science. Gaiman weaves into the book real life characters from history; royal families to scientists and great thinkers, bringing into focus the rivalries throughout Europe for scientific advancement leaning toward the occult.
Anything by Stephenson is going to be a good read. Intelligent, thought provoking, well worth your time. Unless you’re an idiot. Then you probably won’t understand the big words.
A highly interesting read by a master storyteller.