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The Difference Engine

By Bruce Sterling and William Gibson
Series: S.F. Masterworks
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Check link for latest rating. ( 22,794 ratings, 1,295 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson is a groundbreaking steampunk novel that reimagines history with the early development of computers, or "difference engines," in Victorian England. This alternate history explores the societal and technological impacts of advanced computing emerging during the Industrial Revolution, weaving a tale of intrigue and power with a richly detailed world where political machinations and scientific advancements collide. The narrative follows compelling characters navigating this transformed landscape, revealing how innovation can reshape humanity's future.
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're intrigued by the blend of historical elements with speculative technology, as it imagines an alternate Victorian era powered by steam-driven computers. Dive into a world of political intrigue and technological advancement, crafted by pioneers of the cyberpunk genre, and explore how a difference in the past could change the world we know.

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'A visionary steam-powered heavy metal fantasy. Gibson and Sterling create a high-Victorian virtual reality of extraordinary richness and detail' Ridley Scott, creator of ALIEN

'A visionary steam-powered heavy metal fantasy. Gibson and Sterling create a high-Victorian virtual reality of extraordinary richness and detail' Ridley Scott, creator of ALIEN

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The computer age has arrived a century ahead of time with Charles Babbage's perfection of his Analytical Engine.

The Industrial Revolution, supercharged by the development of steam-driven cybernetic Engines, is in full and drastic swing.

Great Britain, with her calculating-cannons, steam dreadnoughts, machine-guns and information technology, prepares to better the world's lot...

The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson explores this intriguing alternate history where technology and industry have advanced at a breathtaking pace.

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Difference Engine by Bruce Sterling and William Gibson is often praised for its vivid alternate history setting and intricate plot. Critics appreciate its detailed and immersive portrayal of a Victorian-era world powered by steam-driven computing. While some find the narrative complex and challenging, others admire its intellectual depth and the way it redefines the genre. Many reviewers highlight the book's influence and its status as a steampunk classic.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780575099401

Publisher: Orion Publishing Co

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 January 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Gateway

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 28.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 282g

Pages: 400

Collections

Bruce Sterling Fiction General Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy Science Fiction Series: S.F. Masterworks William Gibson

About the Author

William Gibson began writing in 1977 and burst upon the literary world with his acclaimed first novel, Neuromancer, the book that launched the cyberpunk generation and the first novel to win the holy trinity of science fiction, the Hugo, Nebula and Philip K Dick Awards. His most recent books include Pattern Recognition and Idoru.

Bruce Sterling burst onto the SF scene with the birth of Cyberpunk and co-authored THE DIFFERENCE ENGINE with his colleague William Gibson. His biggest UK success was with The Hacker Crackdown. He lives with his wife and daughters in Austin, Texas.

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