A bit of an epic book, this. At over 900 pages long, it's the first in a trilogy that forms the prequel to his earlier book, Cryptonomicon. Set in the 17th century, it's an odd mixture of history and fiction set around the time of Newton. Three stories intermingle, although there's not so much a plot as just an alternate history. It's hard work, getting through that many pages, but ultimately enjoyable enough, although I'm aiming for a bit of a break before moving onto The Confusion.
Posted 2005-01-03.