Title: The Difference Engine
Author: William Gibson
First published September 1, 1990
429 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780553294613 (ISBN10: 055329461X)
Rating: 3.45
Overview
It is 1855, and the world is undergoing a radical transformation. Steam-powered cybernetic Engines have taken over the Industrial Revolution, and Charles Babbage has created the Analytical Engine, ushering in the computer age a century ahead of its time.
In this thrilling tale, we follow three extraordinary characters towards a rendezvous with history – and the future. Sybil Gerard, a dishonored woman and daughter of a Luddite agitator; Edward “Leviathan” Mallory, explorer and paleontologist; and Laurence Oliphant, diplomat and spy.
Their adventure begins with the discovery of a box of punched Engine cards of unknown origin and purpose – cards that someone is willing to kill for. Part detective story, part historical thriller, this novel is a collaboration between two of science fiction’s most brilliant and controversial authors of our time.
Gibson and Sterling’s unique visions come alive in this provocative, compelling, and intensely imagined novel that takes their storytelling in a new and unexpected direction.
About the Author
Meet William Ford Gibson, an American-Canadian writer who is often credited as the father of the cyberpunk subgenre in science fiction. He is known for coining the term “cyberspace” in 1982 and popularizing it in his first novel, which has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide.
Gibson’s early writing primarily consisted of short stories, but he has since written nine highly acclaimed novels (one in collaboration), contributed articles to various major publications, and collaborated extensively with performance artists, filmmakers, and musicians. His work has influenced not only science fiction authors, but also academia, cyberculture, and technology.
Editoral Review
The Difference Engine: A Review
William Gibson and Bruce Sterling’s The Difference Engine, a steampunk novel published on September 1, 1990, is a masterpiece that revitalized science-fiction with its unique blend of history and science. The book is written in alternate history and is set in Victorian England, where technological advancement was at a different pace.
It is a culmination of the authors’ shared interest in cyberpunk and an ode to early computing. The novel follows the story of Charles Babbage, a British inventor who creates a difference engine, a mechanical computing device.
However, the difference engine does not exist in isolation but in a world where technology has revolutionized transportation and communication, and steam power is the norm. The device is stolen from Babbage, and its mechanics and programming become the subject of a frantic search by the book’s characters.
Ada Lovelace, daughter of Lord Byron, plays a crucial role in the search, and her analytical prowess brings the device to life. The Difference Engine is a triumph of world-building, where every detail is elaborately crafted, immersing readers in a detailed Victorian society.
The book skillfully weaves together a complex fictional narrative with real-world events and historical figures. Moreover, the descriptions of the technical aspects of the difference engine add to the realism of the setting.
The book is full of well-drawn and memorable characters who are flawed, human, and relatable. Ada Lovelace, the book’s female protagonist, is brilliant, curious, and determined to make her mark.
Other characters, such as Edward Mallory, a dandy, and Sybil Gerard, a street-smart prostitute, are well-developed and add depth to the novel. As the novel progresses, themes of power, technology, and identity are explored, allowing readers to contemplate the ethical implications of progress in a society that values power and wealth.
The character’s moral limitations are highlighted, which creates conflict and adds depth to the story. The novel also contains a compelling mystery and an engaging plot that are well-plotted and well-executed.
However, the novel’s main weakness is the pacing, which can be slow at certain points in the story. The book can be heavy on technical details and exposition, which can slow down the plot.
The style of writing can also be dense, which makes it challenging for some readers to grasp initially. Overall, The Difference Engine is a remarkable book that showcases the ingenuity and creativity of its authors.
The blending of technology, history, and fiction has been expertly executed, making it a must-read for enthusiasts of the genre. The book’s depiction of a complex and advanced alternate history provides crucial insights into the modern world, while its themes still resonate today.
In conclusion, we recommend The Difference Engine to readers who enjoy thought-provoking literature, especially those interested in alternate history, steampunk, and science fiction. It is a beautifully-written novel that is undeniably worth reading, despite its somewhat slow pacing.
We give The Difference Engine a rating of 8 out of 10, primarily because of its remarkable world-building, well-drawn characters, and meaningful explorations of important themes.
