Quicksilver

Book One of The Baroque Cycle

De: Neal Stephenson

Narrado por: Neal Stephenson (introduction), Kevin Pariseau, Simon Prebble

In this first volume of Neal Stephenson’s genre-defying epic, Daniel Waterhouse, fearless thinker and courageous Puritan, pursues 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.

The Baroque Cycle, Neal Stephenson’s award-winning series, spans the late 17th and early 18th centuries, combining history, adventure, science, invention, piracy, and alchemy into one sweeping tale. It is a gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive historical epic populated by the likes of Isaac Newton, William of Orange, Benjamin Franklin, and King Louis XIV, along with some of the most inventive literary characters in modern fiction.

Audible’s complete and unabridged presentation of The Baroque Cycle was produced in cooperation with Neal Stephenson. Each volume includes an exclusive introduction read by the author.

Listen to more titles in the Baroque Cycle.©2003 Neal Stephenson (P)2010 Audible, Inc.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“[The “Baroque Cycle”] will defy any category, genre, precedent, or label – except genius….Stephenson has a once-in-a-generation gift: he makes complex ideas clear, and he makes them funny, heartbreaking, and thrilling.” ( Time)

“A book of immense ambition, learning, and scope, Quicksilver is often brilliant and occasionally astonishing in its evocation of a remarkable time and place.” ( Washington Post Book World)

Absolutely Fascinating

I couldn't stop listening. Although I'm not a science buff and didn't understand much about science, I enjoyed Stephenson's rich and detailed portrayal of a bygone era - and one that is the backdrop of much historical fiction. I loved the way he played with time by depicting his character Daniel Waterhouse backward and forward - as a young man destined for the new world and an old man going back to the old world. By ordinary standards, Waterhouse is brilliant; by the standards of his peers (Isaac Newton, Godfrey Leibniz) he is ordinary. Having just finished listening to "The Three Musketeers" and Captain Blood," this novel fit right in - about the same time and with many of the same political figures. It is worth mentioning that Quicksilver is the "prestory" to other novels in the cycle, not entirely an independent novel in its own right. Stephenson is a great storyteller and has a wonderful sense of humor. Narrator Simon Prebble is excellent - as usual. I'm completely hooked.

Good, just good

I found the historical and philisophical aspects of the book interesting, but it gets rather boring. It is like hanging out with my geek-friends who don't have a life, only their work. I was looking forward to intrigue and wow, this just didn't have it.

TV Series Fodder

As with all of Neal Stephenson's books, I got to the end and wished there was more. Luckily, in this case, there is!

Since I don't like historical fiction, I didn't think I'd like this book, but it isn't really historical fiction. At the same time, it isn't an alternate past either. The genre for this book is unique. It tells a big picture story of major past motivations that makes history finally make sense. Characters from the past are no longer cardboard cutouts in my mind. Thanks to Stephenson, they are now real people with social alliances, quirks and values that would naturally lead to their actions recorded in history books.

Love History Love Science

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it to any friend who loves science and history

What did you like best about this story?

The details the author provides and how he sets the scenes

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

The narrator is good

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

One of my favorite parts was in the first half when the main character is in Massachusetts.

Any additional comments?

It took me a long time to listen to this book...which provides value. There is a lot of detail and period changes, but it is so worth the listening.

I like the characters but no plot to this story

I like the characters but there is no plot to this story. I am hoping the payoff must come in later books and this was to develop some characters.