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Book Review
Nov. 2nd, 2010 10:26 pmThe System of the World
by Neal Stephenson
This volume wraps up the monumental Baroque Cycle in a most enjoyable way. All of the main characters and plot threads come together for the sorting out of the political and financial landscape as George the First ascends the throne of England. I also turned out to be right about the overall formal structure of the trilogy mirroring that of the first book.
I, in my nerdiness, was especially happy that this third volume returned to a focus on the development of science and the evolution of trade and finance. I was even happier that it did so while preserving the spirit of adventure from the second book and the sense of fun from the first. I feel like I've actually gained useful understanding and insight into modern finance from reading these books - for me, it really helps to understand the roots and development of the whole system.
The Baroque Cycle is really about the shift away from medieval and renaissance ways of thinking and operating and the birth of modernity. The Renaissance model of banking gives way to a more fluid and abstract approach to money and trade; alchemy and superstition give way to science and technology; ideas of royal blood and divine right give way to a focus on a monarch's ability to rule. This is shown not just in the overall plot, but also in the individual natures and arcs of certain characters. Isaac Newton, in particular, seems to embody the shifts and relationships between the old and the new, with his ability to make great leaps in science while still clinging to the ideas and trappings of alchemy. Eliza's trajectory from harem slave to wealthy noblewoman illustrates the ascendancy of new ideas about merit and mobility. Half-Cocked Jack perhaps represents the older ways that are on their way out, but he is more importantly a trickster character and thus may also serve to illustrate the instabilities and randomness that exists in any system. Daniel Waterhouse serves as a catalyst for major developments in the political and scientific realms.
I had a lot fun reading these books, and The System of the World is a fitting and entertaining end to it all.
by Neal Stephenson
This volume wraps up the monumental Baroque Cycle in a most enjoyable way. All of the main characters and plot threads come together for the sorting out of the political and financial landscape as George the First ascends the throne of England. I also turned out to be right about the overall formal structure of the trilogy mirroring that of the first book.
I, in my nerdiness, was especially happy that this third volume returned to a focus on the development of science and the evolution of trade and finance. I was even happier that it did so while preserving the spirit of adventure from the second book and the sense of fun from the first. I feel like I've actually gained useful understanding and insight into modern finance from reading these books - for me, it really helps to understand the roots and development of the whole system.
The Baroque Cycle is really about the shift away from medieval and renaissance ways of thinking and operating and the birth of modernity. The Renaissance model of banking gives way to a more fluid and abstract approach to money and trade; alchemy and superstition give way to science and technology; ideas of royal blood and divine right give way to a focus on a monarch's ability to rule. This is shown not just in the overall plot, but also in the individual natures and arcs of certain characters. Isaac Newton, in particular, seems to embody the shifts and relationships between the old and the new, with his ability to make great leaps in science while still clinging to the ideas and trappings of alchemy. Eliza's trajectory from harem slave to wealthy noblewoman illustrates the ascendancy of new ideas about merit and mobility. Half-Cocked Jack perhaps represents the older ways that are on their way out, but he is more importantly a trickster character and thus may also serve to illustrate the instabilities and randomness that exists in any system. Daniel Waterhouse serves as a catalyst for major developments in the political and scientific realms.
I had a lot fun reading these books, and The System of the World is a fitting and entertaining end to it all.
