Quicksilver (novel)

NealStephenson Quicksilver

Quicksilver is a historical novel by Neal Stephenson, published in 2003. It is the first volume of The Baroque Cycle, a series of novels that explore the history of science, mathematics, and economics in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. The novel is divided into three books: "Quicksilver," "King of the Vagabonds," and "Odalisque."

Plot Summary

The novel follows the lives of three main characters: Daniel Waterhouse, Jack Shaftoe, and Eliza.

Book One: Quicksilver

The first book focuses on Daniel Waterhouse, a natural philosopher and friend of Isaac Newton. Daniel returns to Massachusetts Bay Colony from England to help resolve a conflict between Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz over the invention of calculus.

Book Two: King of the Vagabonds

The second book follows Jack Shaftoe, a vagabond and adventurer, as he travels across Europe and the Ottoman Empire. He meets and falls in love with Eliza, a former harem slave who becomes a spy and financial genius.

Book Three: Odalisque

The third book intertwines the stories of Daniel Waterhouse and Eliza. Daniel becomes involved in the political intrigues of the Royal Society, while Eliza navigates the complex world of European finance and espionage.

Characters

• Daniel Waterhouse - A natural philosopher and member of the Royal Society.
• Jack Shaftoe - A vagabond and adventurer.
• Eliza - A former harem slave who becomes a spy and financial expert.
• Isaac Newton - A prominent mathematician and physicist.
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz - A mathematician and philosopher.

Themes

The novel explores themes such as the development of modern science, the rise of capitalism, and the political and religious conflicts of the time. It also delves into the personal lives and struggles of its characters, providing a rich tapestry of historical and fictional events.

Setting

The novel is set in various locations across Europe and the American colonies during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Key locations include London, Paris, Amsterdam, and the Massachusetts Bay Colony.

Reception

Quicksilver received critical acclaim for its intricate plotting, rich historical detail, and complex characters. It was praised for its ambitious scope and its ability to blend historical fact with fiction.

See Also

• The Baroque Cycle
• Neal Stephenson
• Historical novel
• Isaac Newton
• Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz