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The Difference Engine: A Steampunk Odyssey of Intrigue and Invention

Jeremy Mitchell

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Published in The Difference Engine: A Novel

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The Difference Engine Novel Cover The Difference Engine: A Novel

A Victorian Tapestry Woven with Steam and Gears

In the bustling heart of Victorian England, the world of The Difference Engine unfolds. A world where the steam engine, that marvel of industrial ingenuity, has reached its zenith. Where the streets hum with the clatter of gears and the smoke of countless factories clouds the sky. It is within this intricate tapestry that our story unravels, a tale of ambition, power, and the transformative nature of technology.

The Difference Engine: A Novel

by William Gibson

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2504 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	514 pages

Historical Figures Reimagined

The Difference Engine introduces us to a cast of characters both familiar and extraordinary. Charles Babbage, the renowned mathematician, is here. His analytical mind and unwavering pursuit of mechanical precision drive the invention of the titular Difference Engine, a calculating machine that will forever alter the course of history. Ada Lovelace, the visionary daughter of Lord Byron, plays a pivotal role in programming the Difference Engine, her brilliance illuminating the potential of this groundbreaking technology.

Alongside these historical luminaries, we encounter a host of captivating fictional characters. Lady Ada Lovelace, a woman of exceptional intelligence and determination, finds herself entangled in a dangerous game of politics and subterfuge. Edward Mallory, a resourceful engineer, becomes an unlikely ally and confidante to Ada, his unwavering loyalty tested by the treacherous waters they navigate.

Innovation and Intrigue Intertwined

At its core, The Difference Engine is a tale of innovation. The invention of the Difference Engine sparks a technological revolution that ripples through Victorian society, reshaping industries and transforming the very fabric of communication. But in the hands of the wrong people, this power can be a dangerous weapon. A shadowy organization known as the Luddites, sworn enemies of technological advancement, plots to destroy the Difference Engine and halt progress in its tracks.

As Ada and Edward delve deeper into the world of politics and intrigue surrounding the Difference Engine, they uncover a web of deception and betrayal that reaches the highest levels of power. Their alliance is tested, their loyalties questioned, and the fate of the technological revolution hangs in the balance.

A Literary Gem that Transforms History

The Difference Engine is not merely a steampunk novel. It is a literary masterpiece that transcends genre, exploring timeless themes of technological progress, social change, and the human desire to push the boundaries of possibility. The novel's meticulously crafted world, evocative prose, and unforgettable characters have captivated readers for generations.

Join Ada Lovelace, Edward Mallory, and the cast of The Difference Engine on an extraordinary journey through Victorian England. Witness the birth of a transformative technology and unravel the dangerous secrets that surround it. Lose yourself in the clash of innovation and tradition, and explore the timeless wonder of this steampunk masterpiece.

The Difference Engine: A Novel

by William Gibson

4 out of 5