The Difference Engine
by William Gibson, Bruce Sterling
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Spectra (New York): 1991. Mass-market paperback: xii, 429 pages. ISBN-10: 0-553-29461-X ISBN-13: 978-0553294613 Suggested retail price: $6.99 (US) Tags: alternate history; computers; Historical; London; Science Fiction Tactical strength: [7/10] |
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Gibson and Sterling present a historical novel based on the idea that the computer engine created by Charles Babbage became the basis for computer technology, thus making the computer and industrial revolutions contemporaneous. Since these early computers require steam power, the pollution over London creates a dense yellow fog that blocks daylight. Through this alternate history, the authors question the effect of computers on our own society. This postmodern analysis questions both the Victorian and modern ideas of social progress, industrialization, ecology, evolution, computer technology, human nature, and government.
The plot moves along well. The character development, although well done, is somewhat misleading as the character developed in the novel's first part is only a minor character from that point on, and the main character, Mallory, comes to his demise well before the book come to a conclusion. An exciting story that also has lots of food for thought.
