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'''''Cryptonomicon''''' is a sprawling novel by ] that is more a combination of historical fiction and contemporary techno-thriller than the ] of Stephenson's earlier works. It follows the parallel saga of ]s from ] (see ], ], ], ], ], ]) and their descendants attempting to use modern ] to build a ] in a fictitious ]n island state and the political machinations that follow both efforts. '''''Cryptonomicon''''' is a sprawling novel by ] that is more a combination of historical fiction and contemporary techno-thriller than the ] of Stephenson's earlier works. It follows two parallel sagas: that of ]s from ] attempting to crack ] codes (see ], ], ], ], ], ]), and that of their descendants attempting to use modern ] to build a ] in a fictitious ]n island state. It also details the political machinations that follow both efforts.

⚫ The title is drawn indirectly from the '']'', a fictional work detailed within the works of the writer ], even though when Stephenson came up with his title, he was not aware of the word's origin. He was directly inspired by the book's appearance in the '']'' series of comedic horror films.

⚫ Cryptonomicon is notably heavy going for non-technical readers in parts. Several pages are spent explaining in detail some of the concepts behind cryptography, for example (in particular, see below the spoiler warning). Despite the technical detail, the book drew praise from both Stephenson's science fiction fan base and literary critics and buyers.


⚫ The '''Cryptonomicon''' book, described as a ''cryptographer's bible'', that appears within the novel itself is a fictional book invented by Neal Stephenson for the plot purposes of his book and does not exist in reality.


{{spoiler}} {{spoiler}}


⚫ The '''Cryptonomicon''' book, described as a ''cryptographer's bible'', that appears within the novel itself is a fictional book invented by Neal Stephenson for the plot purposes of his book and does not exist in reality.
⚫ Cryptonomicon is notably heavy going for non-technical readers in parts. Several pages are spent explaining in detail some of the concepts behind cryptography, for example. Stephenson includes a precise description of the ] cipher (called ''Pontifex'' in the book), a ] developed by ] for use with a deck of ], as part of the plot. Despite the technical detail, the book drew praise from both Stephenson's science fiction fan base and literary critics and buyers.

Stephenson includes a precise description of (and indeed a ] script for) the ] cipher (called ''Pontifex'' in the book), a ] developed by ] for use with a deck of ], as part of the plot.



⚫ The title is drawn indirectly from the '']'', a fictional work detailed within the works of the writer ], even though when Stephenson came up with his title, he was not aware of the word's origin. He was directly inspired by the fictional book's appearance in the '']'' series of comedic horror films.


==Editions== ==Editions==
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* Excerpt from the book describing the ''Pontifex''/''Solitaire'' Algorithm * Excerpt from the book describing the ''Pontifex''/''Solitaire'' Algorithm


] ] ]

Revision as of 03:45, 13 October 2004

Cryptonomicon is a sprawling novel by Neal Stephenson that is more a combination of historical fiction and contemporary techno-thriller than the science fiction of Stephenson's earlier works. It follows two parallel sagas: that of cryptographers from World War II attempting to crack Axis codes (see U-413, U-553, U-691, Enigma machine, Alan Turing, Bletchley Park), and that of their descendants attempting to use modern cryptography to build a data haven in a fictitious East Asian island state. It also details the political machinations that follow both efforts.

The title is drawn indirectly from the Necronomicon, a fictional work detailed within the works of the writer H. P. Lovecraft, even though when Stephenson came up with his title, he was not aware of the word's origin. He was directly inspired by the book's appearance in the Evil Dead series of comedic horror films.

Cryptonomicon is notably heavy going for non-technical readers in parts. Several pages are spent explaining in detail some of the concepts behind cryptography, for example (in particular, see below the spoiler warning). Despite the technical detail, the book drew praise from both Stephenson's science fiction fan base and literary critics and buyers.


Template:Spoiler

The Cryptonomicon book, described as a cryptographer's bible, that appears within the novel itself is a fictional book invented by Neal Stephenson for the plot purposes of his book and does not exist in reality.

Stephenson includes a precise description of (and indeed a Perl script for) the Solitaire cipher (called Pontifex in the book), a cryptographic algorithm developed by Bruce Schneier for use with a deck of playing cards, as part of the plot.


Editions

  • ISBN 0380973464: Hardcover (1999)
  • ISBN 0380788624: Paperback (2000)
  • ISBN 0060512806: Mass Market Paperback (2002)
  • ISBN 157453470X: Audio Cassette (abridged) (2001)
  • ISBN B00009M9LW: e-book (Adobe Reader)
  • ISBN B00009M9LX: e-book (Microsoft Reader)
  • Audio download from iTunes and Audible.com
  • translations into other languages: Polish

External links

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