Books

Easton Press: CT, 1990. First edition thus (& 1st printing). Hardcover. Winner of the 1984 Nebula, 1985 Hugo and 1985 Philip K. Dick awards for best novel. In Pringle, Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels no 100. New nine page introduction by Brooks Landon and new colour frontispiece by Byron Taylor. Issued as part of the Easton Press ''Masterpieces of Science Fiction'' series. Laid in is the 'Collectors Notes' pamphlet that was issued with this edition. THIS COPY ADDITIONALLY SIGNED AND INSCRIBED BY THE AUTHOR ON THE TITLE PAGE/''to Erik, William Gibson, Yrs in the Net!''. Fine copy bound in leather, as issued without dustjacket (as new).

"Neuromancer" by William Gibson is a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, published in 1984. The story is set in a gritty, dystopian future where megacorporations wield immense power, and technological advancements have merged humans with computers and artificial intelligence. The protagonist, Case, is a former console cowboy—a skilled hacker—whose nervous system was damaged when he crossed a previous employer. Unable to access cyberspace (the virtual reality of the internet), he becomes a washed-up drug addict in the futuristic underworld of Chiba City, Japan. Case is approached by a mysterious employer named Armitage, who offers him a chance to regain his hacking abilities in exchange for working on a high-stakes cybercrime. Alongside Armitage, Case is joined by Molly Millions, a streetwise and augmented mercenary with retractable razor-sharp claws in her fingertips. Their mission is to infiltrate the global computer network and steal valuable data from the highly secure AI called Wintermute. As they delve deeper into the mission, they encounter various obstacles, including rival hackers, powerful corporations, and the enigmatic Tessier-Ashpool family. Throughout their journey, Gibson paints a vivid picture of a world where technology and humanity are intertwined. The novel explores the impact of artificial intelligence, the allure of cyberspace, and the consequences of a society driven by corporate greed and unchecked technological advancement. Gibson's prose is characterized by its dense and evocative descriptions of a futuristic yet gritty world, filled with neon-lit cityscapes, cybernetic enhancements, and a sense of constant flux. The narrative is fast-paced, reflecting the frenetic energy of a world where information is power and reality blurs with the virtual. "Neuromancer" not only explores the thrill of hacking and cyber warfare but also delves into philosophical themes such as the nature of identity, the fusion of man and machine, and the ethical implications of a hyper-connected society. Ultimately, the novel culminates in a mind-bending confrontation between Case, Molly, and the entities they encounter within cyberspace, raising questions about the boundaries between consciousness and artificial intelligence, and the evolution of humanity in a technologically driven world.

The true first edition was published by Ace Science Fiction Books in July 1984. Look for the publisher's information on the copyright page to confirm it says "Ace Science Fiction Books" and the publication year is 1984.