Books

New York: Bantam Books, 1992. First edition. First edition, first printing. Signed by Neal Stephenson on the title page. [vi], 440pp. Bound in publisher's original maroon paper-covered boards over black spine cloth lettered in silver. Bright and Fine in a Fine unclipped dust jacket ($22.00), crisp and attractive. Housed in a custom cloth clamshell case. A fantastic signed copy of a sought-after modern sci-fi first. It made Time magazine's list of 100 all-time best English-language novels written since 1923.

"Snow Crash" by Neal Stephenson is a cyberpunk novel that immerses readers in a gritty, high-tech world where virtual reality, corporate power, and societal breakdown collide. The story follows Hiro Protagonist, a skilled hacker and pizza delivery driver in the not-too-distant future. In this world, people escape their dreary reality by immersing themselves in the Metaverse, a virtual reality space where they take on different personas and interact in a digital landscape. Hiro discovers a dangerous new computer virus called Snow Crash that not only infects computers but also affects users in the Metaverse, causing them to become comatose in both the virtual and physical realms. Alongside his hacker friend, Y.T., a daring teenage courier skilled in navigating the chaotic streets, Hiro delves into investigating the origins of Snow Crash. The plot unfolds into a complex web of conspiracies involving ancient Sumerian history, corporate greed, and religious cults. Hiro uncovers connections between the virus, a linguistic concept, and an ancient language that seem to hold the key to stopping Snow Crash. As Hiro and Y.T. traverse the dystopian landscape, encountering drug-dealing skateboarders, religious zealots, and high-powered corporate entities, they race against time to prevent the global spread of Snow Crash and its catastrophic effects. Stephenson weaves together elements of technology, linguistics, mythology, and action-packed sequences to create a thrilling narrative. The novel not only explores the potential dangers of unchecked technological advancements but also delves into the power dynamics between governments, corporations, and individuals in a world where virtual reality blurs the line between perception and reality. "Snow Crash" serves as a thought-provoking commentary on the influence of technology on society, the evolution of language, and the consequences of information control. It remains a seminal work in the cyberpunk genre, captivating readers with its vivid world-building, fast-paced plot, and intricate exploration of futuristic concepts.

First edition points for 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson include the full number line that includes '1', indicating a first printing, published by Bantam Books in June 1992, and the presence of 'Bantam Spectra' on the spine and title page.