Books

Octavo, cloth. Of 526 numbered and lettered copies, this copy is marked "PC." "The pizza-delivery-man hero also leads another existence in the 'metaverse' (a term Stephenson coined), a virtual reality where he must use his hacker skills to fight a deadly new computer virus. Stephenson's first SF novel (he had previously written a couple of environmentalist thrillers), and something of a trendy cult book." - Pringle, The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction, second edition (1995), p. 332. "The action, and there's a lot of noisy action, is powered by a conspiracy involving a Secret History of the last 4000 years, the Tower of Babel, a cult predating the Babylonians, and much else . Knowing and acerbic, a dazzling hyperkinetic dance down the mean streets of cyberspace and back up again into the sunlight." - Paul McAuley, Interzone. [Reference: Anatomy of Wonder (2004) II-1077. Sargent, British and American Utopian Literature, 1986-2009]. A fine copy in a fine dust jacket with cloth slipcase. (31885).

"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.