Books

Octavo, boards. "Flashy first novel which deals in 'cyberspace' -- the realm where computerized information takes on visible, three-dimensional form. A thriller plot is set against a background of sleazy cityscapes littered with electronic gadgetry. Fast, knowledgeable, and poetic in its effects." - Pringle, The Ultimate Guide to Science Fiction, second edition (1995), p. 252. ". the pioneering 'cyberpunk' novel and arguably the most influential SF novel of the 1980s." - Anatomy of Wonder (2004) II-439. Winner of the 1984 Nebula, 1985 Hugo and 1985 Philip K. Dick awards for best novel. [Reference: Pringle, Science Fiction: The 100 Best Novels 100. Sargent, British and American Utopian Literature, 1516-1985, p. 423]. A fine copy in fine dust jacket. (25345) First British (and first hardcover) edition.

"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.