Neal Stephenson's - The System of the World

One year later, 2,700 pages later - I've completed the Baroque Cycle...whew! Last book was a hurdle but finally put it to rest. What to say? Well surprisingly it is a massive story and the good thing is the three main characters, Daniel, Eliza, and Jack were a captivating bunch. In retrospect, the Confusion is probably the best of the three. Jack's (mis)adventure is a grand story and his lost love to seeing her again is a good story. This last book had less of my two favorite characters, Jack and Eliza, and more of Daniel who at least became a real character not just some shadow character to Newton. The 60 - 70 years that these books spanned was truly and amazing time in history. Not being an 18th century buff I can't tell how much license Neal took in writing this but I am sure the facts are there. Newton and Leibniz both existed...Newton was the head of the mint. Lots of other historical appearances. An interesting time I am sure. Overall a good series, a bit detailed in parts which sometimes gets in the way of the story. Bit disappointed about Eliza and Jack although it is my guess they get back together. Will have to reread cryptonomicon again since the characters all are descendants. One question I do have for Neal is how in the hell do you ever put something like this together? I could see if it just took place in England but it spans the globe. The many interactions of characters, the history, the intrigue, the science, and the rise of an economy of nations. A truly inspiring set of books. Hard to put into words what the story could mean. Radical and interesting. If you have the time...yeah...go for it...it is rewarding in much of the same way as Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged.