Currency

The Baroque Cycle (8 volume) #7

by Neal Stephenson, Simon Prebble (Narrator), Kevin Pariseau (Narrator)

Daniel Waterhouse finds himself embroiled in a dark conflict that has been raging in the shadows for decades. It is a secret war between the brilliant, enigmatic Master of the Mint (and closet alchemist) Isaac Newton and his archnemesis, the insidious counterfeiter Jack the Coiner, a.k.a. Jack Shaftoe, King of the Vagabonds. Hostilities are suddenly moving to a new and more volatile level, as Jack plots a daring assault on the Tower of London itself, aiming for nothing less than the total corruption of Britain's newborn monetary system.

The Baroque Cycle, Neal Stephenson's award-winning series, spans the late 17th and early 18th centuries, combining history, adventure, science, invention, piracy, and alchemy into one sweeping tale. It is a gloriously rich, entertaining, and endlessly inventive historical epic populated by the likes of Isaac Newton, William of Orange, Benjamin Franklin, and King Louis XIV, along with some of the most inventive literary characters in modern fiction.

Audible's complete and unabridged presentation of The Baroque Cycle was produced in cooperation with Neal Stephenson. Each volume includes an exclusive introduction read by the author.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Audiobook, Science Fiction, Fantasy, Historical, Cyberpunk

14 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Neal Stephenson is the author of Reamde, Anathem, and the three-volume historical epic the Baroque Cycle (Quicksilver, The Confusion, and The System of the World), as well as Cryptonomicon, The Diamond Age, Snow Crash, and Zodiac. He lives in Seattle, Washington.

Reviews

[Darwin8u · Rating 4 out of 5]

“For most of the day and night, time oppresses me. It is only when I am at work on the innards of a clock-or a lock-that time stops."
- Neal Stephenson, The Currency



Stephenson continues the last volume (The System of the World) of his Baroque trilogy with Book 7: "Currency". Like in Book 6, Solomon's Gold, "Currency" is primarily focused on Daniel Waterhouse trying to track down Jack Shaftoe (or Jack the Counterfeiter) who is making England's money financially dubious by messing with the Pyx (and hence putting ALL of England's currency at risk). Isaac Newton is helping Daniel Waterhouse track down Jack, both because as the Master of the Mint his reputation (and head) are at risk. But he is also motivated because as an alchemist he suspects that Jack Shaftoe has some of Solomon's gold. While all of this is going on Eliza is trying to help Princess Caroline survive the inevitable succession issues that will develop (including assassination attempts) once Queen Anne dies.

This has probably been the least "exciting" of the novels, but like any long work (eventually, the Baroque Cycle will clock in at about 2650 pages) there are bound to be parts of a work that float down the narrative current rather than quant down. Still, I did enjoy it.

[Clif Hostetler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 7 of 8 in the Baroque Cycle (or the 2nd book in the third volume as first published). It takes place during during the year 1714 in London.

At the beginning of this book we learn what Jack the Coiner (a.k.a Jack Shaftoe) was up to in raiding the Tower in the previous book. He managed to cast doubt on the integrity of British money by tampering with an item of the mint's quality control system. (You'll need to read the book yourself to have it explained.) This is a serous challenge to Isaac Newton because he's in charge of the mint.

This all happens in the midst of the political unrest caused by the anticipated death of Queen Anne and the resulting battle between the Whigs and Tories over succession plans. Near the end of the book there are about a half dozen scenes happening simultaneously on an evening in London. A princess is in danger, there's sword fight, there's a riot, there's a fire, Newton has a meeting with his nemesis, young men with mohawk haircuts, and so on...

The book ends with the announcement that Queen Anne is dead. "Long live the King!" But which king?

In previous books of the Baroque Cycle the reader is informed (and reminded) that the purpose of Daniel Waterhouse's return to London from Massachusetts was to patch up the differences between Newton and Leibniz. They're both in London in 1714, but not much attention is paid to that particular problem in this book. There are more pressing issues to deal with.

One example of Neal Stephenson making this book match his historical research is the story of Sophia of Hanover dying in her garden after running for shelter from a rainstorm. In this book it is described how she dies in the arms of Caroline of Brandenburg-Ansbach, her granddaughter-in-law. I at first assumed this to be fictional flourish. But as best I can determine, it's a true story.

An example of the author's going off the deep end of fiction is in his description of a "logic mill" designed and constructed by Daniel Waterhouse. It is essentially an 18th Century digital computer programmed using punch cards made of small gold sheets. This I am sure to be pure fiction. I figure Stephenson included this in the story in order to tie it to Daniel's 20th century descendant in the book, Cryptonomicon, who participated in the development of the modern digital computer.

LINK TO Wikipedia article about the Baroque Cycle by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of Quick Silver (Bk. 1) by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of King of the Vagabonds (Bk. 2) by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of Odalisque (Bk. 3) by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of The Confusion (Bks. 4 & 5) by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of Solomon's Gold (Bk. 6) by Neal Stephenson.
LINK TO my review of System of the World (Bk. 8) by Neal Stephenson.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While still charming, innovation or shortening is needed. The plot hardly makes progress and the reader is neither surprised or awed.

[Steve Agland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not sure I've mentioned in my short reviews of each book in this series how much humor there is, which aims for that dry British style that suits the setting. This add a lot to the entertainment value. I noticed more the liberal use of dei ex machina to move the plot along and contrive more outlandish entanglements of the various characters. There is a scene in an opera house which which steers deliberately into high slapstick but I didn't mind. Feeling a little sad how close I am to the end of this enormous saga. No idea what to read next. Apparently Cryptonomicon is set in the same universe, centuries later. I read it 20 years ago, with quite a different brain in my head. Might be worth another go...

[Gregory Eakins · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much like Solomon's Gold, very little happens in this sequel. It really amounts to a history lesson on the development of the monetary system in England, hence the title, Currency.

Our favorite troublemaker, Jack Shaftoe, takes a back seat in this volume, as does the fun. I have a feeling that the author's own interest in the Bank of England and its monetary affairs greatly exceeds my own.

Fortunately there is just one more book in this series that is beginning to get long winded.

[Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. "Currency" suffers a bit from middle book syndrome. It's not the middle of the series, but it's the middle of the third part of the series. It furthers the story but meanders and plods some. It's as clever and funny as the rest of the series, it just has a less clean start and end. Currency also gathers up all the lose ends to present to the final installment, which makes it feel a little scattered.

[Mike · Rating 3 out of 5]

The details on life and the people of that time chose the author spent a lot of time researching more accuracy in the descriptions in this book, very well described. However, the plot seems forced. This book does tie off many loose ends from the earlier volumes. So if you want to know what happened to many of the people in the earlier ones, you do need to read this one. It also does leave you hanging for the ending.

[Lars Dradrach · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say that I haven’t already said in the previous volumes, the whole series stands out as something special among everything else I have read.

A lot of the side stories are easier to follow this second time I listen to it, but it’s still story where you have to concentrate and keep your wigs and Tory’s straight.

Now on to the final volume

[Woody Hayday · Rating 5 out of 5]

7 books in to the 8 book Baroque Cycle I continue to be enthralled. Currency reads superbly, with such consistently sound prose as to make me literally burst out laughing when subtle wit is smuggled into the writing.

Just an outright great book.

Woody Hayday

[Steve Swayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Continuation of the Baroque Cycle novels. I enjoy the way we are subtly given a history lesson in the development of currency, the Bank of England, the monetary system and how people gradually came to trust money.

[Jimmy Tarlau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like to finish things I start but I must say this trip is getting a little boring. In the last two volumes not much happens and the book is only so-so. I look forward to wrapping this up and hope the last volume is more exciting.

[Eduardo Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This far in I'm only concerned it will eventually end. What an immense story, viewed as a whole, nearly a century covered with the coming and goings of an era I knew so little about. Loved it.

[Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

Reallllly ready to be done with this series

[Sharondblk · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's book seven, so no major surprises, except that everyone is back together and in fine form.
And the plot basically makes sense again, which is nice.

[Jonathan Bartholomew · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is now my second favorite book series

[Alex · Rating 3 out of 5]

This volume was more interesting than its predecessor. However, I didn't particularly care about the novel's primary conflict.

[Tim Jin · Rating 5 out of 5]

After finishing "Solomon’s Gold", I was excited to get through the "Currency." I was suspecting that the story would pick up in the second book in the last volume. For anyone that has been invested in the Baroque Cycle thus far, there is an instinct trait of Neal Stephenson's writing. Depending on the tempo of the setting, his style can be slow and fast. Unlike other authors, Stephenson let the reader decide on what pace to read these books.

For example, the Baroque Cycle could be considered as a soap opera with Eliza, or a history lesson of the 18th century with Newton and the Towers of London, or an action pack adventure with Jack the Coiner. However you interpret the Baroque's society, you are never disappointed on the outcome. His writing style is not like a bull, charging the gate. His style is more of a turtle morphing into a rabbit.

As for "Currency", I thought that the series reached its climax by going into more in depth in the gold plates and the Bank of England. I've been looking forward to this ever since the definition of Quicksilver. Although I really enjoyed the constant cat and mouse game between Newton and Jack, I was ecstatic to learn more about the financial system and the building of the towers.

There are so many elements in this series, but if you decide to focus on one of it and see it through the end, all of the notes will come together in the Baroque Cycle.

[Julie Capell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved, loved, loved this installment in the Baroque cycle. Action, intrigue, science, royal succession, Jesuits, slavery, the creation of money, alchemy . . . this book has it all. It is nearly impossible to categorize this series of novels except to say that they are unlike any other books I have ever read. I can’t wait to listen to the final installment. The writing is phenomenal. One of the things I absolutely love is the way Stephenson describes people. Here are three quotes from "Currency" displaying this talent.

These women stared out from the canvases with arched brows, enormous eyes and tiny mouths, seeing much, and saying little.

He is flitting and hopping about in the lobby like a sparrow whose nest had just been blown down in a windstorm.

[The thief-taker] was conspicuous by his age, I should estimate he is in his middle fifties, and by a bearing, I am tempted to call it dignity, wanting in the others. He has a good head of hair, only a bit thin on top, blond going grey, and sea green eyes. He has an excellently carved set of teeth, but displays them rarely. He has a trim figure, unusual in a profession that consists largely of loitering around taverns, but any illusion that he is especially fit is dispelled when he begins to move, for he is a little bit halt, and a little bit lame, stiff in the joints and given to frequent sighs and grimaces that hint at pains internal.

[Микола · Rating 5 out of 5]

Прочитати «Бароковий цикл» Ніла Стівенсона залпом не виходить (думаю, не тільки у мене), але читати його по роману-два на рік — справжнє задоволення.
Автор вибудовує свою реальність настільки детально (тут з цілком рококошним іноді надміром), що не тільки персонажі, а й читач оселяється у цьому просторі. Можна сказати, що кінець циклу не настільки різноплановий жанрово, як початок. Але ж і персонажів зустрічаєш, як давніх знайомих. Так і є: дехто з них прожив на сторінках романів ціле життя на наших очах.

Окрім книжки, від якої просто неможливо відірватися, окремо хочеться вклонитися авторові за моменти, коли стискаєш кулаки і думаєш «та нехай же в них нарешті все буде добре» про персонажів, які вигадані — і Стівенсоном, і майстерно розіграним сюжетом.

[Turkish · Rating 4 out of 5]

Устаешь восторгаться таланту Нила Стивенсона, который из книги в книгу не знает угасания. В этой части особенно хорошо продемонстрирована, так сказать, макро синхронизация сюжетных линий ( он мастер этого дела) : если в "Смешении" он широкими взмахами связывал героев ниточками длинной в месяца, а то и годы, то в "Движении" Стивенсон тончайшими мазками поминутно изображает жизнь каждого из важнейших лиц романа, отмечает влияние каждого мазка на все другие, связывая каждое действие в увлекательный узел сюжетных перипетий, создавая воистину Лейбницовскую вселенную, где каждая монада обладает восприятием и собственной душой.

[Michael Nash · Rating 5 out of 5]

*1st Reading*
Manages to pull together most of the threads of the *very* complicated story of the baroque cycle into a magnificent conclusion. I thought that du Gex had been flanderized from his first appearance into a Snidely Whiplash figure, but it was totally worth it for the epic scene where Jack duels him to save Eliza. I feel like The System of the World can't but be a long denouement. But I feel like the series was worth it for this book alone.

*2nd Reading*
My opinion hasn't changed. This was a great read, and ties most of the series together in a compelling way.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Notwithstanding its title, Currency is as much to do with the politics of succession as does with money. As entertaining as it is informative.

One cannot but be impressed with Stephenson's polymathic abilities.

Unfortunately, only one more title left in this series.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

The seventh book in the series. This was was a fun adventure focusing at how the use of currency really started (beyond just the cash part) and tying in an active adventure with all our heros. Jack still plays an active part as does Eliza, Daniel, and Newton. Interesting read.

[John]

fiction,steampunk,science fiction

[D Calco · Rating 5 out of 5]

The System of the World (The Baroque Cycle, Vol. 3) by Neal Stephenson (2004)

[Blue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good grief...the longer this series goes on, the more difficult it gets...
I still like Jack Shaftoe...

[Theresident · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing compares to the Baroque Cycle, except maybe "Lost," and that is cheating because it has a huge budget and moving pictures. I prefer Neal's Jack at any rate.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting progress in the story following the Isaac Newton and coining in the Tower of London. In the background, the workings of Jack Shaftoe are ever-present.

[Joost Pisters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping volume of the Baroque Cycle. Stephenson is so masterly changing between slow and fast pace action.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daniel Waterhouse and Isaac Newton play a game of cat and mouse with Jack Shaftoe against a backdrop of political upheaval in England.