Cryptonomicon
by Neal Stephenson
Cryptonomicon by Neal Stephenson holds a highly rated rating of 4.25 out of 5, based on 72.7K reader ratings. First published in 1999. The book spans 1,139 pages.
About Cryptonomicon
Cryptonomicon zooms all over the world, careening conspiratorially back and forth between two time periods—World War II and the present. Our 1940s heroes are the brilliant mathematician Lawrence Waterhouse, crypt analyst extraordinaire, and gung-ho, morphine-addicted marine Bobby Shaftoe. They're part of Detachment 2702, an Allied group trying to break Axis communication codes while simultaneously preventing the enemy from figuring out that their codes have been broken. Their job boils down to layer upon layer of deception. Dr. Alan Turing is also a member of 2702, and he explains the unit's strange workings to Waterhouse. "When we want to sink a convoy, we send out an observation plane first... Of course, to observe is not its real duty—we already know exactly where the convoy is. Its real duty is to be observed... Then, when we come round and sink them, the Germans will not find it suspicious."All of this secrecy resonates in the present-day story line, in which the grandchildren of the WWII heroes—inimitable programming geek Randy Waterhouse and the lovely and powerful Amy Shaftoe—team up to help create an offshore data haven in Southeast Asia and maybe uncover some gold once destined for Nazi coffers. To top off the paranoiac tone of the book, the mysterious Enoch Root, key member of Detachment 2702 and the Societas Eruditorum, pops up with an unbreakable encryption scheme left over from WWII to befuddle the 1990s protagonists with conspiratorial ties.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Neal Stephenson |
| Published | 1999 |
| Pages | 1,139 |
| Kindle Price | $8.99 |
| Genres | Fiction, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller, Fantasy |
| Average Rating | 4.25 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 72,683 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is Cryptonomicon?
Cryptonomicon is categorized as Fiction, Science Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is Cryptonomicon worth reading?
Based on 72.7K reader ratings, Cryptonomicon has an average score of 4.25 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated." Its large number of reviews suggests broad reader appeal.
How many pages is Cryptonomicon?
Cryptonomicon has 1,139 pages. It is a longer read suited for dedicated readers.
Who wrote Cryptonomicon?
Cryptonomicon was written by Neal Stephenson. It was first published in 1999.
What is the ISBN for Cryptonomicon?
The ISBN-13 for Cryptonomicon is 9780060512800.0.
How much does Cryptonomicon cost on Kindle?
Cryptonomicon is available on Kindle for $8.99. Pricing may vary by region and promotional offers.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
