The Difference Engine
by William Gibson, Bruce Sterling
The Difference Engine by William Gibson, Bruce Sterling holds a mixed reviews rating of 3.41 out of 5, based on 14.5K reader ratings. First published in 1990. The book spans 429 pages.
About The Difference Engine
1855: The Industrial Revolution is in full and inexorable swing, powered by steam-driven cybernetic Engines. Charles Babbage perfects his Analytical Engine and the computer age arrives a century ahead of its time. And three extraordinary characters race toward a rendezvous with history - and the future: Sybil Gerard - dishonored woman and daughter of a Luddite agitator; Edward "Leviathan" Mallory - explorer and paleontologist; Laurence Oliphant - diplomat and spy. Their adventure begins with the discovery of a box of punched Engine cards of unknown origin and purpose. Cards someone wants badly enough to kill for...Part detective story, part historical thriller, The Difference Engine is the first collaborative novel by two of the most brilliant and controversial science fiction authors of our time. Provocative, compelling, intensely imagined, it is a startling extension of Gibson's and Sterling's unique visions - in a new and totally unexpected direction!
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | William Gibson, Bruce Sterling |
| Published | 1990 |
| Pages | 429 |
| Genres | Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction |
| Average Rating | 3.41 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 14,517 |
Reader Ratings & Analysis
Rating Overview
How It Compares
Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Difference Engine?
The Difference Engine is categorized as Science Fiction, Fiction, Fantasy, Historical Fiction. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is The Difference Engine worth reading?
Based on 14.5K reader ratings, The Difference Engine has an average score of 3.41 out of 5.00, which is considered "Mixed Reviews."
How many pages is The Difference Engine?
The Difference Engine has 429 pages.
Who wrote The Difference Engine?
The Difference Engine was written by William Gibson, Bruce Sterling. It was first published in 1990.
What is the ISBN for The Difference Engine?
The ISBN-13 for The Difference Engine is 9780553294610.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
